Reaffirming the NU spirituality

This went unnoticed that in 2017 NU reached its 91th anniversary when calculated in the AD calendar. During its journey, the NU leadership has changed from generation to generation, each of which dealt with its own different situations and challenges. Young generations through such autonomous bodies as IPNU-IPPNU, Ansor, Fatayat NU and so on and non-formal education institutions like pesantren having become the basis of NU religious values have also been prepared to preserve the NU struggle. The spirit of becoming a religious social organization has to be maintained and kept following various challenges facing it.

Efforts to achieve justice, prosperity, enlightenment, and other noble goals have always been the basis of the establishment of an organization. However, different situations do require different approaches. In 1926 when NU was established, the archipelago was still under the authority of the Dutch colonial government. Now, Indonesia has become politically independent nation. If in the colonial era, NU was a non-cooperative organization as part of resistance, now many NU cadres have occupied strategic positions in the government that will determine the fate of the nation in the future. KH Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, one of the NU general chairmen, even became the fourth president of Indonesia.

With both simplicity and modesty, NU was able to fight against the invaders. The santri (students) consistently waged resistance from time to time and anywhere to the Dutch colonialists. What fought with blood and sweat finally led to an independent Indonesia in which the proclamation of independence on August 17, 1945 also inspired other nations to escape from colonialism.

In the easy-paced age, new challenges arise. In the past the challenges were the lack of everything, now abundant wealth is also a challenge. If in ancient times clerics could preach by riding bikes (onthel) from one place to another, now they're on the drive, even many who have already owned luxury cars. If in the past having a bike is already regarded as the rich, now having a motor cycle regarded as the poor.

But what is to realize is that, cars and other sophisticated devices are simply vehicles for a humanitarian mission, carrying out propagation. Various ustadz (religious preachers) have already used certain management to manage when and where they should go on stage. They have openly imposed relatively large amounts to invite them. Their lifestyle has been like a celebrity in the world of entertainment with the hobby of collecting large motors or other things that make society in general could only see and imagine it. They argued, if a singer or artist performing on stage is paid tens of millions of rupiah, it could also be done by a preacher, why not?

All this is OK to enjoy their own wealth. Moreover Islam also teaches its people to become rich for the rich will have a greater influence than the poor. But if such wealth or property is collected from the propagation, it seems less elegant to live life luxuriously while there are still many people who need help. Costs to invite a preacher (da'i) are often obtained from community contributions. If flashy lifestyle is because of their own business as entrepreneurs, it would be more appropriate. It can inspire people to follow the example that those who work hard will get results on what they do.

With the increasing trend of hedonism and materialism in society considering both the success and self-image are determined by what they wear and have, it becomes important in the NU 91st anniversary to called for the importance of reaffirming the spirit of spirituality. The spirit has made people adhere to the teachings of ulema (Muslim scholars) in addition to keeping morality to live a simpler life. However, a new attitude that wealth and power are the peak of success has unfortunately led to various massive graft cases. There have been some 28 million people in Indonesia living below the poverty line, there have also been many school facilities that are not yet eligible for being used.

Spirituality as a destination will foster a willingness to do many things to help others. And if it is done massively, it will produce extraordinary something for the nation. The NU great goals could be achieved following its ability to serve the people in education, health, economy and maintain diversity, and other great things. Personal welfare of NU board members does not necessarily reflect the accomplishment of NU goals. By keeping these spiritual values, we will be able to face any temptations facing the nation, especially materialism and hedonism. (Mukafi Niam)