Indonesia
From May 25 to 29, 2024, I joined a delegation led by Khofifah Indar Parawansa to fulfill an invitation from Afifuddin Al Jailani, a central figure of Darul Jailani International and Al Wariseen Trust.
Sheikh Afifuddin Al Jailani is a descendant of Abdul Qadir al-Jailani and a leading figure associated with the Qadiriyah spiritual order, which is widely followed across Asia, the Middle East, and Indonesia.
The chairperson of Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama has maintained a close relationship with him for around two decades, dating back to the time when she assisted Abdurrahman Wahid, widely known as Gus Dur, as a minister in the National Unity Cabinet. The author has also met him several times at the dhikr gatherings of Majelis Dzikir Al Khidmah as well as at several other events.
Together with members of the delegation and several public figures, Khofifah was welcomed at the airport by a representative of the Prime Minister of Iraq. Shortly afterward, at the hotel where the delegation was staying, they met the Indonesian Ambassador to Iraq, Erwan Iwan Lubis, along with Indonesian diplomats stationed in the country.
We spent an hour discussing developments in the country’s economic, political, and social landscape, and how the nation traversed by the Tigris River and Euphrates River continues striving to maintain unity among its political factions and ethnic communities.
The Governor of East Java for the 2019–2024 period shared with the ambassador updates on Indonesia’s political and economic situation following the 2024 general election.
The discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining national unity and strengthening development through East Java, one of the central pillars of Indonesia’s national stability.
Read also: Prof. Mas’ud Encourages Stronger Spiritual Commitment at Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Jailani Commemoration
The conversation reminded us how important it is for Indonesia to learn from the political turmoil and ethnocentric conflicts that have affected several countries in the Middle East. Differences are natural, but if they cannot be managed through a philosophy of unity for the benefit of the people and national identity, it becomes difficult to build a modern, advanced nation with a strong sense of national character.
If unity and cohesion are torn apart by excessive egoism, the foundations of state administration, effective governance, and the management of strategic natural resources risk losing direction and failing to serve the nation and its people.
Upon arriving at the complex, Khofifah and her delegation were welcomed directly by their host, Sheikh Afifuddin Al Jailani, in the reception room reserved for distinguished guests.
The burial complex of Abdul Qadir al-Jailani has developed into one of the most respected religious institutions in Iraq.
According to the Sheikh, the main mosque within the complex was first built about 900 years ago during the era of the Abbasid Caliphate. The complex now consists of a mosque, educational institutions, social foundations, and a mausoleum adorned with silver layers and decorated ceilings of crystal ornaments, as well as spaces designated for spiritual retreat.
Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Jailani (1077–1166 CE) laid the foundation of the Qadiriyah spiritual order, emphasizing the principles of tawhid and noble character. The order has one of the largest followings in Indonesia, as its spiritual lineage is believed to be connected to the practices of the Prophet Muhammad.
This influence can be seen in the widespread reading of manaqib literature among Indonesian Muslims and in the enduring presence of Qadiriyah communities and their spiritual leaders across generations.
Sheikh Afifuddin has visited Indonesia several times, participating in dhikr gatherings, religious study circles, and various Islamic events, including family memorial gatherings hosted by the author.
During the six-day visit, the delegation also undertook spiritual pilgrimages to historical religious sites in Iraq, including locations associated with Yunus, the birthplace of Ibrahim, the shrine of Husayn ibn Ali in Karbala, as well as the resting places of Junayd of Baghdad and Abu Hanifa.
Read also: Prof. Masud Said Urges ISNU Malang to Embrace Gus Dur’s Spiritual Legacy
Iraq is known as a land of prophets and saints, a region that once flourished as a center of Islamic civilization long before the rise of Islamic culture in Europe. Yet it also stands as an example of a civilization that has been repeatedly devastated by wars between neighboring states and interventions by global powers.
Since 2022, Sheikh Afifuddin Al Jailani has served as the highest authority overseeing the foundation that manages the shrine of Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Jailani, a site visited by Muslims from across the world.
Reviving spiritual connections with one of the historic centers of Islamic civilization in the Middle East, particularly during the Abbasid era from the 8th to the 12th century remains an important endeavor.
I believe that strengthening and building our nation requires not only hard work and intelligent strategies but also the reinforcement of spiritual discipline and inner devotion.
The tagline of Sheikh Afifuddin’s study circle, frequently shared on the social media of his gatherings, reads: “My morality, my religion.” In essence, one’s character reflects one’s faith.
For that reason, it is essential to cultivate meaningful spiritual connections with individuals known for their piety and integrity especially those who embody faith and spiritual excellence in the modern world.
Author:
Mas’ud Said
Director of Postgraduate Studies, Universitas Islam Malang
Chairman of the Ikatan Sarjana Nahdlatul Ulama Jawa Timur
