Indonesia
KH Marzuki Mustamar, M.Ag, has officially been awarded a doctorate following a decision on the acceptance of his dissertation. The decision was read by the Rector of Unisma on January 31, 2023, in the KH Wahab Chasbullah conference room on the 7th floor of the Utsman Bin Affan building.
The Chairman of the Executive Board of East Java Regional Chapter of Indonesian Ulama Council (PWNU) stated that balance is an integral part of Islam. He cited an example of someone who is eager to practice birrul walidain (kindness to parents) but neglects to provide for his wife and children.
Kiai Marzuki chose the title “The Thoughts of Prof. Dr. KH. Muhammad Tholchah Hasan on the Development of Multicultural Islamic Education.” Kiai Marzuki did not face significant difficulties in data collection. As Kiai Marzuki explained, this is because he has long followed and preached alongside Kiai Tholchah Hasan.
Data collection also involved interviews with Nyai Tholchah and other family members. Additionally, the data was supplemented with insights from individuals close to KH Tholchah.
The director of PP Sabilurrosyad stated that Kiai Tholchah is a figure who embodies multicultural Islam. Prof. Tholchah Hasan maintains good relations with other organizations such as Muhammadiyah as well as other religious leaders.
The doctoral candidate’s findings indicate that Prof. Tholchah Hasan considers various perspectives and makes decisions from a balanced standpoint.
The doctoral candidate observed that Prof. Tholchah educates and trains clerics through various methods. One of these involves analyzing sermons at the Sabilillah Mosque, followed by evaluating and selecting potential khatibs.
Read also: UNISMA Postgraduate Doctoral Program Accelerates Production of High-Quality Graduates
Kiai Marzuki Mustamar was examined by Prof. Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, Prof. Dr. Yaqub Cikusin, M.Si., Prof. Djunaedi Ghony, Prof. Abduk Haris, M.A., Prof. Ali Maschan Musa, M.Si., and Prof. Dr. Maskuri, M.Si., who served as the supervisor, along with Prof. M. Mas’ud Said, Ph.D.
Examiners’ Testimonials
Prof. Nasaruddin Umar highlighted Kiai Tholchah Hasan’s theological perspective; according to Prof. Nasaruddin, his views incorporate an Ash’ari school of thought with some distinct variations.
Prof. Ali Maschan Moesa provided a testimonial regarding Prof. Tholchah Hasan’s revitalization of the meaning of Fiqh. According to Kiai Tholchah, Fiqh is not a physical measure but a spiritual one.
Prof. Abdul Haris, M.A., raised a discussion regarding the phrase “Muhafadhah ala Qodimis Sholih wal Akhdu bil Jadidil Ashlah.” According to Kiai Marzuki in several of his teachings, in matters of caution, one should adopt (al-akhdu), while in matters of choice, one should use al-ijab.
Prof. Yaqub Cikusin asked about the researcher’s interaction with KH. Tholchah since his undergraduate days. Kiai Marzuki acknowledged that he had known Kiai Tholchah since his undergraduate days. However, their interaction became more frequent when he served as a mosque administrator at the Sabilillah Mosque.
Prof. Djunadi Ghony emphasized in the conclusion the importance of incorporating the lessons learned from the figure of KH. Tholchah Hasan.
Prof. Maskuri also provided a testimonial regarding the exemplary character of Prof. Tholchah Hasan. The rector of Unisma recalled the selection process and considerations when Prof. Mas’ud Said proposed the establishment of the Kiai Tholchah Hasan Museum; Prof. Mas’ud hoped that Prof. Tholchah Hasan’s legacy could serve as a learning resource for future generations.
This lecturer at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang received a graduation distinction with honors when Unisma and the Multicultural Islamic Education (PAI) doctoral program were accredited as “excellent.”
Kiai Marzuki experienced an education that was disciplined yet delivered with kindness. The attainment of this doctoral degree also coincided with the founding of NU on January 31. (AL/PPS)
