'Kiai is product of culture'

Yogyakarta, NU Online
The Supreme "Rais Aam" Council of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), KH Mustofa Bisri, popularly known as Gus Mus, asserted that the title of so-called kiai (cleric) was a product of culture, especially in Java, saying that it was not the same as such tiltles as doctor, engineer and many others that have clear diplomas.<>

"(The so-called) kiai is not like (such titles as) doctor, engineer shown through diplomas. If there is a kiai, there will be no many asking him, even if there are some asking him, he will be confused for having no the title of kiai," he said at a religious gathering to commemorate the 25th year of death of KH Ali Maksum at Pesantren Al Munawwir Krapyak, Yogyakarta on Monday (10/3).

According to Gus Mus, the title of kiai was not a translation of ulema (Muslim scholars). 

"In regard with the name of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), perhaps kiai in the time did not find the right synonym to the word of so-called kiai. So they looked for the equivalent word that is considerably appropriate, namely ulema," he added.

The leader of Pesantren Roudlatut Thalibin Rembang, Central Java, said that "kiai is a term of culture, especially the Javanese culture."

"The Javanese people do not only respect man, but also respect objects which are then called kiai."

Gus Mus gave examples such as the so-called Kiai Nogososro Sabuk Inten it is a keris (a Javanese traditional weapon, having magical powers); kiai Pleret, it is a spear. Even there is another called Kyai Slamet, it is a buffalo. 

"Basically anything that is glorified by the community is called kiai," said Gus Mus, greeted with uproarious laughter by the attendees.

On the occasion, Gus Mus also stated that the currently there had been many unqualified ustadz (religious teachers) and kiai produced by the media and having no broad knowledge.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq