Gus Mus in the eyes of his students

Rembang, NU Online
Talking about the figure of KH Mustafa Bisri, familiarly known as Gus Mus is endless. Many have known him as a versatile figure. There have been many comments from various groups about the chairman of lawmaking body (Rais Aam) of Nahdlatul Ulama. <>

According to one of his santri (students), Muhammad Amin Zainuddin, Gus Mus is a democratic cleric (kiai) for not calling on his students to become like him, nor imposing upon his students to do this or be that.

"Wayahe ngaji yo ngaji, wayahe bal-balan yo bal-balan (time to recite the Qur'an, please recite it, time to play football, please play it)," the chairman of Roudlatut Thalibin Islamic boarding school (pesantren) said here on Thursday (3/7).

In addition, Zainuddin added, the Gus Mus's authority in the eyes of students did not make them become fearful, even they are relaxed but still promote the so-called ta'dhim (respect to others).

Zainuddin said that Gus Mus was a cleric who really loves (playing) football. "When teaching a religious book, he said when he was a young boy, he had played (a football club) PSIM Yogyakarta," he said, smiling slightly.

While, one of during-Ramadhan studing santri, Arsyad Siddiq (Lamongan, East Java) admitted that he studied during Ramadan because of being invited by his friends. In addition, he came to the pesantren solely to seek blessings, eliminate ignorance and seek learning experiences in pesantren.

One of the things that amazed Arsyad is the Gus Mus ways in teaching. "His ways in explaining and teaching have a characteristic, his method in giving the reasoning is easy to understand," he told NU Online.

Meanwhile, Adib (Rembang) said that the moment he was terribly pleased when Gus Muz was teaching and explaining. "His words flow nice and easy to understand. Especially when I'm so close to Gus Mus," he said.

He also confirmed the views of many that Gus Mus is a multitalented figure, as cleric, culturalist, and author. "Although many having their own views about Gus Mus, for us he remains our leader at pesantren," said the man who has studied since 2003.

Another view was also expressed by Haerul Anwar. He admired Gus Mus for considering that Gus Mus is a humorist.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq