Lebih Dekat dengan Gus Baha (Part 1) | Shihab & Shihab

Summary

In this heartfelt episode, Shihab hosts Gus Baha, a prominent Islamic figure from Rembang, Central Java, at the home of Habib Quraisy. They discuss deep insights on spirituality, the significance of humility, and the art of teaching. Gus Baha shares personal anecdotes about his upbringing, his journey in learning, and the role of sincerity in education, especially within pesantren (Islamic boarding schools). The conversation touches on the challenges of modern-day religious outreach, the importance of faith, and the deeper connections between knowledge and spiritual practice. Through laughter and wisdom, the episode highlights the value of simplicity and devotion in life and faith.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gus Baha emphasizes the importance of dakwah (preaching) in a modern, accessible way through platforms like YouTube, making Islamic teachings more relatable to the masses.
• 😀 Despite the widespread popularity of his teachings, Gus Baha remains humble, focusing not on fame but on delivering the message of Allah in a simple and sincere manner.
• 😀 The essence of being a Wali (saint) in Islam is closely tied to humility, knowledge, and a deep connection with Allah, rather than seeking worldly recognition or miracles.
• 😀 Gus Baha reflects on how personal experiences and his family background shaped his spiritual journey, particularly the significant role of his father in instilling faith.
• 😀 The teaching of ikhlas (sincerity) in Pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) is pivotal. Gus Baha mentions how the sincerity of teachers in these institutions deeply impacts the students.
• 😀 He speaks about the power of simplicity and modesty in life, emphasizing that true happiness comes from gratitude and living within one's means.
• 😀 Gus Baha shares a critical view on the obsession with wealth and materialism, stressing that satisfaction in life is not about accumulating wealth, but about leading a simple, honest life.
• 😀 One of the key messages is that Islam teaches to balance intellect (akal) and emotion (rasa), ensuring that neither dominates the other for a well-rounded life.
• 😀 The importance of maintaining good manners, avoiding arrogance, and showing respect to all, especially to teachers and elders, is emphasized as central to Islamic teachings.
• 😀 Gus Baha encourages a deep, continuous commitment to learning, both religiously and secularly, while never losing sight of one's faith, urging his audience to develop a well-rounded character.

Q & A

What is the core purpose of Gus Baha's approach to preaching through platforms like YouTube?

Gus Baha's approach to preaching through platforms like YouTube is to make the teachings of Islam more accessible to the public. His goal is to reach a wider audience by sharing Islamic knowledge in an engaging and relatable way, without the need for elaborate personal branding or fame. He emphasizes that the message itself is more important than personal recognition.

How does Gus Baha view the relationship between fame and his mission in preaching?

Gus Baha acknowledges that he has become well-known, especially on platforms like YouTube, but he emphasizes that his primary goal is to spread the teachings of Islam, not to seek fame. He explains that he remains unaffected by fame and prefers to maintain a simple, humble approach to teaching, without focusing on his personal image.

What role does traditional education, such as pesantren (Islamic boarding schools), play in Gus Baha's development?

Traditional education, especially pesantren, played a crucial role in Gus Baha’s development. Despite having spent only two years in a pesantren compared to his extensive time in Cairo, he emphasizes the importance of the ikhlas (sincerity) of the teachers in pesantren. The teachings in pesantren were not only academic but also focused on developing spiritual sincerity, which Gus Baha values highly.

What is Gus Baha's perspective on the influence of social media and YouTube in Islamic preaching?

Gus Baha sees social media, particularly YouTube, as a modern tool for spreading Islamic knowledge. He believes it allows for more effective communication with a diverse audience, making religious teachings more accessible to the masses. However, he also stresses that this method should complement, not replace, traditional forms of learning and engagement.

Why does Gus Baha believe that sincerity (ikhlas) is important in the teaching of Islam?

Gus Baha places great importance on ikhlas, or sincerity, because it ensures that the teachings of Islam are transmitted without ulterior motives. He believes that when teachers and scholars act sincerely, their guidance resonates more deeply with students and the wider community, as it is delivered with pure intentions rather than for fame or personal gain.

How does Gus Baha approach the idea of 'being famous' within the context of religious leadership?

Gus Baha views fame in religious leadership as secondary to the mission of spreading God's teachings. He believes that being known should not be the goal; instead, the focus should be on conveying the truth of Islam. He personally avoids the trappings of fame and prefers to remain humble in his role as a religious guide.

What are some of the key values Gus Baha learned during his time in pesantren?

During his time in pesantren, Gus Baha learned key values such as humility, sincerity, and the importance of spiritual connection with both the teacher and the teachings of Islam. He emphasizes that the relationships within pesantren are grounded in sincerity, which helps foster a deeper understanding of faith.

What is Gus Baha’s approach to teaching, especially when it comes to difficult or complex subjects?

Gus Baha’s approach to teaching is characterized by simplicity and clarity. He seeks to make complex religious concepts accessible without overwhelming his audience. He also emphasizes that effective teaching should be kind and gentle, aiming to connect with students’ hearts as well as their minds.

In the context of Gus Baha’s upbringing, how does he view wealth and material success?

Gus Baha views wealth and material success as secondary to spiritual fulfillment and religious duties. He believes in living simply, without excessive accumulation of wealth, and stresses that contentment comes from having enough to meet basic needs. His family and pesantren teachings reinforced this mindset of prioritizing spiritual over material gains.

How does Gus Baha respond to the question of his children continuing his work in Islamic teaching?

Gus Baha believes that it is not essential for his children to follow directly in his footsteps or continue his work in teaching. He places importance on his children pursuing their own paths, while maintaining the core values of Islam. He encourages them to excel in their chosen fields, whether in religious studies or other professions, as long as they remain grounded in their faith.