Gus Miftah: Seburuk Buruknya Tempat Harus Ada Baiknya #kickandy

Summary

In this thought-provoking interview, Gus Miftah, a religious leader with an unconventional approach to preaching, shares his unique methods of outreach. Despite his role as a Kiai and founder of a boarding school, he openly discusses his 15 years of visiting places like nightclubs and red-light districts. His mission, grounded in compassion and understanding, challenges traditional perceptions of good and evil. Gus Miftah emphasizes focusing on the process of helping others, rather than judging or expecting immediate change. He believes that creating a connection through empathy and humor is the key to inspiring transformation in even the most unlikely environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gus Miftah emphasizes that goodness can be controversial, especially when it is carried out in unconventional ways.
• 😀 He believes that preaching is not a profession but an essential duty for everyone, regardless of their occupation.
• 😀 Gus Miftah runs a boarding school where students are given free education, regardless of their background.
• 😀 Despite being a religious leader, Gus Miftah has spent time in nightclubs, seeing them as places in need of guidance.
• 😀 He started visiting nightclubs and other places considered sinful to help those in desperate situations, such as thugs and prostitutes.
• 😀 Gus Miftah's approach focuses on helping people by praying for them and guiding them spiritually, not on judging or forcing them to repent.
• 😀 He believes that change is about the process, not the outcome, and stresses that repentance is God's domain, not his.
• 😀 Gus Miftah uses his presence in nightclubs to deliver a message of kindness, focusing on making people remember God rather than discussing the moral right or wrong.
• 😀 His preaching is centered around simplicity and accessibility, offering religious lessons in a language that resonates with people, even those in tough situations.
• 😀 Gus Miftah's actions challenge the notion of what it means to be a 'good' person and suggest that anyone, even those in seemingly 'sinful' places, can change if they are shown compassion and understanding.

Q & A

What is the unique way Gus Miftah preaches to people in difficult situations?

Gus Miftah uses unconventional methods, such as visiting nightclubs and entertainment venues, to reach people who are often marginalized. He believes that preaching in such places, through understanding and connection, can lead to positive change.

Why did Gus Miftah visit nightclubs for 15 years?

Gus Miftah visited nightclubs because he wanted to understand the people there, particularly those who had difficult lives, including thugs and women working in the nightlife industry. His goal was to provide them with guidance and support, showing them a path to better choices.

How did Gus Miftah convince a thug to allow him to preach in a nightclub?

Gus Miftah convinced the thug by explaining his intentions to help others, using the example of helping people in dark and difficult places, and quoting religious teachings about assisting the needy. After proving his sincerity, the thug allowed him to preach.

What was Gus Miftah's approach to preaching in the nightclub?

Gus Miftah's approach was gentle and non-judgmental. He focused on the process of guidance rather than expecting immediate results like repentance or conversion. He minimized discussions about the 'haram' and instead encouraged people to remember their relationship with God.

What was the significance of Gus Miftah's prayer in the nightclub?

During his prayer, Gus Miftah's emotional recitation moved those around him, particularly the women working there, who began to cry. His prayer emphasized God's mercy and forgiveness, which helped create an emotional and spiritual connection with the people.

What does Gus Miftah believe about the concept of 'heaven' and 'hell'?

Gus Miftah believes that the concepts of heaven and hell are certain, and he doesn't focus on these when preaching. Instead, he emphasizes helping people to connect with God in their current circumstances, trusting that their spiritual journey will lead them to better choices.

How does Gus Miftah compare himself to a pickpocket?

Gus Miftah humorously compares himself to a pickpocket, saying that he 'steals' people's hearts, not their wallets. He believes that by reaching their hearts, people will naturally make better choices in life.

What did Gus Miftah do when the women at the nightclub wanted to learn more about religion?

When the women expressed interest in learning more, Gus Miftah offered to teach them in a way that was not overly religious or confrontational. He made sure to present his teachings in a language they could understand and relate to.

What does Gus Miftah mean by 'sweeping in a dirty place'?

Gus Miftah uses the metaphor of 'sweeping in a dirty place' to represent doing good deeds in difficult or 'dirty' environments, such as nightclubs or places where people might be engaged in sinful activities. He believes that making these places better by bringing light and goodness is an important mission.

Why does Gus Miftah wear dark glasses when preaching in nightclubs?

Gus Miftah wears dark glasses to blend in with the environment and to avoid drawing attention to himself in a way that might make people uncomfortable. His goal is to preach in a relatable way without creating barriers or discomfort for those he wants to reach.