The Origin Of Gus' Calls Among The Java Islamic Boarding Schools

YOGYAKARTA - The call for "Gus" has become a term that is so attached to society, especially among Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). The question is, since when and how did Gus call come from?

However, do you know where this popular nickname came from? Let's trace the history behind the call "Gus" which is full of noble meanings and values.

Millatuz Zakiyah in his research entitled 'Makna Greets Islamic Boarding School: Linguistic-Anthropological Study' explains that the term "Gus" which is often pinned to the son-in-law or son-in-law of a kiai contains a deep meaning of respect.

This term is rooted in the word "good" which refers to a high position. The similarity with the "goodraden" national title in Java further strengthens this view.

The call of "Gus" is also not just a greeting, but a title that indicates hope that the owner can continue his father's scientific heritage and leadership.

Therefore, from an early age, the son of a kiai has been treated specially, including being given this honorary title.

Also read the article discussing the History of Al-Zaytun Islamic Boarding School, Islamic Boarding School in West Java which is Called Teaching Sesat Flow

Apart from "Gus", the kiai son is also often called "Mas". These two terms have a sense of respect, but with a different level of closeness.

"Mas", which comes from "kangmas", is generally used to call for boys who are older or respected. In the pesantren environment, "Mas" contains a deeper respect.

Although both are from "kangmas", the use of "kang" and "mas" has a different context.

"Kang" is more commonly used for fellow students as a form of respect without getting too close, especially towards the opposite sex. On the other hand, "Mas" is often addressed to kiai sons, who are intended to give a closer and intimate impression, but still maintain the hierarchy.

Therefore, the call "Mas" is often used for kiai men who are still young or in the context of closer kinship, such as relatives or husbands of female students.

If Kiai's son is called Gus, then his daughter will be called Ning. Poerwadar asked, in his dictionary published in 1939, to explain that the word "ning" means "ning".

The 'Ning' itself is often used as a call for girls. The use of the word "ning" as a call for girls outside Islamic boarding schools is mainly found in East Java, such as Surabaya, Sidoarjo, and Mojokerto.

Although it does not refer to the national social strata in Java, the designation 'Ning' has a social hierarchy that is comparable to the 'Mbak' which is intended as a form of respect for women who are more mature.

However, in the context of pesantren, the use of these two terms shows social differentiation. 'Mbak' is used inclusively for all female students, while 'Ning' has a more specific connotation, which is as an honorary title for the daughter of a kiai.

The influence of Javanese culture itself is very thick in the greeting system in Islamic boarding schools. Respect for the kiai, for example, can be related to the concept of "common" in Javanese culture, which is a wise figure who is highly respected.

Meanwhile, the attitude of students who obey the teacher can also be likened to the relationship between the "cantric" and the teacher. This syntheism between Islamic and Javanese values forms a unique social system in the pesantren environment.

Apart from the origin of the gus call, follow other interesting articles too. Want to know other interesting information? Don't miss it, keep an eye on the updated news from VOI and follow all the social media accounts!