Gus Dur Jokes About Heaven

Former President of the Republic of Indonesia, Abdurrahman Wahid or who is familiarly called Gus Dur is famous for his trademark jokes. (nu.or.id)

JAKARTA - Abdurrahman Wahid is a creative leader. The man who is familiarly called Gus Dur has a unique mindset. He is often called the man of ideas. He is able to translate problems and criticisms in a variety of mediums. Humor, for one.

Gus Dur's jokes were not only a magnet for laughter, but also reflection. Especially when it comes to heaven. The topic is the mainstay of throwing criticism related to the behavior of human life. Miraculously, those who were criticized actually enjoyed and laughed.

Regarding humor, Gus Dur is good at it. He is able to translate any problem in humor. From social, political, economic, to cultural. Alias in each of Gus Dur's humors has its own message. In fact, the message could be dug up overnight if the opportunity arose.

His expertise made him a central figure in the world of Islamic boarding schools. He can position himself anywhere. Gus Dur was able to sit with the general public as a political activist, humanist, politician, and intellectual. Gus Dur's flexibility in understanding the problem became the estuary.

Gus Dur joked with the US President, Bill Clinton. (google.com)

All because Gus Dur was never picky in learning a science. Gus Dur enjoyed reading books and watching movies. Even though these activities often interfere with his formal education. Regarding that, Gus considers it quiet. Moreover, knowledge can come from anywhere.

The provision of knowledge then influenced his way of thinking about the problem. Even because of the knowledge gained, serious problems do not always have to be taken seriously. Because, problems that are often packaged with humorous narratives actually have unexpected powers. Sometimes, the solution to the problem can be seen afterward.

“By paying attention to these things, it can be understood that Gus Dur is very confident in what he is doing, as well as confident in the effect he wants to achieve. As a man of ideas who has the potential to bring about change through his leadership, Gus Dur is very rich in fresh ideas.”

“Not a few ideas were conveyed in a strange way, for example with humor. With this way of delivery, the messages to be conveyed are relevant and often symbolic but have a real impact, and if they clash with existing discourses, they will dynamically compose and stimulate thought," explained Ahmad Suaedy in Gus Dur's book: Islam Nusantara. & Citizenship of Bineka (2018).

Nahdlatul Ulama Tradition

It is true that Gus Dur's humor often makes listeners laugh out loud. Gus Dur never chose a particular topic to make jokes about. He only commented on existing phenomena. Especially those who heard were filled with laughter.

Actually, the tradition of using humor to preach and sweeten discussions is not a 'monopoly' for Gus Dur. Kiai under the banner of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) have been using it for a long time. Incidentally, Gus Dur became one of the most prominent Kiai.

Besides, Gus Dur dared to bring up any topic for his humor. Heaven, for example. For some people, about heaven can not be used as a joke. However, Gus Dur broke it down. The project of building a heaven-state bridge is a joke that he often brings.

Once upon a time, the apocalypse happened. Earth is destroyed. The angels began to count their good and bad deeds. Those whose good deeds save a lot will go to heaven. While those who have savings in bad deeds are dominant: hell.

Gus Due when he was sworn in as the 4th President of the Republic of Indonesia on 20 October 1999. (Wikimedia Commons)

Curiosity surrounds both of them. The inhabitants of heaven are curious about the atmosphere of hell. Vice versa. Therefore, there was an initiation. The bridge between heaven and hell, its name. Each group was then burdened with orders to build its own bridge.

Gus Dur reveals that the inhabitants of hell are very excited. In fact, the bridge that was built was completed on time. Different things with the inhabitants of heaven. No significant progress. Not a single step has been taken.

In fact, in heaven no one can build bridges. Because all the contractors, project leaders, and foremen are all in hell. The message that Gus Dur wanted to convey was clear. Behind the laughter, there is the reality of KKN (Collusion, Corruption, Nepotism) which is often encountered in a project. This has been going on for a long time. In fact, since Indonesia's independence.

Not only that, Gus Dur had another joke about heaven. The joke started with Gus Dur regarding a grandmother who was worried about hearing the Prophet's words that in Heaven there are no grandmothers. It's sad not playing. Fortunately the Apostle explained that all the inhabitants of Paradise would return young. And the grandmother was happy again.

Gus Dur's humor is timeless. Both before and after he served as president of the Republic of Indonesia. His jokes are still often heard by many scholars. This fact proves that Gus Dur's body may have died, but his spirit lives on to this day.

"A grandmother cried, she was disappointed to hear the words of the Prophet: In heaven there are no grandmothers. But the Apostle hastened to explain that one day all the inhabitants of heaven will return to youth. So the grandmother will go to heaven and be young again. the grandmother laughed. Happy." Gus Dur's story as rewritten by Maman Imanulhaq Faqieh in the book Fatwa and Gus Dur's jokes (2010).