Kyai Betawi Mu'allim Bunyamin Passes Away Leaving The Traces Of Science Since He Was A Young Man

West Jakarta youth figure, Umar Abdul Aziz when with KH Bunyamin Muhammad (white robe)/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA - Sad news enveloped Betawi residents and Muslims in Jakarta with the death of one of the KH Bunyamin scholars bin H Muhammad, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. He breathed his last at his residence in Kelapa Dua, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta.

Kyai Bunyamin is one of the favorite students of almaghfurlah muslim Syafi'i Hadzami. He is a young kyai who is very pious and tawadhu'. Not only that, he is a Betawi cleric who is known not to want practical politics.

Regional officials also admitted to his interview by attending the funeral home on Jalan H Kelik Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta. For example, the Regional Secretary of DKI Marullah Matali, Chairman of Commission A of the DKI Jakarta DPRD Inggard Joshua, Mayor of West Jakarta Uus Kuswanto, members of the DKI DPRD, and politicians.

In the eyes of the West Jakarta Youth Leader, Umar Abdul Aziz, KH Bunyamin, or who is more familiarly called Mu'alim Bunyamin, is widely known as a figure who is the light of science and morals in the midst of the Betawi community.

"His departure is not only lost to his family and students, but also leaves a void in the world of Islamic da'wah and science in the country, especially in the Jakarta area and its surroundings," said Umar, Friday (13/6/2025).

During his lifetime, Mu'allim Bunyamin dedicated himself completely to spreading religious knowledge, fostering people, and instilling noble morals. He not only plays a role as a teacher in a formal sense, but also becomes a spiritual guide whose speech always cools his heart and his actions reflect noble Islamic values.

"We really miss a scholar like him where during his lifetime he was a figure who was brought together in knowledge by scholars and has always been an example for us young people in life. Where he advised us not to love the world too much more, love God. If we are close to Allah, then God willing, Allah will suffice us, "recalled Umar.

Not only that, his exemplary and dedication in fostering society made the deceased a cross-generation respected scholar figure. His figure has instilled a deep influence in the Betawi community and is an important part of the preservation of Islamic values in urban environment.

The death of Mu'alim Bunyamin is a reminder of how valuable the presence of a pious person is in the lives of the people. Prayers and condolences also flowed from various circles, signaling how much love and respect the community had for him.

In West Jakarta, his name is very well known because he lives in the Kelapa Dua Srengseng area, Kebon Jeruk. His students are very many in Jakarta, every Saturday morning he teaches Koran at his house reading the book Mawahibussshomas (fiqh) and interpretation of jalain (Al qur'an interpretation) many people are present at the recitation.

Every night his number also holds ta'lim and before starting ta'lim he reads the hizib Bahar with the congregation. And every Sunday morning he also teaches at the place of the late Syafi'i Hadzami converts to replace the lateaghfurlah.

He is a Kyai Betawi who is very much needed by the people, especially Jakartans after the death of almaghfurlah muslim Syafi'i Hadzami. Every day he is busy teaching knowledge - religious science from morning to night, he never feels tired to broadcast the knowledge of Allah.

"With him we will feel calm, looking at his face we feel shady maybe because of the light of his faith, customs and the way he spoke reminded us of the late Syafi'i Hadzami Islam," said Umar.

Traces Of Science Since Youth

Born and raised in Kelapa Dua, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, Mu'allim Bunyamin grew up in an environment full of Islamic spirit. From a young age, he showed an extraordinary love for religious science. The technique of studying from the great Betawi scholars, especially from his famous teacher, Mu'alim Syafi'i Hadzami a respected interpretationist and fiqh.

On his way, he explored various disciplines such as fiqh, tasawuf, and tool science. But the most prominent thing is his consistency in practicing and spreading this knowledge with sincerity and humility.

The work of KH Bunyamin's da'wah is not limited to recitation pulpits. He actively takes care of the taklim assembly and fosters students in educational institutions such as Darul Mushtofa Islamic Boarding Schools and Ma'had Zawiyah Jakarta.

In every teaching, he always emphasized the importance of etiquette, morals, and sincerity values that are now rare in people's lives. The tausiyah is not explosive, but absorbs, is full of wisdom, and is able to reach various circles. No wonder his presence is always awaited and respected by people of all ages and backgrounds.