Unveiling the Other Side of KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah: From a Scholar, a Visionary Diplomat, to Skilled Chef

The 13th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, KH Ma'rif Amin, considers KH Abudl Wahab Hasbullah to be a visionary figure. (VOI Doc)

JAKARTA - KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah in the view of the 13th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, KH Ma'ruf Amin, is a visionary figure. His thinking is not only wise in his time, but still relevant in the current era.

"He is not only knowledgeable in religious science, but also has a strong national vision, able to read the direction of the times, and respond to every challenge with strategic steps that are measurable," said Ma'ruf Amin in a book surgery "KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah: Founder of NU, Movement of the Republic of Indonesia" and sarasehan of religious scholars held by the Kiai Wahab Foundation and IKABU at the M. Rasjidi Auditorium, Ministry of Religion, Jakarta, Saturday, February 14.

Ma'ruf Amin hopes that the younger generation can emulate the courage and breadth of view of KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah. According to him, the challenges of modern times require figures who have integrity and a moderate understanding of religion.

"Therefore, the writing about Kiai Wahab is extraordinary and can inspire us all to re-create 'Wahab-Wahab Hasbullah' in the second century of Nahdlatul Ulama," he said.

Book Surgery "KH. Abdul Wahab Hasbullah" and Sarasehan Alim Ulama at HM Rasyidi Hall, Ministry of Religion Building, Jakarta, February 14. (VOI Doc)Story About the Tomb of the Prophet

Meanwhile, Nyai Hajjah Hizbiyah Rochim Wahab, representing the large family, conveyed the international role of Mbah Wahab - as he greeted the figure - which was very monumental.

"Thanks to the diplomatic mission of the Hijaz Committee led by Mbah Wahab, the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad SAW was saved from demolition. Today, all Muslims in the world can still make a pilgrimage to Medina thanks to his extraordinary struggle," he said.

As the daughter of KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah and also the Chairperson of NU Muslimat DKI Jakarta, she also expressed her pride at the holding of the book surgery.

"The big family feels very happy and proud because our father's journey and thoughts are immortalized in a book that is very important in organizing national life and governing," he said.

A person who is good at cooking

Meanwhile, KH Umar Wahid, grandson of KH M. Hasyim Asy'ari who is also the brother of the late Gus Dur, highlighted the central role of KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah in the history of the establishment of NU.

"Mbah Wahab is a driving force that formulated strategic steps so that Nahdlatul Ulama stood as a religious and national fortress," said Umar Wahid.

Ternyata, ada sisi lain yang mungkin belum banyak diketahui, yakni bahwa Mbah Wahab adalah seorang yang jago masak.

"If he lived in the present era, he might have appeared as a chef who is in demand, like many who appear on social media," he said, adding that Mbah Wahab's catfish dish was very tasty.