Minister Of Religion: Goodbye Buya, We Continue The Spirit Of Struggle To Build Indonesia

JAKARTA - Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said Indonesia had lost a nation's teacher over the death of the former chairman of PP Muhammadiyah Ahmad Syafii Maarif in Yogyakarta.

"Another Indonesian role model and figure has died, the late Buya Syafii Ma'arif. Indonesia has lost the nation's teacher," said Yaqut Cholil Qoumas through a press release quoted by Antara, Friday, May 27.

Yaqut expressed his deep sorrow over the death of Ahmad Syafii Maarif or who is familiarly called Buya Syafii.

Yaqut prays that all the deeds of worship of the deceased will always receive an abundance of Allah's grace.

"Best prayers for the deceased, may his deeds of worship be accepted and always receive an abundance of grace from Allah," he said.

In Yaqut's eyes, Buya Syafii was not only an intellectual, but also a scholar. Buya Syafii has inspired many people, including himself, to consistently defend the truth, protect the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, and maintain religious harmony.

“The death of the ulama is an irreplaceable disaster, and a leak that cannot be patched. The death of the ulema is like an extinguished star," said Yaqut quoting one of the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad narrated by Imam al-Tabrani and al-Baihaqi.

"Goodbye Buya. We will continue Buya's fighting spirit to build Indonesia," he added.