Buya Syafii Dies, Khofifah: He Is An Inspirational, Intellectual, And Charismatic Figure

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa/PHOTO AM SBY-VOI

SURABAYA - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa expressed his deep condolences for the death of the General Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah in 1998-2005, Ahmad Syafii Maarif alias Buya Syafii.

"Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi roji'uun. On behalf of the East Java Provincial Government and the entire East Java community, we express our deepest condolences for the death of Buya Syafii Maarif," said Khofifah in Surabaya, Friday, May 27.

According to Khofifah, her grief is certainly felt by all Indonesian people, because Buya Syafii is one of the nation's best sons. Khofifah hopes that the late khusnul khatimah.

"May he be husnul khatimah, accept all his deeds of worship, forgive his mistakes, widen his grave, and be placed in the best place with Allah SWT," he said.

Khofifah admitted that she admired the various works and thoughts of the deceased, who was a charismatic intellectual and scholar and a national scholar. Apart from establishing the Maarif Institute, Buya Syafii Maarif has also served as President of the World Conference on Religion for Peace (WCRP).

"He is an inspirational figure, through his ideas which are outlined in writings about Islam and nationality, he finally gives birth to bright ideas, which can become lessons and references for social, religious and national life for all of us," he said.

Khofifah recalled the many exemplary values she got from the figure of the deceased. He mentioned the prominent characters in Buya Syafii, namely his flexible demeanor and did not discriminate between people, thus embracing all groups.

In addition, Khofifah also admires Buya Syafii Maarif as a humble and friendly person.

"We, the people of East Java, appreciate and are grateful for the works and studies conveyed by Buya Syafii during his lifetime. This sad news is sad news for the entire Indonesian nation, including the people of East Java," he said.

He prayed that all the families left behind would be given fortitude and given strength by Allah SWT to carry on his noble ideals to contribute in educating the nation.

"I invite the people of East Java and the Indonesian people to offer prayers for the late Buya Syafii. We will accompany you with Fatihah and also with occult prayers," he said.