Gus Miftah Holds 'Prayer for the Nation' Using Personal Funds While Also Raising Aid for Disaster Victims in Sumatra

Kapanlagi.com - The flood disaster that occurred on the island of Sumatra has left a deep sorrow for all Indonesian citizens, including the Central Management of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU). On Friday night (26/12/2025), PBNU held 'Prayer for the Nation: One NU, One Nation' at the KH Hasyim Asy’ari Grand Mosque in West Jakarta.

This event was held as a spiritual platform for Nahdliyin citizens to pray for post-disaster recovery in Sumatra and the safety of the nation from the threats of extreme climate. The atmosphere of emotion and solemnity blended with laughter as Gus Miftah took the stage. This eccentric preacher shared an amusing behind-the-scenes story related to the last-minute preparations for the event. It all started from a phone conversation with Prof. Dr. Sufmi Dasco Ahmad.

"Just 3 days ago, I was on the phone with Mr. Dasco. Mr. Dasco said to me, 'Gus, I miss the istighosah of the NU people. Since this is a calamity, let’s have an istighosah," said Gus Miftah, mimicking Dasco's request.

1. Sudden Challenges and Quick Negotiations

The challenge was immediately met by Gus Miftah by contacting Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul. The choice of Gus Ipul was not without reason, considering his position as the Minister of Social Affairs, which is deemed strategic in disaster management.

"Why Gus Ipul? Because he is the Minister of Social Affairs. The time is tight. It’s actually the outsiders who remind us. Gus, organize an istighosah. Okay. Istighosah means asking for help. We have only 3 days left. We don’t have any budget at all," Gus Miftah candidly shared.

Gus Miftah also shared a funny anecdote about his "quick negotiation" with Gus Ipul. It turns out that Gus Ipul set a special condition for Gus Miftah to bring Habib Zaidan, but with the note that the expenses would be borne by Gus Miftah himself.

"Gus Ipul told me, 'Gus, Gus Miftah is coming, please bring Bib Zaidan. The one who pays for Bib Zaidan is Gus Miftah'. Okay. So this is being forced to study, while also being asked to pay for the sholawatan," he joked, which was met with loud laughter from the audience.

2. Togetherness in Prayer

Gus Miftah holds a Prayer for the Nation (Credit: Personal Documentation)

Despite being colored by jokes about funding, Gus Miftah emphasized that the essence of this event is togetherness. He mentioned that Gus Ipul and Gus Ipang Wahid also contributed from their personal pockets, or pooled resources, for the success of this prayer gathering.

"Gus Ipul contributed, Gus Ipang also contributed. What does this show? If there are people who say that NU is not united, just look at tonight. It turns out that NU is extraordinarily united," asserted the leader of the Ora Aji Islamic Boarding School.

This event was also attended by high-ranking officials from PBNU and charismatic scholars such as the Rois Aam of PBNU KH Miftahul Akhyar and the Chairman of MUI KH Anwar Iskandar. This moment also serves as tangible evidence of the social concern of NU members in raising aid for disaster victims in Sumatra.

(kpl/gtr)