Before Three Ministers, UAS 'Reminds' of Death

JAKARTA — Preacher with millions of followers, Ustaz Abdul Somad (UAS) presented his book titled “35 Stories When Death Beckons” at Masjid Baitut Tholibin, Jakarta, on Friday (27 February 2026).

This Al-Azhar University Cairo graduate presented his work before three ministers: Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto; Minister of Culture Fadli Zon; and Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti. “I have presented many book discussions, but this is the first time attended by three ministers,” said UAS as he opened his presentation.

He explained that the stories in this book were compiled since the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, he had endured various hardships in life, including the death of his mother on 18 March 2019 and various political pressures.

“Several of my friends passed away (during COVID). I began collecting stories for this book at that time. That’s when I decided to write my final testament. If I die, I have written everything down,” said UAS.

“Indeed, the world was dark at that time. So if someone now says Indonesia is dark, I have been experiencing darkness for a long time,” he added.

The book “35 Stories When Death Beckons” presents reflections on mortality through the accounts of prophets, companions of the prophets, Islamic scholars, and historical figures, including their final messages before death.