Minister of Religious Affairs highlights historical role of pesantren during visit to Nurul Jadid Paiton

Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar conducted a working visit and met with leaders at Pondok Pesantren Nurul Jadid in Paiton, Probolinggo Regency, East Java, on Friday.

In his address, Menag Nasaruddin Umar highlighted the historical role of pesantren as Indonesia’s oldest educational institutions since the 13th century, likening them to successors of the spirit of the House of Wisdom in Baghdad.

“Our task in pesantren is to restore the House of Wisdom that existed in Baghdad. The spirit of Nurul Jadid Pesantren is to revive the glory of knowledge as in the golden era of Islam, where scholars mastered not only religion but also science,” said Menag Nasaruddin Umar.

Menag also stated that pesantren are not merely institutions for propagation but also centres for community empowerment and economic drivers.

“Islam is an open religion and ideology, teaching Islam means teaching love, not hatred. Do not teach Islam by hating people of different religions,” said Menag Nasaruddin Umar.

He advised santri and ulama to continue upholding values of gentleness, humility, steadfastness, honour, and sincerity, which are greatly needed by society today.

During the visit, Menag Nasaruddin Umar was directly welcomed by the caretaker of Pondok Pesantren Nurul Jadid, KH Moh Zuhri Zaini.

Pondok Pesantren Nurul Jadid Paiton expressed support for Menag regarding the establishment of the Directorate General of Pesantren at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) to increase government attention towards Islamic educational institutions.