PKB honours five kiai for dedication to developing Islamic propagation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Awakening Party (PKB) has presented awards to five kiai deemed dedicated to developing Islamic outreach while instilling national values, Pancasila, and love of the homeland.

“This PKB award is presented to kiai who preach Islamic values in a single breath that unites with nationalism, Pancasila, and love of the homeland, using language of the people that is easily understood by the faithful,” said PKB Central Executive Board Deputy Chairman Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Friday.

Cucun emphasised that the award is a form of PKB’s respect for kiai who consistently teach Islamic values combined with a spirit of nationalism.

Moreover, he said, these kiai have demonstrated that love for Indonesia is an inseparable part of practising the teachings of Islam.

“Throughout their lives, they have dedicated themselves to educating the faithful and the people that loving Indonesia is as important as loving one’s religion, and implementing Pancasila in daily life is as noble as carrying out the pillars of Islam,” he said.

The awards were presented by Acting Chairman of the PKB Central Executive Board Religious Council Manarul Hidayah and PKB Central Executive Board Secretary General M. Hasanuddin Wahid on Thursday evening (23/7).

The five figures comprised Sahal Mahfudh, leader of the Maslakul Huda Islamic boarding school; Hasyim Muzadi, leader of the Al Hikam boarding school; former member of the People’s Consultative Assembly Imron Hamzah; Ahmad Faqih, leader of the Al Musri boarding school; and artist Bukhori Masruri.