Visiting Kiai Scholars, Gus Ipul: Eid al-Fitr Becomes a Moment for Maintaining Ties and Blessings
Minister of Social Affairs and Secretary General of PBNU, Saifullah Yusuf or Gus Ipul, took advantage of the second day of Eid al-Fitr on Sunday (22/3/2026) to maintain ties and pay respects to various masyayikh in Surabaya to Kediri.
Gus Ipul stated that Eid al-Fitr is not only a moment for mutual forgiveness but also an opportune time to reconnect lines of silaturahmi, honour the kiai, seek prayers for a life filled with blessings and serenity.
“Alhamdulillah, on this second day of Eid al-Fitr, we have been granted the blessing and opportunity to pay respects, perform sungkem, and maintain ties with the masyayikh. For us, Lebaran is not just about forgiveness, but also a momentum to reconnect lines of silaturahmi, honour the kiai, and knock on the door of prayers from the ulama so that life is always granted blessings, serenity, and steadfastness in service,” said Gus Ipul in a written statement on Monday (23/3/2026).
The series of silaturahmi began with a visit to the residence of Rais Aam PBNU KH Miftachul Akhyar at Pesantren Miftachussunnah in Surabaya. After that, Gus Ipul continued his visit to the residence of Deputy Rais Aam PBNU KH Anwar Iskandar in Kediri.
The journey of silaturahmi then proceeded to Gubuk Teras Ploso to meet and maintain ties with Gus Kautsar. From there, Gus Ipul continued to pay respects to KH Nurul Huda Djazuli at Pesantren Ploso Kediri before finally continuing the visit to the residence of KH Anwar Mansyur at Pesantren Lirboyo Kediri.
According to Gus Ipul, the tradition of paying respects to ulama and masyayikh is an important part of the moral and cultural heritage of pesantren that must be continuously preserved. Through this silaturahmi, the ummah not only strengthens inner bonds and brotherhood but also affirms the values of respect for teachers and religious scholars.
“Silaturahmi to the kiai and masyayikh is part of the effort to maintain adab, nurture the chain of knowledge, and strengthen ukhuwah. From the ulama, we learn exemplary conduct, patience, and sincerity in devotion,” he said.
On this occasion, Gus Ipul also conveyed Eid al-Fitr greetings to the entire community while inviting them to make Lebaran a momentum to strengthen brotherhood and multiply goodness.
“Forgive us our physical and spiritual shortcomings. May this Eid al-Fitr bring blessings to us all, strengthen brotherhood, and affirm the spirit to continue serving others,” he concluded.