INDONESIANTALK.COM – Muhammad Nur Hayid, a Commissioner of the National Professional Certification Board (BNSP), has officially earned his Doctorate (Dr) degree. This prestigious achievement was secured after he successfully defended his dissertation in an open defense at the Doctoral Program in Islamic Civilization History, Faculty of Islamic Nusantara, Nahdlatul Ulama University of Indonesia (UNUSIA), Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
The defense session, chaired by Dr. Siti Nabilah, S.Sos.I, M.Pd, awarded Nur Hayid an “A” for his dissertation. In his research titled “A Strategic Role Study of Jam`iyyah Ahli Al Thariqah Al Mu`tabarah Al Nahdliyah (JATMAN) in Strengthening Indonesian Nationalism (1957-2022),” Nur Hayid explored the critical role of tarekat (Sufi orders) in reinforcing nationalism.
Nur Hayid, who also serves as the head of Pesantren Skill Jakarta, highlighted the importance of researching the intersection between tarekat and nationalism. Tarekat, a spiritual path for drawing closer to God under the guidance of a mursyid (spiritual guide), has significantly contributed to building a sense of nationalism, which is a social-political attitude aimed at achieving collective prosperity.
“How does the concept of nationalism align with JATMAN’s strategy in fostering a sense of nationalism and patriotism in Indonesia?” he questioned during his dissertation presentation.
In his research, Nur Hayid delved into how JATMAN, as a Sufi organization, plays a key role in reinforcing patriotism. He believes that his study fills gaps in previous research by focusing not just on the central figure of a waliyullah (saint) but also on JATMAN’s broader role as a driving force for nationalism.
When one of the examiners asked Nur Hayid to demonstrate the role of tarekat in the nation’s life, he explained that this role has been integral since the spread of Islam in the archipelago through Sufism and tarekat, including the tradition of Sufi political communication.
In the modern context, JATMAN continues to uphold nationalism through various programs, including the Lajnah Cinta Tanah Air (Patriotism Committee), which actively instills the values of patriotism in the younger generation. Nur Hayid hopes that, moving forward, there will be more opportunities for tarekat followers, known for their deep sincerity, to play an active role in the state and society.
BNSP Commissioner Prof. Dr. Amilin congratulated Nur Hayid on his achievement. “Congratulations to my dear friend. This is indeed the highest formal educational achievement, but the learning process continues,” he said.
The doctoral promotion was witnessed by notable figures, including KH Yusuf Mansur, Special Staff to the Minister of Manpower Caswiyono Rusdi, IDAQU Rector Dr. Muhammad Anwar Sani, BNSP Commissioner NS Aji Martono, and Daarul Qur’an Leader KH Ahmad Jamil.
