Habib Luthfi's Love Message, Living 'Semar Mandhito'

 

Habib Luthfi's Love Message, Living 'Semar Mandhito'

That night, I and several friends of Sowan went to Habib Luthfi bin Yahya's palace. After a day of following with reverence, Maulid Akbar at Kanzus Shalawat, we planned to take blessings and ask Ndoro Habib for prayers in his ndalem. The night was still bright, we waited solemnly for Habib Luthfi who was still resting.

Together with Mas Hasan Habibie and other nahdliyyin friends, we then turned to Habib Hasyim, Ndoro Habib's nephew. We were warmly received, while enjoying coffee and discussions about the history of the archipelago, music and wayang. Habib Hasyim, is a young figure who masters the sciences of history and culture, and has a deep love for music.

Then, Habib Hasyim told that he was pursuing a music and art performance entitled 'Semar Mandito'. Most of the music performed in Kanzus Shalawat's foyer has the theme of Semar Mandhito. Then I was curious about the figure of Semar Mandito. What sign is this?

In a lecture, Habib Luthfi bin Yahya said: “In wayang, there are three figures that I admire: Bismo, Krisno and Semar. These three people are respected figures, innocent and priyayi who are manditos, officials or honorable people who always keep their hearts inside,” explained Ndoro Habib.

According to Habib Luthfi, the figure of Semar is a symbol of democracy. People who are building their regions together, by maintaining social relations, wise community elders and inviting people to respect their leaders. Meanwhile, Krishna is a symbol of the Kraton, mandito sajeroning noto , building the nation and state while maintaining an intimate relationship with the Creator.

Habib Luthfi revealed, in a state territory there must be Kresno, the queen of ingkang noto sajeroning mandhito , there must be Arjuno, the jejeging of the earth , and there must be Semar who is a symbol of the priyayi of the people.

According to Habib Luthfi, disputes between ulama should not be a division of the unity of the people. "Disputes of fiqh scholars are like mango seeds, they grow branches and then grow twigs, from twigs then leaves and fruits appear that have different shapes and sizes," according to Habib Luthfi.

Then, Habib Luthfi also gave a message about the importance of maintaining bonds with teachers. "Never forget the teachers who have known you dzhahir-dzhahir shari'a, especially your murshid teachers who have guided you to the path of Allah. One of the reasons why I get the honorable degree today is because I have great respect for my teachers,” explained Ndoro Habib.

Yes, Habib Luthfi gave a message full of love, when he told the story of Semar Mandhito. This country, needs a leader who has sincerity and a strong desire to follow the path of Salik, unfettered by the lust for power. Meanwhile, the figure of Semar inspires the priyayi (dignitaries, intellectuals), so as not to forget the citizens, not to forget the people of this country. When contemplating Ndoro Habib's love message, I was touched and shed tears