Preacher Gus Miftah led a communal prayer event at Masjid Raya KH Hasyim Asy’ari in West Jakarta on Friday night, December 26, 2025. The event, initiated by Nahdlatul Ulama's central board, aimed to pray for recovery from the Sumatra disaster and national safety from extreme climate threats.
The event "Prayer for the Nation: One NU, One Nation" drew a devout crowd to Masjid Raya KH Hasyim Asy’ari in West Jakarta. Organized by Nahdlatul Ulama's central board (PBNU), it served as a spiritual gathering for Nahdliyin members to seek aid for the Sumatra disaster recovery and protection from extreme weather.
Taking the pulpit, the eccentric preacher Gus Miftah shared the rushed preparations. He recounted a phone call three days earlier with Prof. Dr. Sufmi Dasco Ahmad. "Just three days ago, I was on the phone with Pak Dasco. He said to me, 'Gus, I miss the istighosah of NU people. Since there's this calamity, let's do an istighosah'," Gus Miftah imitated.
Gus Miftah quickly reached out to Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, the Social Affairs Minister. The choice was strategic given his role in disaster management. "Why Gus Ipul? Because he's the Social Minister. Time was tight. It was an outsider who reminded us. Gus, make an istighosah. Okay. Istighosah means seeking help. Time was short, three days. We had no budget at all," he explained candidly.
The solemn mood mixed with laughter as Gus Miftah shared a humorous anecdote. Gus Ipul requested Habib Zaidan's presence, but only if Gus Miftah covered the costs. "Gus Ipul said to me, 'Gus, when Gus Miftah comes, please bring Bib Zaidan. Gus Miftah pays for Bib Zaidan'. Okay. So this is forced to study, and also made to pay for sholawatan," he joked, eliciting applause and chuckles from the audience.
Despite funding hurdles, Gus Miftah stressed the value of unity. He noted that Gus Ipul and Gus Ipang Wahid also contributed personally to ensure the prayer event's success.
