Dialog Terbuka Forum Kiai Muda Jatim vs KH Said Aqil Siradj Full

Open Tabayun Between East Java NU Scholars and Prof. KH Said Aqil Siradj

The video documents an open tabayun—a forum for clarification—between young NU scholars from East Java and Prof. KH Said Aqil Siradj. The organizers say they want to examine controversial statements attributed to Said, particularly in his book Tasawuf sebagai Kritik Sosial, in light of NU’s scholarly tradition and the writings of KH Hasyim Asy’ari.

The Critics’ Concerns

KH Abdullah Syamsul Arifin and other participants challenge Said’s account of Islam and Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah (Aswaja) as shaped by political circumstances. They argue that Islam is a revealed religion and that Aswaja’s core teachings go back to the Prophet, even if the name and formal schools developed later.

They also dispute Said’s historical claims about Muawiyah, Jabariyyah and Qadariyyah. They object to treating Shia and Mu‘tazila as part of Aswaja, or as differing from it only on subsidiary matters, saying these positions conflict with KH Hasyim Asy’ari’s writings.

The critics ask for clarification of Said’s remarks about Ahmadiyah and religious pluralism, particularly his interpretation of Qur’an 2:62. They argue that, after the arrival of Islam, Jews and Christians must accept Islam for their faith to be complete. Some speakers also express concern that sympathetic statements about Shia could weaken Sunni communities and NU members facing Shia outreach.

Said Aqil’s Response

Said argues that Islam encompasses not only creed and law, but also knowledge, culture, civilization and social organization. He says religious movements have had political dimensions throughout history, citing traditions about the future conquest of Persia and Rome as evidence of a political projection—not, he says, proof that Islam itself was founded for political motives. He emphasizes that scholars, rather than rulers, were central to the development of Islamic civilization.

Said describes Shia and Mu‘tazila as part of the broader history of Islamic thought. He says that, in general, groups remain within Islam if they affirm its central beliefs. He presents his discussion of Aswaja’s history as academic analysis, not a rejection of KH Hasyim Asy’ari, whom he says he continues to respect.

On Ahmadiyah, Said says he regards it as deviant, while explaining that NU leaders chose less inflammatory wording in a formal decision. On religious pluralism, he clarifies that he does not regard all religious doctrines as equally true and distinguishes between theological claims and moral conduct.

Further Exchange

The critics challenge Said’s historical sources and ask him to distinguish respect for the Prophet’s family from adherence to Shia doctrine. Said rejects the allegation that he is Shia, saying that studying or acknowledging a group’s historical role does not mean adopting its beliefs.

During the discussion, Said says he signed a statement at Lirboyo affirming his commitment to Aswaja, apologizing to scholars for controversial opinions and accepting advice.

The question-and-answer session becomes contentious, including allegations about Shia influence and violence. A final speaker defends Said as a committed NU scholar who follows the Qur’an, Sunnah and consensus of the Companions, and describes the dispute as one of scholarly interpretation.

Presenters and Contributors

• Prof. KH Said Aqil Siradj — Principal respondent
• KH Abdullah Syamsul Arifin — Principal critic and follow-up speaker
• KH Idrus Romli — Named as a clarification speaker; his specific contribution is not clearly separable in the subtitles
• KH Agus Ali Masuri — Named as a patron or organizer
• Ahmad bin Zain Al… — Introduced as an Albayinat Foundation organizational officer and a member of the East Java NU Syariah branch; surname is unclear in the subtitles
• Rahmat — Questioner from Jember
• Other questioners and a supporting speaker — Names unclear or not provided in the subtitles
• Moderator — Name not provided in the subtitles