Recently, society has been faced with various cases of sexual harassment involving religious figures. The wounds caused are not only felt by the victim, but also create widespread social anxiety. Public trust is slowly being shaken, while the moral authority of religious institutions is being questioned. Not a few also look askance at religious education spaces that have long been respected and guarded in spirit.
In an atmosphere like this, anxiety is certainly not only felt by the wider community, but also by the Islamic boarding school world itself. Because Islamic boarding schools from the start were built on a foundation of morals, trust, and respect for knowledge. Therefore, every incident that harms these values is essentially a reminder for all parties to continue to maintain the spirit of Islamic boarding school education so that it continues to run according to the noble ideals inherited by the ulama.
In the Islamic boarding school tradition, the position of the kiai is always related to scientific mandate and exemplary life. A kiai does not exist simply because he has an educational institution or many followers, but because he is forged through a long process of studying, serving and maintaining morals. It grows from clear scientific foundations, divorce for teachers, the depth of religious understanding, as well as spiritual practices that establish moral authority in society.
Therefore, not everyone who establishes an educational institution automatically deserves to be called a kiai. The moral legitimacy of a kiai is not born instantly from popularity, charisma, or ability to speak in public. This title grew from public recognition of his knowledge, trust and morals.
This position makes the kiai a central figure in the life of the Islamic boarding school community. From kiai, students learn knowledge, ask for advice, complain about life’s problems, and even hope for blessings. In many ways, the relationship between santri and kiai is built on foundations so born and compliance. This culture has been the moral strength of Islamic boarding schools for centuries.
However, it is at this point that reflection needs to be done. A very strong spiritual relationship can turn into a dangerous power relationship when it is not accompanied by moral responsibility and ethical control. When everything a religious figure says is considered absolutely correct, when students feel they are not allowed to dispute anything their teacher orders, then space for abuse of authority becomes open. In fact, in Islam, respect for teachers never means surrendering common sense and self-respect to anyone. There is no obedience to creatures in disobedience to Allah. Ta’zim is a noble morality, but it is not the way to justify deviation.
Islamic boarding school traditions recognize the concept of blessing. Santri are taught that the blessings of knowledge arise from etiquette towards teachers, sincerity in serving, and respect for people who bring religious knowledge. But blessing is never synonymous with blind obedience. Blessings cannot be born from violations of the Shari’a. It is impossible for a sin to be wrapped in the language of blessing and then turn into something that is justified.
This is where it is important to return all educational relations to sharia principles. Since the beginning, Islam has strictly guarded human honor and relations between men and women. Even just looking at the opposite sex is regulated in such detail in jurisprudence. Such as the prohibition of seclusion and contact with non-mahram. All roads leading to adultery are tightly closed.
Allah SWT. it says:
And do not approach adultery; because that is an immoral act and an evil path.
“And do not approach adultery. Indeed, adultery is a vile act and a bad path.” (QS. al-Isra’: 32)
This verse not only prohibits adultery, but also all paths that bring people closer to it. Therefore, all forms of sexual manipulation wrapped up in the name of allegiance, spiritual therapy, obedience to a teacher, or other religious reasons are still deviations that are contrary to Islamic law. It would be even more tragic if the action was carried out by a figure carrying a religious symbol. Because the damage caused is multiplied. Victims not only experience physical and psychological wounds, but also spiritual wounds. Trust in religion can collapse because of the behavior of people who are supposed to be the guardians of religious values themselves.
Imam Ghazali warned long ago about the dangers of ulama benamely knowledgeable people who use religion for their own worldly interests and desires. When knowledge no longer engenders the fear of God, religious authority can turn into a tool of manipulation. Others were subdued not by truth, but by fear, heresy, and abuse of spiritual influence.
Of course we also have to be fair. Not everyone who is reported in the media can be judged immediately. The legal process and evidence must still be respected. Islamic boarding schools must not be trapped in a culture of judgment without basis. However, at the same time, Islamic boarding schools must not fall into a defensive attitude that deprives victims of a safe space to speak out. Because in many cases, victims remain silent because the perpetrator has enormous religious authority. The victim was afraid of being seen as slandering the kiai, being disobedient to the teacher, or damaging the good name of the Islamic boarding school. This kind of situation needs serious attention in the world of Islamic education today.
Islamic boarding schools need to build a healthier protection system. Ethical education must go hand in hand with ethical awareness. Respect for teachers must be accompanied by an understanding that every human being can still make mistakes. A safe complaint space needs to be opened. Monitoring mechanisms must be strengthened. And most importantly, Islamic boarding schools must have the courage to place the safety of students as their main mandate.
We believe that Islamic boarding schools are essentially houses of moral education. The long history of Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia has given birth to many ulama who are sincere, pious, and have dedicated their lives to the people. Therefore, the deviations of a few individuals should not make us lose respect for true scholars. But respect for ulama should not turn into justification for injustice.
In the end, a kiai is not a figure who is respected because of his power, but because of his knowledge, morals and trust. The higher a person’s position before the people, the greater the moral responsibility he or she carries. When trust is maintained, Islamic boarding schools will remain the birthplace of knowledge, character and blessings. However, when that trust is betrayed, it is not only a person’s name that collapses, but also the public’s trust that has been worked so hard to maintain. God bless.
*This article was prepared from the Rembug Edition 58 rubric, Fiqh Study Edition 93 & 102, and the Education Column Edition 97 in Tebuireng Magazine
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