Abdurrahman Wahid Quotes

A collection of quotes by Abdurrahman Wahid.

Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur, was an Indonesian Muslim religious leader and political figure. He was born on September 7, 1940, in Jombang, East Java, Indonesia, and passed away on December 30, 2009, in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Wahid came from a prominent Islamic political family. He was the fourth of six children and the son of Wahid Hasyim, one of Indonesia's most respected Muslim leaders. Wahid received a comprehensive education in Islamic studies and developed a reputation as a progressive religious scholar.

In 1984, he founded the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Youth, a progressive Islamic organization that aimed to promote democracy, tolerance, and pluralism within Islam. This organization became a significant force in shaping Wahid's political ideology.

In 1999, Abdurrahman Wahid was elected as the President of Indonesia, becoming the country's first democratically chosen head of state after decades of authoritarian rule. During his presidency, he advocated for democracy, human rights, and religious freedom, often challenging the influence of Islamist organizations. However, his presidency was marred by political instability and economic challenges, leading to his impeachment in 2001.

Throughout his life, Wahid strived to promote a moderate and inclusive form of Islam, emphasizing the need for interfaith dialogue and understanding. He was a respected figure both in Indonesia and the international Islamic community, known for his intellectual capabilities, open-mindedness, and commitment to promoting peace.