Muslim Institutions of Education and Health

The inheritance of the Tuan Gurus position goes from father to son. In the infrequent situations when a woman becomes a religious leader she is called Uman. This, however, is only an exception when there is no male in the family to replace the Tuan Guru.

The Tuan Guru is expected to attend important events in the local community like birth, marriage, and funerals. This Tuan Guru claims not to be interested in politics, but he is a member of the political party Golkar. He is not an active member but uses his brother who is political active to get extra money and support to the community and his school. The Tuan Guru thought of why students from governmental schools obtain higher scores then those graduating from the pesantren. It is probably because public schools get much more economic support. He points out the general importance of a stable economy and how it influences the society in a positive direction. In the pesantren, no economics are being taught.

The conflict between Christians and Muslims is a problem in Lombok. The Tuan Guru sees this conflict as a result of ignorance. All people are brothers and alike. Allah creates everything and to destroy his creations is terrible.

The Tuan Guru has one charity organization that he supports. Under this organization are one hospital, under the leadership of his sister, and one school under his management. The hospital does not get any support from the government, only from the organization. The hospital is free for those who need medical care and attention. Even though it is a Muslim hospital, there is no religious discrimination.

The school is named Al Aziziah Kapek, and is a religious boarding school, supported mainly from the village zakat. Zakat is one of the five pillars, which states that all Muslims have to give 2.5% of their income to charity. Zakat should go to the people that need it the most. As many as 30 % of the pupils at the school are orphans; they get their education for free supported by the school. 15% are so poor that they pay for the education but get a free meal during the school day.

In order to get motivated students, pupils who don’t participate in the classes or shirk are kicked out of school. Praying is an important part of the education and the classes are adjusted to praying times. 50 % of the curriculum is related to Islam. The Tuan Guru gives speeches every day at the mosque to educate both teachers and students in religious matters. The Tuan Guru’s father founded the school in 1959.

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