Abdurrahman Wahid, popularly known as Gus Dur, was not only a respected Indonesian leader and former president, but he was also known for his humor. Gus Dur often used jokes to break tension and convey deep messages. One of the most famous stories involving Gus Dur is about how a thief ran away because of a hilarious situation he encountered. This article will share that story and explore the significance of Gus Dur’s humor.
Gus Dur’s Legacy
Gus Dur served as the fourth president of Indonesia from 1999 to 2001. He was a prominent figure in promoting democracy, religious tolerance, and human rights. Gus Dur was also the chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia. Despite his serious responsibilities, Gus Dur always had a light-hearted side, which made him beloved by many people. His sense of humor is still fondly remembered today.
The Thief and Gus Dur
The story begins when a thief tried to break into Gus Dur’s house late at night. As the thief stealthily entered the house, he noticed Gus Dur lying in bed. The thief expected Gus Dur to be fast asleep, but to his surprise, Gus Dur woke up and calmly asked, “What are you doing here?”
Instead of panicking, the thief confidently said, “I’m just here to take some things. Don’t mind me.” Gus Dur, known for his quick wit, replied, “Take whatever you want, but be quiet so you don’t wake up the real owner of the house!”
The thief was confused. He looked around, certain that he had entered Gus Dur’s home. “What do you mean?” the thief asked.
Gus Dur then pointed at a nearby picture of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and said, “That is the real owner of this house. I’m just living here temporarily.” The thief was so startled by Gus Dur’s calmness and humor that he immediately left the house without taking anything.
The Humor Behind the Story
This funny story is a great example of how Gus Dur used humor to handle tense situations. Instead of reacting with fear or anger, Gus Dur responded in a way that caught the thief off guard. The calm and humorous approach disarmed the situation and made the thief rethink his actions.
Lessons from Gus Dur’s Humor
1. Dealing with Difficult Situations Calmly
Gus Dur’s response to the thief shows the importance of staying calm during stressful moments. Instead of escalating the situation, he defused it with humor. This lesson can be applied in daily life. Sometimes, a calm and humorous approach can resolve problems better than aggression.
2. Seeing the Bigger Picture
When Gus Dur pointed to the Prophet’s picture and mentioned the real owner of the house, he reminded the thief (and everyone who hears this story) that material possessions are temporary. Gus Dur’s focus on spirituality over materialism is a valuable reminder that life is more than just physical things.
3. Using Humor to Connect with People
One of the reasons Gus Dur was so loved by the people of Indonesia was his ability to connect with them through humor. He showed that even a president can have a light-hearted side. Humor can be a powerful tool to bring people together, break down barriers, and create a positive environment.
Why Gus Dur’s Stories Still Matter Today
Gus Dur’s humorous stories continue to be shared because they offer important moral lessons while entertaining people. They are timeless reminders of his wisdom, humility, and ability to remain grounded even in challenging situations.
In a world where many people are quick to react with fear or anger, Gus Dur’s ability to stay calm and humorous in the face of adversity is an example that can inspire others. His humor was not only a tool for entertainment but also a reflection of his deep understanding of human nature and his belief in the importance of kindness and tolerance.
The story of Gus Dur and the thief is a testament to the power of humor and calmness in difficult situations. Gus Dur’s legacy continues to live on, not only through his political contributions but also through his jokes and stories that teach important life lessons. This particular story of the thief running away, not because of fear but because of Gus Dur’s witty response, is a prime example of how humor can sometimes be the best solution to a problem. Gus Dur’s humor will forever remain an integral part of his legacy, reminding us all to face life with laughter, humility, and understanding.
