Abdurrahman Wahid Quotes
Born: September 7, 1940
Abdurrahman Wahid, affectionately known as Gus Dur, was Indonesia’s fourth president and a towering figure of pluralism, humor, and moral courage. A visionary scholar and statesman, he championed the unity of diverse cultures and religions, believing that true strength lies in embracing difference. His philosophy was rooted in gentle defiance: he dismantled authoritarian relics with wit and wisdom, proving that leadership can be both profound and playful. Wahid’s quotes resonate deeply because they bridge the gap between idealism and action, urging us to act with compassion, laugh in the face of adversity, and never surrender our humanity. His legacy is a call to transform conviction into movement.
Abdurrahman Wahid Quotes (7)
"I don't talk in ifs."
— Abdurrahman Wahid"I am a follower of Mahatma Gandhi."
— Abdurrahman Wahid"I do not like violence."
— Abdurrahman Wahid"All too many Muslims fail to grasp Islam, which teaches one to be lenient towards others and to understand their value systems, knowing that these are tolerated by Islam as a religion."
— Abdurrahman Wahid"Well, the most important thing about Islam is that we have to differentiate between two kinds of Islam. The first one is the institution of Islam... second, the culture of Islam."
— Abdurrahman Wahid"If we cling to the institution of Islam, then we tend to defend it against whatever we see as a danger to it, so because of this we see now that many people are defending states, defending territories, defending everything institutional in the belief that they defend Islam."
— Abdurrahman Wahid"I told the students that we can exert pressure without resorting to violence, and that we can move towards democracy without violence; that way, God will allow it."
— Abdurrahman Wahid