Ali Yafie was born on January 9, 1926 in Indonesia. He showed an early interest in Islamic studies and went on to major in Usul al-fiqh, the principles of Islamic jurisprudence, at As'adiyah Madrasah in Sengkang, South Sulawesi. It was during this time that he began to develop a deep understanding of Islamic law, which would later become a defining aspect of his career.
After completing his education, Ali Yafie served as a jurist and inspectorate of religious courts from 1959 to 1965. His expertise in Fiqh soon caught the attention of the Islamic community, leading to his involvement in the largest Islamic organization in the world, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). He quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed to the House of Representatives in 1971, a position he held until 1987.
Throughout his career, Ali Yafie established himself as a respected authority in the field of Islamic jurisprudence. He served as an expert of both NU and Darul Dakwah wal Irsyad, contributing valuable insights to the Islamic community. In 1947, he founded the Pondok Pesantren Darul Dakwah Al Irsyad boarding school, which he continues to oversee to this day.
In 1993 or 1994, Ali Yafie married Nyai Aisyah Umar in a marriage that was arranged without the couple ever meeting before the ceremony. Despite the unconventional start to their relationship, Ali Yafie and Nyai Aisyah are known for their equal and respectful partnership.
Ali Yafie's career was not without its challenges. In 1992, he engaged in a public dispute with Abdurrahman Wahid over issues related to aid from the Foundation for Social Welfare Fund. The disagreement resulted in Ali Yafie's withdrawal from his position as chairman of NU, marking a turning point in his career.
Ali Yafie's contributions to the field of Islamic jurisprudence and his dedication to promoting Islamic education have left a lasting impact on the Indonesian Muslim community. His commitment to upholding the principles of Fiqh and his role in advancing NU's mission have solidified his place as a respected religious leader in Indonesia.
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