Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto received a poignant prayer from prominent Muslim scholar Quraish Shihab during a commemoration of Nuzulul Quran at the State Palace on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The prayer, delivered as part of Shihab’s lecture, centered on the source of power and the responsibilities of leadership, drawing inspiration from a similar moment involving an Egyptian president and a revered Islamic teacher.
The Nuzulul Quran event, marking the night the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, provided a setting for reflection on faith and governance. Shihab’s address resonated with President Prabowo, who publicly expressed gratitude for the scholar’s insights into peace, justice, and the importance of unity amidst difference. The moment underscores the intersection of religious leadership and political authority in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation.
A Prayer Rooted in Egyptian Tradition
Shihab recounted a story about his former teacher, Sheikh Muhammad Mutawalli Asy-Syarawi, a highly respected Egyptian scholar and interpreter of the Quran. According to Shihab, Syarawi once offered a prayer for the President of Egypt, beginning with the powerful statement: “Power comes from God.” He explained that Syarawi’s prayer acknowledged that all authority, regardless of the ruler’s character, ultimately originates from a divine source. “Whether the ruler follows God’s guidance honestly or the ruler is disobedient, all power comes from God,” Shihab stated, relaying his teacher’s message.
Inspired by this tradition, Shihab then directed a similar prayer towards President Prabowo. He expressed hope that if Prabowo’s leadership was destined by God, the Indonesian people would be empowered to support him in endeavors that benefit the nation. “I can only pray that if His Excellency is our destiny…then we pray that we can help you, Sir,” Shihab offered, echoing Syarawi’s sentiment. He also prayed for divine assistance should Prabowo’s presidency be focused on upholding justice and peace.
Prabowo’s Response and Reflections on Leadership
President Prabowo responded to Shihab’s lecture with visible appreciation, expressing gratitude for the “lessons, warnings, and added spirit” the address provided. He specifically highlighted the importance of Shihab’s message regarding peace, tranquility, and the acceptance of differences, stating that these concepts should not lead to division.
The President further elaborated that Shihab’s words prompted him to reflect on the profound responsibility of leadership. “The very big meaning for me is the enlightenment of understanding he conveyed about justice,” Prabowo said, adding that leadership is a “destiny” entrusted by the nation and the people. He emphasized that power is not merely a position but a sacred duty to defend truth, justice, and honesty, and to ensure the prosperity of all citizens.
Prabowo’s acknowledgement of leadership as a divine assignment aligns with his stated commitment to ethical governance and national unity. This public display of respect for religious scholarship and its principles suggests a potential emphasis on moral and spiritual values during his presidency.
The event also comes after reports of Quraish Shihab specifically praying for Prabowo’s success during the Nuzulul Quran commemoration, highlighting the significance of the scholar’s role in the national discourse.
As Prabowo’s administration progresses, the influence of such spiritual and ethical considerations on policy decisions will be closely watched. The emphasis on justice, peace, and the divine source of power articulated during the Nuzulul Quran event may serve as guiding principles for the President’s leadership in the years to approach.
What impact will this exchange have on the direction of Prabowo’s presidency? Only time will notify. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and engage in respectful discussion in the comments below.
