According to Husain, international debate competitions require logical reasoning to analyze case studies and evidence, much like religious school debates. He experienced this firsthand during his years in pesantren.
The difference between these debates and the Bahtsul Masail (Islamic legal debate) lies in the subject of the debate. If Bahtsul Masail debates focus on the legal aspects of contemporary phenomena, rituals, muamalah, and so on. Meanwhile the debate explains general and worldly matters. These range from genetic engineering, political interference in sports, to financial issues in private companies, and so on.
“When discussing general issues in the world, such as politics, health, and economics, we first need to understand the basis of the problem. Then, we examine why such problems exist, analyzing them from educational, political, and other perspectives,” he explained.
Meanwhile, in Bahtsul Masail, Husain says that one must use i’tibar (consideration), usul fikih (Islamic jurisprudence), and a few ibarot (sources). In debates, it’s similar; arguments must be based on data. The evidence, data, and research location must be clearly indicated.
“Bahtsul Masail peers actually have thinking logics that can also be used in Arabic debates,” he admitted.
The student, whose life motto is “Dream until others laugh at you, your life is your choice,” calls on santri, pupils, and youths to rise up. He encourages the younger generation to dream genuinely, not just to idly fantasize. He advocates dreaming by seeking ways to achieve those dreams.
He believes that regardless of how rural a santri’s background is, Allah has granted us the same brains, mouths, and food. Therefore, why shouldn’t we compete with foreigners?
Husain acknowledges that he truly comes from a village in Tulungagung with a strong local accent. Yet who would have thought that a villager could raise the red and white flag (The Flag of Indonesia) on the international stage?
“Dare to dream as high as possible. Then don’t forget to always strive and prepare to achieve your dreams,” concluded the alumnus of MTs Darul Hikmah and MAN 3 Blitar.