SYAYKH AL-ZAYTUN’S MILAD: FROM WORLD RECORD TO CARE FOR OTHERS
*By: Ali Aminulloh*
_Adapted from the remarks of Patrick Winata and Linda Dewianti, admirers of Syaykh Al-Zaytun_
A world record can bring pride, but its value becomes far greater when that achievement is used to help others. Physical endurance no longer stops as a personal performance, but turns into a path to raise awareness for people facing suffering.
That was the message brought by Patrick Winata and Linda Dewianti during the 80th Milad of Syaykh Al-Zaytun, Abdussalam Rasyidi Panji Gumilang, on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The event, themed “Grateful for Achievements and Continuing to Move Forward”, was attended by the Al-Zaytun community, educators, students, parents, friends, and guests from various backgrounds.
Linda, a woman born in Fakfak, West Papua, opened by introducing both of them. Patrick Winata, also from Fakfak, stood beside her. They came to convey congratulations, respect, and prayers for Syaykh Al-Zaytun on his 80th birthday.
Linda began with greetings reflecting Indonesia’s diversity: Islamic greeting, Shalom, Om Swastiastu, Namo Buddhaya, greetings of virtue, and Rahayu. This showed respect for all guests of different faiths and traditions. Their presence from eastern Indonesia to Indramayu proved that distance does not prevent admiration and friendship.
Linda introduced Patrick as a Guinness World Record holder the only person in the world to do _pad boxing_ for 24 hours non-stop. The achievement showed extraordinary physical and mental endurance. But what made it meaningful was not the record itself, but its purpose: raising funds for children with cancer in Indonesia.
For 24 hours Patrick faced fatigue. Yet he persevered because his fight was for something bigger than himself. Every punch was not to win, but to draw public attention and collect aid for children battling a severe illness.
“Achievement gains value when it is not only about personal pride,” Linda said. Through Patrick, a world record became a social movement. Strength was used to spark compassion.
This value aligns with Syaykh Al-Zaytun’s journey. At 80, he has dedicated his life to education, institution building, and service to society. Patrick used sports to help others. Syaykh used his life to build generations. Different paths, same principle: life must benefit others.
Closing their remarks, they prayed for Syaykh to be granted complete health, a long life, blessings in his service, and God’s protection.
The Milad’s theme found its echo in Patrick’s story: the best way to be grateful for achievement is to expand its benefit. From world record to care. From strength to compassion. The greatest achievement is not what makes us known, but what makes other people’s lives better.**
Indramayu, August 3, 2026
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