Kyai definition

KH. Ahmad Sahal Mahfudz Rois Am PBNU was once asked by a santri about who the definition of a kiai really is and what are the special characteristics attached to it. 

“من هو المعتبر بالكياهي؟

(Man huwa al-muktabar bi al-kiai? asked the santr

(Who deserves the title of kiai?)

Kiai Sahal replied,

..في زمان الأول، الكياهي لقب لشخص عالم علّامة. له أخلاق وله (علم) شريعة. لا يسمى الكياهي إلا من له علم كثير وله (علم) شريعة وهو صوفي متعامل بجميع علومه الكثيرة. هذا كياهي في الأول، الآن لا. هو لقب عام لكل يريد. إذا أردت أن تلقب بالكياهي تفضّلْ وسوف تدعوك الكياهي. الآن ليس له معنى في الحقيقة. 

“In ancient times, Kiai was a nickname for someone who was very pious, had noble character, and understood the science of Shari'a. You cannot be called a kiai except for someone who has a lot of knowledge, studies the science of Shari'a, behaves in Sufism (Sufi), and is able to practice all of his knowledge. 

That was kiai in the past, but not so now. Kiai is a common nickname for everyone who wants it. Even if you want to be called kiai, go ahead, and immediately you will be called kiai. Today there are no (hard to find) kiai like that who are in accordance with the original meaning and definition."