Brilio.net - Ustaz Solmed has recently been in the public spotlight because he is said to be fond of flexing or showing off his wealth. The accusations surfaced after the preacher shared photos of his magnificent house on social media.
The house with a fantastic value, which is around Rp80 billion, stands firmly on a land area of 5,000 square meters. Not only is it spacious, the house is also equipped with various luxurious facilities, including a private gas station, swimming pool, sports area, and various other facilities that only a few people can have.
For netizens, uploads like this are considered a form of flexing , especially when considering Ustaz Solmed's background as a preacher. However, Solmed has a different view regarding this public perception.
photo: Instagram/@ustad_solmed
In an interview on the Pagi Pagi Ambyar show broadcasted by Trans TV on September 5, 2024, he responded to these accusations calmly. Solmed stated that what he uploaded on social media was not just to show off, but as a form of sharing moments of happiness and success achieved.
"Yes, in the end, Instagram can be a moment for us to convey several things, togetherness, happiness, success, whatever it is, not only the category of celebrity friends, but anyone, political figures, they can convey their political success, in their position. Even street vendors can convey their success," said Solmed as quoted from the TikTok account @pagipagiambyarttv, Saturday (14/9).
In his statement, Ustaz Solmed emphasized that the definition of flexing is very dependent on how someone judges or sees it. He did not feel that what he did was something wrong.
According to her, the intention behind the post is more important than how people perceive it. Solmed believes that sharing success is one way to show gratitude for the gifts given by God.
"So for me, flexing or not flexing depends on the person doing it," he continued.
photo: Instagram/@ustad_solmed
April Jasmine's husband also doesn't mind the public's view that considers the upload as a form of showing off. For him, everything he has now is the result of God's grace, and whatever praise he receives, he returns it to the Almighty.
"Yes, in the end we surrender what we have to Allah. Mashaallah tabarakallah, whatever people praise, this is all because of goodness, Allah's mercy," he explained.
In addition to the alleged flexing, Ustaz Solmed is also often the subject of discussion regarding the accusation that he charges a fee for every sermon he gives. Although this issue has been circulating for a long time, Solmed casually gave his clarification.
photo: Instagram/@ustad_solmed
He asserted that he never set a special rate for each lecture invitation. He said that he was always paid by the event organizers according to their abilities.
"I never set a fee, but I always get paid. When someone asks, 'How much is it, Ustaz?' I ask back, 'How much do you want?'" said Solmed.
He added that he always tries to understand the conditions of the organizers who invite him. Solmed believes that every event must be prepared carefully, including the matter of honorarium for the speakers.
For him, the value of the payment received must be adjusted to the ability of the organizer. He never felt any objection to this.
"I understand that sometimes people who have an event have prepared everything, and I am sure that when invited, their submission will be adjusted to their abilities," he concluded.
(brl/lea)
