January 31 In History: The Establishment Of The Great Islamic Organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)

Illustration of the establishment of the Nahdlatul Ulama (Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - Today, 95 years ago, or precisely January 31, 1926, the Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) was founded. The establishment of NU cannot be separated from its big role, KH. Hasyim Asy'ari. Due to its role, NU then transformed into one of the major Islamic mass organizations in the archipelago.

It may be that the breath of NU is traditional Islam that developed in East Java. However, in terms of its role NU has spoken a lot in the national scope, including bringing Indonesia apart from Dutch colonialism. The pesantren culture has become the foundation for the growth and development of NU. Moreover, through Islamic boarding schools, NU developed and took root in Indonesian society.

Summarized from various sources, long before NU was born, Islamic boarding schools in East Java were determined to fight colonialism by forming a movement organization in 1916. Then, Nahdlatul Wathan was born, which means "Awakening of the Homeland."

After two years, in 1918 an organization was re-established which aims to provide socio-political education to students. That education is called Taswirul Afkar or known as Nahlatul Fikri which means "awakening of thought."

After that, there was also Nahlatul Tujjar, which means "The Movement of the Merchants." that way, Taswirul Afkar becomes a growing educational institution, even having branches in several cities.

As a result, educated people began to realize the backwardness experienced by Indonesia due to colonialism. For that, the path of education and organization was chosen to be the path of struggle.

After that, many educational and liberation organizations emerged. In other words, NU is a continuation of communities and organizations that have been established before, but with a wider scope and segment. Then, NU which means "Ulama Awakening" was established on January 31, 1926.

Its founder, KH. Hasyim Asy'ari even participated in formulating the Book of Qanun Asasi (basic principles) and the Book of I'tiqad Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah (adhering to the Prophet's Sunnah) which became the basis and reference for religious thoughts and actions, as well as politics of NU citizens.

The role of NU

Quoted from the Detik.com page, as a socio-religious organization, NU has an influence in advancing the quality of society through education or other fields. In the field of education, NU has proven its role through the presence of various Islamic boarding schools throughout the archipelago.

The pesantren is not only a means of religious reference, but also a center for community development. Moreover, NU's Islamic boarding schools share the principles of ahlussunnah waljama'ah.

This principle allows NU to play a bigger role in society, without being trapped in various forms of understanding. Islamic boarding schools are also the basis for the education of NU founders and figures.

Likewise, the role of NU in organizations for youth and women. For youth, NU has the Ansor Youth Movement which was founded on December 14, 1949.

Previously, the organization was named Ansor Nahdlatul Ulama and the Nahlatul Ulama Youth Association. Meanwhile, the organization for women is Muslimat Nahlatul Ulama.

In addition, NU is known to have many wise and humble clerical figures. The scholars are very close to the community. Therefore, it is not surprising that NU is easily accepted by all groups, from urban and rural communities.