The centennial commemoration of Nahdlatul Ulama (1926–2026) is not just a ceremonial moment to remember the past. More than that, it is a valuable opportunity to reflect back on the traces of the struggle of the ulama and masyayikh who have laid a solid foundation for the birth of the largest religious organization in Indonesia.
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The trail trip activity which started from Bangkalan, Surabaya, and ended in Tebuireng on January 4 2026 presented a deep inner experience. This trip not only drains energy and thought, but also invites participants to feel again the spirit of struggle of their predecessors who lived in a time full of limitations and colonial pressure.
When taking this journey, we seem to be invited back to the beginning of the 20th century, a time when the Indonesian people were still under Dutch colonial rule. At that time, fighting for independence was not an easy matter. There is no loose space to voice freedom, there is no tolerance for efforts to build national strength. However, it was precisely in this difficult situation that the ulama, kiai and masyayikh showed extraordinary determination and vision of struggle.
What the founders and ancestors of Nahdlatul Ulama did was much heavier than what we do today. If today a journey requires energy, money and careful planning, then the struggle of our predecessors required much greater sacrifices. They faced political pressure, colonial supervision, and various limited means. However, all this does not prevent them from continuing to strive to build the strength of the people.
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History records that before Nahdlatul Ulama was officially founded in 1926, the ulama Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah has carried out various consolidations between Islamic boarding schools and between figures. They build togetherness, strengthen ukhuwah, and unite their vision of struggle. Even since the early 1920s, the masyayikh had been thinking about how to form a forum capable of consolidating the power of Indonesian Muslims.
Everything is done with seriousness both physically and mentally. The ulama do not just consult, but also mujahadah, asking for guidance and help from Allah SWT to be able to build strength that brings benefit to the people and nation. From this long process, a stronger association was born, which later became an important part of the struggle for Indonesian independence.
It is in this context that the figures of the masyayikh founders of Nahdlatul Ulama are very important to remember. One of the central figures who has a big influence is Syaikhona Muhammad Khalil Bangkalan. He is known as a great scholar who upholds science and adab. From his hands were born many students who later became important figures in Indonesian Islamic history, including the founders of Nahdlatul Ulama.
The greatest legacy of these ulama is not only the institution or organization, but also the noble values they instilled. Knowledge, manners, unity and brotherhood are the main assets that enable this nation to build togetherness and ultimately free itself from colonialism.
Therefore, this reminiscence is not only a journey to reminisce about the past, but also an effort to absorb the blessings and examples of our predecessors. The hope is that all participants can take lessons from the struggles of the Nahdlatul Ulama members and use them as inspiration in national and religious life.
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However, Nahdlatul Ulama’s journey is not finished. The challenges of the times are constantly changing and require wise responses. If the founders of NU were able to build unity amidst the pressures of colonialism, then today’s generation has the responsibility to maintain and develop this legacy in facing future challenges.
The example of Nahdlatul Ulama’s muassis should be a guide for all of us. The spirit of togetherness, unity, brotherhood and devotion to the people needs to continue to be maintained and passed on to the next generation. In this way, NU is not only a large organization in numbers, but also a moral and spiritual force that continues to provide benefits to the nation and religion.
The centenary anniversary of Nahdlatul Ulama reminds us that the greatest strength of the Ummah is not in the amount of resources it has, but in its ability to build unity and maintain ukhuwah. These are the values that the community passed down to us, and these are the values that must continue to be maintained for a better future.
May Allah always bestow blessings on the founders of Nahdlatul Ulama, the ulama, kiai, and all the successors of their struggle. Hopefully we will all be given the ability to continue their mandate and will one day be gathered together with the community and the Prophet Muhammad. Wallahu a’lam bish-shawab.
*This message was delivered during the 1st Century of NU, on January 4 2026.
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