Nahdatul Ulama (NU)

Nahdatul Ulama (NU)

Nahdatul Ulama (NU) is one of the two largest Islamic traditionalist grassroots social organizations in Indonesia. Established in 1926, NU emerged as a part of the nationalist awakening and general Islamic reform movements of the early 20th century.

Etymology

The name Nahdatul Ulama in Arabic (نهضة العلماء) translates to “Renaissance of the Ulama” or “Revival of the Ulama,” where nahda means “renaissance” or “revival” and ulama refers to religious scholars. In Turkish, it can be rendered as Nahda-ül Ulema.

Historical Context

NU was founded in response to the socio-political dynamics of Indonesia at the time, intending to create a socio-religious reform movement. Its social base is primarily within the pesantren system, the traditional Islamic boarding schools where students live and learn classical Arabic texts under the tutelage of spiritual leaders or kyai. By the year 2000, approximately six thousand pesantren were home to over one million students scattered largely throughout the rural areas of the country.

Objectives and Activities

The official purposes of Nahdatul Ulama are multifaceted:

• Enhancement of Relations Among Ulama: NU seeks to foster relationships among religious scholars from various Sunni schools of Islamic law.
• Textbook Examination: The organization examines Islamic textbooks to ensure their appropriateness for study, standardizing educational content.
• Propagation of Sunni Teachings: NU propagates Islam based on the teachings of the four Sunni schools of law (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali).
• Educational Establishments: It is involved in establishing and maintaining schools, providing comprehensive Islamic education.
• Management: NU manages mosques, prayer houses, and dormitories.
• Social Welfare: It supports orphans and the impoverished.
• Agricultural and Economic Advancement: NU organizes Islamically lawful bodies that promote advances in agriculture, trade, and industry.

Prominent Leadership

NU gained significant prominence under the leadership of Abdurrahman Wahid, who served as its head from 1984 until his election as Indonesia’s first democratically chosen president in 1999. His leadership was noted for promoting a moderate and inclusive interpretation of Islam.

Further Reading

For a deeper exploration of Nahdatul Ulama and its historical and contemporary roles, consider the following books:

• “Islamic Education in Indonesia and Malaysia: Shaping Minds, Saving Souls” by Azmil Tayeb.
• “The Nahdlatul Ulama and Modernization in Indonesia” by Robert Hefner.
• “Nurturing Indonesia: Medicine and Decolonisation in the Dutch East Indies” by Hans Pols.

Takeaways

1. Traditionalist Roots: NU is deeply rooted in traditional Islamic scholarship and education via the pesantren system.
2. Social Welfare: Its mission extends beyond religious education to include social welfare and economic development.
3. Inclusive Approach: NU promotes a moderate and inclusive form of Islam that aligns with contemporary socio-political dynamics.

Conclusion

Nahdatul Ulama is a pivotal institution in Indonesian society, straddling the line between religious conservatism and socio-political activism. It serves as a model for combining traditional Islamic education with modern social welfare practices.

This dictionary entry on Nahdatul Ulama aims to provide a comprehensive overview of its historical significance, objectives, and impact on Indonesian society, while offering entry points for further study and understanding.