Nahdlatul Ulama: Championing Moderate Islam in Indonesia and Beyond

[Fatima]

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is one of the world’s largest independent Islamic organizations, based in Indonesia, and known for its strong advocacy of moderate Islam, religious tolerance, and community development. Established in 1926 by prominent scholars including Hasyim Asy’ari, the NU was formed as a response to reformist and puritanical trends in the Muslim world, particularly those emerging from the Middle East.

Origins and Purpose

The name Nahdlatul Ulama means “Awakening of the Scholars,” and reflects the organization’s mission to protect traditional Sunni Islam (particularly of the Shafi'i school of thought) and local Indonesian Islamic customs. It was created to defend the interests of traditional Muslim scholars and to preserve local religious practices that were being challenged by modernist and Wahhabi-influenced ideologies.

Core Beliefs and Teachings

NU is deeply rooted in the concept of "Islam Nusantara"—a uniquely Indonesian expression of Islam that harmonizes faith with local culture, spirituality, and social harmony. The organization promotes values such as moderation (wasatiyyah), tolerance, democracy, and non-violence, aligning closely with the country's pluralistic and secular framework.

Social and Educational Work

With tens of millions of members and thousands of affiliated pesantren (Islamic boarding schools), NU plays a critical role in Islamic education in Indonesia. It offers religious training while also engaging in broader social services, including healthcare, poverty alleviation, and disaster relief. Its vast grassroots network gives it significant influence in both rural and urban communities.

Political and Global Engagement

Though NU is primarily a religious and social organization, it has had considerable influence in Indonesian politics—often advocating for policies that support religious harmony and minority rights. Internationally, NU has become a prominent voice in the global conversation on religious extremism, interfaith dialogue, and counterterrorism. In recent years, it has launched initiatives promoting humanitarian Islam and peacebuilding, positioning itself as a model for moderate Islamic leadership worldwide.

Nahdlatul Ulama serves as a powerful example of how traditional Islamic scholarship can coexist with democracy, modern values, and pluralism. Its role in shaping Indonesian Islam—and increasingly, its contributions to global Islamic discourse—make it a pivotal force in the 21st-century Muslim world.