Episode 9
KH Hasyim Asy'ari — Founder of Nahdlatul Ulama
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Kiai Haji Hasyim Asy'ari (1871–1947) was one of the most influential scholars in the history of modern Indonesia. Born in Jombang, East Java, he sought knowledge in various pesantren and then in Makkah, studying under, among others, Sheikh Ahmad Khatib al-Minangkabawi and other great scholars. On returning home, he founded the Tebuireng pesantren in Jombang, which became one of the most influential pesantren in Indonesia. In 1926 he was the leading figure in founding Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), an Islamic organisation that is today one of the largest religious organisations in the world, upholding the pesantren tradition and Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah. KH Hasyim Asy'ari's role did not stop at religion. During the struggle for independence, he issued a call that stirred the spirit of resistance against the colonisers — known in history as the Resolusi Jihad (Jihad Resolution) of 1945. He is recognised as an Indonesian National Hero. Reflection: knowledge, institutions, and love of country can be joined in one scholar. The greatest legacy is not only books but also institutions and a community that keep on carrying the good forward. Sources & Notes: KH Hasyim Asy'ari's career is among the most documented — the founding of the Tebuireng pesantren, the founding of Nahdlatul Ulama (1926), the Jihad Resolution (1945), and the National Hero title are official historical facts. He also wrote a number of books still taught, such as Adab al-'Alim wa al-Muta'allim.
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KH Ahmad Dahlan — Founder of Muhammadiyah