Book Review of Penyirep Gemuruh: Sarmuji Praises Timeless Thoughts of NU Founder

The Secretary-General of the Golkar Party, Muhammad Sarmuji, has praised the timeless thoughts of one of the great scholars and a founder of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), KH Abdul Wahab Chasbullah, also known as Mbah Wahab. Sarmuji believes that Mbah Wahab’s ideas remain highly relevant in the modern era.

This was stated by Sarmuji during a book review of ‘Penyirep Gemuruh’ by KH Abdul Wahab Chasbullah, held at the Masjid Gedang PPBU Tambakeras in Jombang on Saturday (29/8/2026). The event is part of a series of activities to celebrate the 35th NU Muktamar.

In addition to Sarmuji, the book review featured two other speakers: Ayung Notonegoro from the Pegon Community of Banyuwangi, and Fathul H. Panatapraja, the translator and author of the ‘Penyirep Gemuruh’ edition.

In his presentation, Sarmuji revealed that the stories contained within ‘Penyirep Gemuruh’ demonstrate the NU’s character in resolving issues, particularly through a moderate stance and by prioritising deliberation (musyawarah). He noted that KH Wahab Hasbullah successfully resolved conflicts regarding the expansion of the Peneleh Mosque in Surabaya using methods that reflect NU’s core values: tawassuth (moderation), tawazun (balance), tasamuh (tolerance), and i’tidal (justice).