Female Ulama Proposed for AHWA Membership

The Nahdlatul Ulama Cultural Network (Janur) is urging that female ulama be given the opportunity to become members of the Ahlul Halli Wal Aqdi (AHWA) at the 35th NU Congress at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School, Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, 27–31 August 2026.

Janur organiser Aan Anshori said the AHWA forum holds a strategic position in NU’s decision-making structure, particularly in determining the Rais Aam of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU).

“AHWA should be filled based on scholarly capacity, integrity, exemplary conduct, service, influence, and the ability to safeguard the welfare of the jam’iyah,” Aan said in a written statement in Jombang on Wednesday (19/8/2026).

He stressed that the AHWA mechanism used since the 35th NU Congress needs to be reviewed because all AHWA members elected so far have been men. Yet, he said, there is no provision that explicitly states AHWA members must be male.

He assessed that NU has a long tradition of producing female ulama who have contributed to Islamic boarding school education, social services, the development of Islamic thought, and national life.

Aan said there are at least two female ulama considered to have the qualifications to become AHWA members, namely Nyai Dr (HC) Sinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid and Nyai Hj Machfudhoh Aly Ubaid.

He argued that Sinta Nuriyah has a long track record in advocating respect for human dignity, equality, and inclusive religious life. Sinta Nuriyah, the wife of Kiai Haji Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), has also served as part of the PBNU Mustasyar board for several periods.