Gus Ghofur Maimoen: Book by KH Zulfa Mustofa Could Serve as Bahtsul Masail Reference at NU Congress

The book ‘Ithafu Ummati Al-Muqtafa’ by Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Vice Chairman KH Zulfa Mustofa was officially launched during a book launch and review event at the Sunda Kelapa Mosque Hall in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Friday (10/7/2026). The launch received appreciation from several NU figures, who assessed that the book makes an important contribution to the development of contemporary fiqh and the strengthening of Bahtsul Masail methodology within Nahdlatul Ulama, particularly during the National Conference of Religious Scholars (Munas) and the NU Congress. The event was attended by PBNU officials, as well as regional and branch NU administrators from various areas. Several figures served as commentators, including KH Abdul Ghofur Maimun (Gus Ghofur), KH Said Aqil Siroj, KH Mujib Qulyubi, and KH Abdullah Syamsul Arifin. PBNU Rais Syuriyah KH Abdul Ghofur Maimun explained that the book ‘Ithafu Ummati Al-Muqtafa’ is compelling to develop, especially during the Munas and Congress. He noted that discussions on Bahtsul Masail issues often receive less attention compared to the dynamics of electing the PBNU Chairman or Rais Aam. Gus Ghofur expressed hope that such books would be presented during the NU Congress and Munas. NU figure Prof. Mahfud also commended KH Zulfa Mustofa for embodying three key characteristics of a scholar: eloquence in conveying ideas, productivity in writing, and a humble attitude. Mahfud stated that the book fulfils at least three scientific elements. The ontological element is visible in the author’s perspective on legal reality, while the epistemological aspect appears through the methods used to process issues into legal provisions by linking them to societal life. He noted that the discussions in the book also refer to various fatwas from NU, Muhammadiyah, and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) as responses to contemporary problems, demonstrating that law constantly evolves with societal dynamics. Mahfud assessed that the axiological element is reflected in the book’s emphasis on the importance of ethics for law enforcers. He added that good law requires not only good substance but also support from enforcers with integrity and a strong legal culture. PBNU Da’wah Institute Chairman KH Abdullah Syamsul Arifin (Gus Aab) assessed that KH Zulfa possesses the ability to elaborate classical theories, particularly in ushul fiqh, and actualise them to answer various contemporary fiqh issues. He stated this ability is an essential asset for Bahtsul Masail activists to produce legal decisions grounded in classical heritage yet relevant to modern challenges. The book ‘Ithafu Ummati Al Muqtafa’ compiles four Arabic-language works discussing Bahtsul Masail methodology, ushul fiqh, contemporary fatwas, and the intellectual history of Syekh Nawawi al-Bantani. One of its main discussions reviews the legal decision-making methodology within NU, emphasising the importance of understanding the objectives of sharia (maqashid sharia), social conditions, customs, and contemporary developments before issuing a fatwa. The book was authored by PBNU Vice Chairman KH Zulfa Mustofa, who was born on 7 August 1977 in Jakarta into a family of religious scholars. He is a nephew of Vice President Ma’ruf Amin and a descendant of Syekh Nawawi al-Bantani. His formal education included studies at various pesantren, culminating in an Honorary Doctorate in Arudl Science from UINSA Surabaya. His career in NU began early, serving as GP Ansor Vice Chairman and later as Katib Syuriyah PBNU before being elected as Vice Chairman of Tanfidziyah PBNU for the 2022–2027 period. Outside PBNU, he holds positions including Secretary General of MUI DKI Jakarta and Chairman of the Fatwa Committee at the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.