Gus Salam's Sowan Trail: Seeking Ulama Blessing in Upholding NU Service
Ahead of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress, KH Abdussalam Shohib, or Gus Salam, continues to strengthen communication with ulama, pesantren caretakers, and NU structures across various regions of Indonesia.
The caretaker of Pondok Pesantren Mamba’ul Ma’arif Denanyar, Jombang, East Java, is pursuing a path of silaturahmi and sowan as part of his efforts towards candidacy for Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) for the 2026–2031 period.
For Gus Salam, this approach is part of the pesantren tradition that places the counsel of kiai as a foundation before making major decisions. He has chosen to visit ulama in various regions to hear their views, receive prayers, and understand the issues faced by Nahdliyin members at the grassroots level.
“Running is not for position, but for service,” said Gus Salam in a statement on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
The Blessing of Bani Bishri Syansuri
Gus Salam’s silaturahmi journey began within a pesantren environment that has historical ties to the development of Nahdlatul Ulama. One important endorsement came from the extended family of Bani Bishri Syansuri.
In a family gathering at the ancestral home of Pondok Pesantren Mamba’ul Ma’arif Denanyar, Jombang, Gus Salam received permission and blessing to continue his efforts to run as a candidate for Chairman of PBNU.
The blessing carries special significance because KH Bishri Syansuri was one of the founders of NU and a key figure in the history of pesantren in Indonesia. The Bani Bishri family conveyed a message for Gus Salam to uphold the trust, emulate the struggles of NU’s founders, and make service to the community his primary orientation.
The Chair of the Pondok Pesantren Mamba’ul Ma’arif Foundation, Nyai Hj. Muflichah Shohib, said that the family’s blessing is a form of trust to continue the values of NU’s founders’ struggle.
“This is not merely a blessing, but a trust to safeguard NU, to safeguard its ideology, traditions, and the community,” she said.
After leaving the extended family circle in Denanyar, Gus Salam continued communication with other pesantren networks, including kiai at Pondok Pesantren Lirboyo and Al-Falah Ploso, Kediri. The close relationship with the caretakers of these pesantren is part of Gus Salam’s long journey within the pesantren education environment and the NU organisation.