Gus Yahya stresses Mbah Wahab's thinking in facing a changing world
Jombang (ANTARA) - Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board chairman K.H. Yahya Cholil Staquf, known as Gus Yahya, has stressed the importance of emulating the thinking of K.H. Abdul Wahab Chasbullah in facing a changing world and determining the direction of NU’s struggle.
“Mbah Wahab saw the world changing. He then thought about what ulama and Muslims should do amid this changing world. It is not only about what must be defended, but what must be fought for going forward,” Gus Yahya said in a statement received in Jombang on Sunday.
Gus Yahya made the remarks while attending a book discussion on the thought and biography of K.H. Abdul Wahab Chasbullah at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang.
According to him, Mbah Wahab’s thinking was not only oriented towards preserving the legacy of the past, but also towards considering what must be fought for in the future.
Gus Yahya said the 35th NU Congress was a special moment because it is being held in the 100th year of the Gregorian calendar and takes place within the boarding school where Kiai Wahab is buried.
“I think congress participants and NU members taking part in this congress must remember that this is a congress at the founder’s boarding school, and Mbah Wahab is here. His grave is in the middle of this boarding school. No one who sets foot on the soil of Tambakberas should forget Mbah Wahab,” he said.
Regarding the idea of a mechanism for electing the PBNU leadership through ahwa or other concepts, Gus Yahya said all ideas can be discussed as long as they are aimed at the benefit of the Nahdlatul Ulama organisation.
“Whatever ideas are proposed, it is not a problem as long as the intention is sincerely for the benefit of NU. We can discuss anything as long as the intention is for the benefit of the organisation, not for short-term interests but for the benefit of the NU organisation,” he said.
Gus Yahya also confirmed that the 35th NU Congress will be held based on the articles of association and bylaws currently in force.
According to him, if the congress decides to amend the articles of association and bylaws, the changes will only take effect as the basis for implementation at the 36th NU Congress.
“What exists now is the basis. If later in this congress there is a decision to make changes to the articles of association and bylaws, then it will apply at the next congress, the 36th Congress,” he said.
PBNU will hold the 35th NU Congress on 27-31 August 2026 at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang. According to the schedule, the opening of the congress will be attended by President Prabowo Subianto.