Nyai Nur Khodijah: Pioneer of Female Islamic Boarding Schools Across Indonesia

Jombang – The 74th commemoration of the death of Nyai Nur Khodijah, principal of Pondok Pesantren Mamba’ul Ma’arif Denanyar in Jombang, held on Saturday, 14 March 2026, has clarified previous recording errors regarding the death year of the wife of KH Bisri Syansuri.

According to historical data, Nyai Nur Khodijah’s death was previously recorded as occurring in approximately 1949, 1952, 1953, 1955, or 1958.

M Faisol, a descendant of the founder of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), explained that in earlier times, data regarding founding figures of NU and their spouses was obtained through event-based reference methods. “Consequently, based on Islamic calendar calculations, for Nyai Nur Khodijah, 2023 marked her 70th commemoration, not the 74th,” Faisol stated in a written statement on Saturday, 14 March 2026.

According to Faisol, he obtained data from his mother, who was a student at Nyai Nur Khodijah’s pesantren. Based on his mother’s testimony, Faisol stated that Nyai Nur Khodijah died in the year 1955 according to the Gregorian calendar.

However, following the discovery of the book “Risalah Akhir Sanah” a few months ago in the Ndalem Kasepuhan Library, it clearly states that Nyai Nur Khodijah passed away in 1955, corresponding to 22 Ramadan 1374 in the Islamic calendar.

“This means that when converted to the Gregorian calendar, she died on Sunday, 15 May 1955 at the age of 63 years. Meanwhile, Kiai Bisri Syansuri died on 10 Jumada al-Akhira 1440 H, or Friday, 25 April 1980, at the age of 93 years,” Faisol said.

“The book ‘Risalah Akhir Sanah’ states Nyai Nur’s death on 22 Ramadan 1375. It appears there was a minor error regarding the year, which should have been 22 Ramadan 1374,” he added.

He noted that Nyai Nur Khodijah’s birth and death both occurred during the month of Ramadan.

Nyai Nur Khodijah is recognised as the pioneering foundress of the first female Islamic boarding school in Indonesia. She was known for her gentleness, patience, intelligence, firmness, discipline, and spiritual devotion. For approximately 38 years, Nyai Nur supported Kiai Bisri Syansuri in leading Pesantren Denanyar.

The marriage of Kiai Hasbullah and Nyai Lathifah produced seven children: Abdul Wahab, Abdul Hamid, Nur Khodijah, Abdurrohim, Fathimah, Sholihah, Zuhriyah, and Aminaturrohiyah.

The firstborn son, Kiai Abdul Wahab, was born in 1887, followed by Kiai Abdul Hamid as the second son, born in 1890, and Nyai Nur Khodijah as the third child, born in 1897, specifically on 23 February 1897, as confirmed by conversion from National Archives records.