Sharing the Same Scholarly Lineage as NU, Al Washliyah is Ready to Collaborate with New PBNU Chairperson
KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz (Gus Kikin) and KH Miftachul Akhyar have been officially elected to lead the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) for the 2026-2031 period, following the results of the 35th NU Muktamar.
The Chairperson of the Executive Board of Al Jam’iyatul Washliyah, KH Masyhuril Khamis, extended his congratulations and prayers to Gus Kikin. He expressed his hope that Nahdlatul Uluma (NU) will become increasingly rooted and continue to nurture the community, serving as a guide for life’s many questions.
“The founders and scholars of Al Washliyah and NU share the same teacher, meaning they possess the same scholarly lineage (sanad), having studied under Tuan Ahmad Khatib Al Minangkabawi. Therefore, Al Washliyah is very pleased to continue collaborating and synergising to build the nation’s generation,” Kiai Masyhuril told Republika on Monday (31/08/2026).
Kiai Masyhuril noted that Gus Kikin, as a successful entrepreneur, could share his knowledge and experience in promoting the economic independence of mass organisations (ormas). By doing so, these organisations can become stronger, more self-reliant, and less dependent on external parties.
Previously, the 35th Muktamar of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) appointed KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, commonly known as Gus Kikin, as the Chairperson of the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) for the 2026-2031 term. Gus Kikin was elected through the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) mechanism during the plenary session at the Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java.
Gus Kikin was selected after the AHWA committee deliberated among five candidates proposed by the Muktamarin (congress delegates). Gus Kikin also received written approval from the Rais Aam of PBNU, KH Miftachul Akhyar. The decision regarding his election was announced directly by AHWA member KH Anwar Iskandar.
“The AHWA members have unanimously decided to elect KH Abdul Hakim, or Gus Kikin, as the Chairperson of PBNU for the 2026-2031 term,” said Kiai Anwar, reading the decision of the nine AHWA scholars in the plenary session room of the Multipurpose Building (GSG) at the Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School, Jombang, on Monday morning (31/08/2026).