Ulama and Academics Urged to Revive Kitab Writing Tradition to Bridge Generations of Knowledge

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Vice Chairman Zulfa Mustofa has urged ulama, kiai, academics, and pesantren communities to revive the tradition of writing kitab as part of an effort to maintain the continuity of knowledge and build Islamic civilisation. “The tradition of the ulama is a tradition of knowledge. And the tradition of knowledge will not be strong without a tradition of writing. That is why the ulama of the past not only taught students but also left behind kitab as an intellectual heritage for the ummah,” he said in Jakarta, Wednesday (8/7/2026).

He stated that since the early period of Islam through to its development in the Nusantara, the progress of civilisation was supported not only by the birth of pious and knowledgeable ulama, but also by the scholarly works they left behind. The kitab of the ulama serve as a bridge connecting knowledge across generations, remaining alive hundreds of years after their authors have passed away.

Pesantren, he noted, have long been known as centres for the transmission of Islamic knowledge through the study of classical texts. However, pesantren also need to continue producing new works as a response to the developments of the times and the dynamics of community life. He said the challenges facing the ummah today are increasingly complex, ranging from technological developments and social changes to national and humanitarian issues. All of these require scholarly answers born from ulama who understand tradition while also being able to read reality.

“It is indeed important and necessary for us to read, recite, and study the kitab of past ulama. But the ulama also have a moral responsibility to produce works that can become references for future generations. That is where the relay of knowledge continues to run,” said Kiai Zulfa. He stressed that the practice of writing kitab is not merely an academic activity, but part of dakwah and service to the ummah. Through written works, knowledge can continue to be passed on, studied, and developed, reaching communities far beyond the limitations of space and time.