The Meeting Point Between Islam and Nationalism
History of the Independence Fighter Cleric Hasyim Asyari , was not only a revered Islamic scholar but also a key figure in Indonesia struggle for independence. As the founder of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Islamic organization in the country, his influence went beyond religious teaching. He shaped generations of santri (Islamic students), played a vital role in the moral and spiritual resistance against colonialism, and ignited a flame of patriotism rooted in faith.
Early Life and Lineage
Born on February 14, 1871, in Gedang, Jombang, East Java, Hasyim Asyari came from a noble lineage of scholars. His father, Asyari, was a respected kyai (Islamic cleric), and young Hasyim was raised in a deeply religious environment. At a young age, he memorized the Qur’an and began studying classical Islamic texts under his father guidance.
His thirst for knowledge led him across Java and eventually to Makkah and Madinah, where he deepened his knowledge in Hadith, Fiqh, and other Islamic sciences. His educational journey brought him into contact with prominent scholars of the Middle East, strengthening his intellectual foundation and religious authority.
The Founding of Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School
Upon returning to Indonesia, KH. Hasyim Asyari established the Pondok Pesantren Tebuireng in 1899. At a time when pesantren were struggling to survive colonial influence and Westernization, Tebuireng became a beacon of traditional Islamic education and discipline. His school attracted students from across the archipelago, transforming Jombang into a hub of religious learning.
What set Tebuireng apart was its emphasis on discipline, morals, and the integration of Islamic knowledge with nationalism. Hasyim Asy’ari stressed the importance of character building, adab (ethics), and loyalty to faith and homeland.
The Spirit of Resistance, Against Dutch and Japanese Occupation
During the colonial period, Hasyim Asyari saw the suffering of his people. While many scholars avoided politics, he believed that the defense of the nation was a religious duty. His pesantren became a shelter for freedom fighters and a training ground for Islamic nationalism.
When the Japanese occupied Indonesia, they tried to control Islamic institutions, including pesantren. Hasyim Asyari firmly resisted this interference. His refusal to bow to Japanese orders resulted in his arrest and torture in 1942. Though later released, his resistance inspired thousands of santri and ulama across Java.
Founding Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)
In 1926, KH. Hasyim Asy’ari and fellow scholars founded Nahdlatul Ulama. The movement was a response to growing Islamic modernist pressures that sought to abandon traditional practices. NU provided a platform to preserve the Ahlussunnah wal Jama’ah tradition while actively engaging in social, educational, and political issues.
Under his leadership, NU emphasized religious tolerance, traditional scholarship, and the role of Islam in shaping a just society. The organization grew rapidly and became a moral and spiritual backbone for Indonesia’s Muslims.
Resolution of Jihad, A Call for National Defense
One of the most critical moments in Hasyim Asyari legacy was the issuance of the “Resolusi Jihad” (Resolution of Jihad) on October 22, 1945. In response to the British and Dutch attempts to recolonize Indonesia after independence, Hasyim declared that defending the motherland was an obligation for every Muslim.
This fatwa galvanized thousands of santri and religious fighters to join the Battle of Surabaya, especially on November 10, 1945, now celebrated as National Heroes Day. His declaration framed the struggle for independence not only as a political act but as a sacred duty of faith. History of the Independence Fighter Cleric Hasyim Asyari
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Legacy and Influence
KH. Hasyim Asyari passed away on July 25, 1947, but his legacy continues. His son, KH. Wahid Hasyim, became Indonesia first Minister of Religious Affairs. His grandson, Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), later became Indonesia’s fourth president. More than that, his teachings and spirit remain deeply embedded in the hearts of millions of NU followers and Indonesian Muslims.
Today, Tebuireng remains one of the most respected pesantren in Indonesia, and Nahdlatul Ulama continues to play a significant role in national discourse. His call for faith based patriotism still resonates in times of crisis and change.
Scholar, Patriot, and Moral Compass
KH. Hasyim Asyari was more than an Islamic scholar. He was a visionary, a reformer, and a warrior of faith. His life reminds us that religious knowledge should not be separated from the love of one’s country. In an era when nationalism and religious identity are often at odds, his legacy offers a blueprint for unity and moral leadership.
Through education, fatwa, and exemplary character, KH. Hasyim Asyari helped build a nation. His biography is a powerful testimony to the role of ulama in shaping not only the soul of individuals but also the soul of a nation.