Bahtsul Masail Forum Discusses Whether Rais Aam's Approval is a Requirement for PBNU Chairman Nomination, Here's the Result

A forum of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) activists in Jabodetabek has concluded its discussions on a fundamental issue within the organization's bylaws: whether the approval of the Rais Aam (supreme leader) is a mandatory prerequisite for candidates seeking the chairmanship of the PBNU (Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama).

The forum, held in Cijeruk, Bogor, West Java, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, ended with a postponed decision, known as 'mauquf.' The debate centered on whether the Rais Aam's endorsement is merely a condition for the nomination itself ('syarthul in'iqad') or a requirement that must be maintained throughout the chairman's term ('syarthul istidamah').

Disagreements emerged among the approximately 25 participants. KH Kholili Kholil presented a view that the Rais Aam's approval serves as a condition for the validity of the nomination, not for its continuation. "The Rais Aam's approval is 'syarthul in'iqad,' a condition for the validity of the nomination. Not 'syarthul istidamah' (a continuous condition). Once approved, it cannot be revoked," Kholili stated in a press release.

He further explained, based on Islamic jurisprudence principles in muamalah (transactions), that conditions met at the time of an agreement cannot be rescinded. Kholili believes that the authority to revoke a leadership mandate rests with the community, represented by the 'muktamar' (congress) participants through its established mechanisms.