Muktamar at Tambakberas: Emulating the Service of Mbah Wahab Chasbullah

The 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress, held at Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas in Jombang, is more than just an administrative decision; it is an effort to restore the collective memory of NU members to the origins of their struggle. For those who studied at Tambakberas, this choice signifies a return to the core values of NU: etiquette, knowledge, brotherhood, and service, as inherited from its founders, particularly KH Abdul Wahab Chasbullah.

This return to roots does not imply regression but rather a strengthening of the foundation from which the organization can grow. The Quranic verse, "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided" (QS. Ali 'Imran [3]: 103), serves as a reminder that while differences of opinion are natural, fraternity is a duty. This principle forms the soul of the NU's Qanun Asasi (Basic Law), drafted by KH Hasyim Asy'ari in 1926, which warned that the decline of the ummah stems from broken brotherhood and divided scholars.

KH Abdul Wahab Chasbullah is highlighted as a visionary leader whose understanding that stagnant knowledge loses its transformative power led to the establishment of initiatives like Taswirul Afkar, Nahdlatul Wathan, Nahdlatut Tujjar, and ultimately, Nahdlatul Ulama. His famous call, "Ayo obah!" (Let's move!), is presented not merely as a slogan but as a methodology for civilization, advocating for the advancement of education, strengthening the economy of the ummah, fostering brotherhood, and embodying Islam as a mercy to all creation.

For alumni of Tambakberas, the most powerful legacy of Mbah Wahab is not rhetoric but exemplary conduct. The pesantren teaches that knowledge must lead to service. Students are expected not only to master religious texts but also to engage in practical acts of service, such as maintaining the grounds, attending to guests, assisting the community, and respecting teachers. These actions embody the prophetic tradition, "The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people," fostering a spirit of service to the ummah rather than a pursuit of honor.