Thousands of Congregants Follow the Isyarah of the Founding of NU

Tebuireng.online— Thousands of pilgrims participating in the Isyarah for the Establishment of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) filled the main road leading to the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School, Jombang, East Java, on Sunday (4/1/2026) evening. Even though it was pouring rain, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the participants. Wearing raincoats, they remained enthusiastic about completing the journey as a form of respect for the services of the Nahdlatul Ulama muassis and at the same time hoping for blessings.

In the Footprints activity, replica sticks and prayer beads were also carried, which started from Bangkalan to Jombang and was led directly by KH. Azaim Ibrahimy, grandson of KH. As’ad Syamsul Arifin and Caretaker of the Sukorejo Salafiyah Syafi’iyah Islamic Boarding School, Situbondo.

Also Read: Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School is the Last Stop for Retracing the Isyarah of the Founding of Nahdlatul Ulama

Upon arrival at the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School, replica sticks and prayer beads were handed over to the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School’s caretaker, KH. Abdul Hakim Machfudz (Gus Kikin), in front ndalem Kasepuhan. Before the handover procession, Gus Kikin first read Surah Thaha verses 17–23. Also present in the procession was the General Chairperson of PBNU KH. Yahya Cholil Staquf.

After the welcoming procession, the group continued their activities by walking to the maqbarah of the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School to carry out tahlil and istigasah, asking for blessings and blessings as the final series of the Tilas.

Tebuireng Magazine

On this occasion, KH. Azaim Ibrahimy briefly explained the journey of Napak Tilas which started in the morning from the Syaichona KH Islamic Boarding School. Moh. Cholil, Bangkalan, Madura. The participants walked approximately 16 kilometers to Kamal Harbor, then crossed by boat and ferry to Tanjung Perak, Surabaya. In Surabaya, the group was welcomed by the Governor of East Java Khofifah Indar Parawansa.

The journey then continues by bus and train to Jombang Station. Upon arrival in Jombang, the group was welcomed by the Regent of Jombang H. Warsubi at the Jombang Regency Hall to rest, pray and eat (ISHOMA). After that, the participants walked again about 10 kilometers from Jombang Square to the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School.

Also Read: NU’s 100th Celebration in 2026, Dzurriyah Muassis NU Holds Syaikhona Kholil Bangkalan Stick Footsteps Carnival

This Napak Tilas activity was held to commemorate the centenary of the AD version of Nahdlatul Ulama (1926–2026), as well as emulating the struggle of NU members. The carnival illustrates the journey of KH. As’ad Syamsul Arifin in delivering the syarah from Syaichona KH. Cholil Bangkalan in the form of a stick and prayer beads to KH. Hasyim Asy’ari, who was one of the forerunners of the founding of Nahdlatul Ulama.

In his speech, Gus Kikin appreciated the implementation of the Napak Tilas activity.

“This activity is an important moment for all of us to remember how hard the struggle of the founders of Nahdlatul Ulama was. We are very thankful and grateful, because activities like this can be a collective reflection to continue to increase our enthusiasm for service,” he said.

The series of activities closed with a scattering of flowers on all the graves of the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School students

Reporter: Fatih Maulana
Editor: Rara Zarary