Hasyim Asy'ari - Indonesian Author

Hasyim Asy’ari – Indonesian Author:- Hasyim Asy’ari, also known as Kyai Haji Muhammad Hasyim Asy’ari, was a famous Indonesian Islamic scholar and the founder of the Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia. He was born in 1871 in Jombang, East Java, and dedicated his life to spreading traditional Islamic teachings.

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Hasyim Asy’ari Bio

Full Name	Kyai Haji Muhammad Hasyim Asy’ari
Birth Date	April 10, 1875
Birth Place	Gedang, Jombang Regency, East Java, Indonesia
Occupation	Islamic Scholar, Ulama, Founder of Nahdlatul Ulama
Known For	Founding the Nahdlatul Ulama, Influential Islamic Leader
Death Date	July 25, 1947
Death Place	Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
Spouse(s)	Khadijah, Nafisah, Nafiqah, Masrurah
Children	Wahid Hasyim, Abdurrahman Wahid (Grandson)
Ancestry	Descended from Sultan Hadiwijaya of Pajang and Brawijaya VI of Majapahit

Early Life & Career

Hasyim Asy’ari was born on April 10, 1875, in Gedang, Jombang Regency, East Java. He was the third of ten children born to Kyai Asy’ari and Nyai Halimah. His family had a long history of running local Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). His grandfather started Pesantren Gedang, and his great-grandfather started Pesantren Tambakberas.

Asy’ari’s ancestors include Sultan Hadiwijaya of Pajang and Brawijaya VI, the last king of the Majapahit Empire. He got his early religious education from his father and grandfather before studying under famous Islamic scholars in Mecca, such as Ahmad Khatib al-Minangkabawi and Ahmad Dahlan.

In 1899, Asy’ari founded the Pesantren Tebuireng in Jombang. By 1947, it had over 4,000 students and became a center for reforming traditional Islamic teachings.

Contributions and Legacy

Hasyim Asy’ari’s biggest achievement was founding the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in 1926 with other Islamic leaders. The NU became the largest independent Islamic organization in Indonesia, focusing on keeping and promoting traditional Islamic teachings and practices.

Asy’ari wrote many books on theology, Sufism, politics, and Islamic law. Some of his well-known works include “Al-Imam al-Ghazali wa Arauhu al-Kalamiah,” “Risalah Ahlussunnah wal Jama’ah,” and “Nadzom al-Ibanah ‘an Usul al-Diyanah.”

He was also important in the Indonesian independence movement, helping fight against Dutch colonial rule. In 1947, he issued a fatwa saying the Dutch East Indies was “Dar al-Islam,” allowing Muslims to practice Sharia law under colonial rule.

Hasyim Asy’ari died on July 25, 1947, in Surabaya, East Java, at 72 years old. He is honored as a National Hero of Indonesia and remembered as one of the country’s most influential Islamic scholars and leaders.

Ethics council removes KPU chair Hasyim Asy’ari over sexual harassment

Hasyim Asy’ari, the head of Indonesia’s General Elections Commission (KPU), was permanently dismissed by the Election Organizer Honorary Council (DKPP) for sexual harassment. A female member of the Overseas Election Committee (PPLN) accused him of using his position to coerce her into having sex in a hotel in Amsterdam in October 2023. The DKPP found him guilty and requested President Joko Widodo to enforce the dismissal within a week. Hasyim had previously received warnings for other ethical violations.

FAQs

What was Hasyim Asy’ari’s role in the Indonesian independence movement?

Hasyim Asy’ari played a big role in the Indonesian independence movement. In 1947, he issued a fatwa saying the Dutch East Indies was “Dar al-Islam,” allowing Muslims to practice Sharia law under colonial rule. This helped rally support for independence.

What were some of Hasyim Asy’ari’s major publications?

Hasyim Asy’ari wrote many books on theology, Sufism, politics, and Islamic law. Some of his well-known works are “Al-Imam al-Ghazali wa Arauhu al-Kalamiah,” “Risalah Ahlussunnah wal Jama’ah,” and “Nadzom al-Ibanah ‘an Usul al-Diyanah.”

How did Hasyim Asy’ari’s family background influence his life and work?

Hasyim Asy’ari’s family had a long history of running Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). His grandfather and great-grandfather founded prominent pesantrens, which shaped his early education and interest in traditional Islamic teachings.

What is the significance of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) organization that Hasyim Asy’ari founded?

The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is the largest independent Islamic organization in Indonesia, focusing on preserving and promoting traditional Islamic teachings and practices. Asy’ari’s founding of the NU in 1926 was a big contribution to the preservation and spread of traditional Islamic thought in Indonesia.

How did Hasyim Asy’ari’s educational background shape his scholarly work and influence?

Hasyim Asy’ari received a thorough Islamic education, studying under famous scholars in Mecca like Ahmad Khatib al-Minangkabawi and Ahmad Dahlan. This diverse Islamic education influenced his own scholarly work and the development of his influential ideas and writings.

What is Hasyim Asy’ari’s legacy and impact on Indonesian society?

Hasyim Asy’ari is honored as a National Hero of Indonesia and is remembered as one of the country’s most influential Islamic scholars and leaders. His founding of the Nahdlatul Ulama and his contributions to the independence movement have had a lasting impact on Indonesian society and traditional Islamic teachings.

How did Hasyim Asy’ari’s personal life and family influence his work and legacy?

Hasyim Asy’ari married seven times, all to daughters of Islamic scholars (ulama). This connection to the scholarly community strengthened his influence within traditional Islamic circles in Indonesia. His son Wahid Hasyim and grandson Abdurrahman Wahid (former President of Indonesia) continued his legacy of leadership and service.