CHAPTER VIII Evolution of Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)


The evolution of Islam in Java cannot be separated from the impact of two influential Islamic movements: Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). Both organizations emerged from different ideological backgrounds but shared a similar mission to strengthen the moral and spiritual life of Indonesian Muslims. Muhammadiyah is widely recognized as a reformist and modernist movement, while NU represents a traditionalist approach that values local wisdom. Together, these two institutions have shaped the face of Javanese Islam through education, social engagement, and cultural preservation, balancing renewal and continuity within the community.

Muhammadiyah was founded in Yogyakarta in 1912 by Ahmad Dahlan, a progressive scholar who aspired to modernize the understanding and practice of Islam. He was deeply concerned about the backwardness and lack of education among Muslims at the time. For him, true religious devotion should go hand in hand with intellectual and scientific advancement. Guided by this belief, Muhammadiyah pioneered modern Islamic schools that combined religious and general education. Unlike the traditional pesantren system, which focused almost exclusively on theology and Arabic grammar, Muhammadiyah schools introduced mathematics, natural sciences, and civic studies. These new teaching models encouraged discipline, critical thinking, and efficiency while maintaining strong moral foundations based on the Qur’an and Hadith.


Source: KURUSETRA - Republika


Nahdlatul Ulama, on the other hand, was established in 1926 in Surabaya by Hasyim Asy’ari and a group of respected ulama. Its emergence was partly a response to the growing influence of reformist movements that tended to reject local practices. NU aimed to safeguard the traditional Islamic scholarship and the values embedded in the pesantren culture. The organization upheld the Shafi’i school of thought and emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced relationship between religion and culture. Unlike Muhammadiyah, NU accepted various Javanese traditions such as tahlilan, slametan, and maulid celebrations as expressions of communal faith and togetherness. These practices, according to NU, strengthen social harmony and reflect the inclusive spirit of Islam when performed within the boundaries of religious teachings.

Both Muhammadiyah and NU have contributed enormously to social and educational development in Java. Muhammadiyah’s extensive network of schools, universities, hospitals, and orphanages has transformed it into one of the most active Islamic social movements in the world. Its vision of progress and equality through education has empowered generations of Muslims, particularly those living in urban areas. NU, meanwhile, continues to play a vital role in rural regions where pesantren remain central to community life. The kyai, or religious leaders, act not only as teachers but also as community advisors and mediators in social matters. Their influence ensures that religion remains closely connected to everyday life and continues to guide local customs and values.

Culturally, Muhammadiyah and NU embody two complementary sides of Javanese Islam. Muhammadiyah encourages rational thinking, discipline, and modernization, while NU nurtures local identity, spirituality, and communal solidarity. In many areas of Java, the followers of both organizations coexist peacefully. It is common for families to send their children to Muhammadiyah schools while still participating in NU-led rituals and gatherings. This coexistence demonstrates the flexibility and inclusiveness of Javanese Islam, which allows different interpretations to thrive within one cultural framework.

Politically and morally, both organizations have played important roles in shaping Indonesia’s Islamic discourse. Muhammadiyah promotes civic awareness and social justice through education, while NU emphasizes tolerance, brotherhood, and respect for diversity. Despite their ideological contrasts, both share a unified vision of building a society that is just, compassionate, and enlightened by Islamic ethics.

In the modern era, Muhammadiyah and NU continue to evolve in response to global changes. Muhammadiyah focuses on digital education and humanitarian projects, while NU develops the idea of Islam Nusantara, an approach that highlights the beauty of Islam as practiced in Indonesia’s multicultural context. Through their continuous adaptation, both organizations prove that Javanese Islam remains dynamic, inclusive, and relevant to contemporary life.

In conclusion, Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama represent two paths leading toward the same goal: nurturing faith, knowledge, and social harmony. Muhammadiyah brings reform and innovation, while NU preserves tradition and spirituality. Together, they shape a form of Islam that is both deeply rooted in heritage and open to the modern world.

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