Nahdlatul Ulama’s Civilizational Solutions: An Integrative Model of Moderate Islam

Abstract

This study aims to examine Nahdlatul Ulama’s civilizational solutions as a holistic and integrative model for responding to contemporary challenges. Using a qualitative literature review design, this study analyzes scholarly journals, academic books, institutional reports, and relevant documents concerning NU, Islamic moderation, pesantren, cultural da‘wah, community-based economy, political moderation, ecological responsibility, and Humanitarian Islam. The data were analyzed through content analysis by identifying, classifying, comparing, and synthesizing key concepts from the selected literature. The findings show that NU’s civilizational model consists of five interconnected dimensions. First, NU’s philosophical foundation is rooted in Ahlussunnah wal Jama‘ah values, maqāṣid al-syarī‘ah, cultural accommodation, and social responsibility. Second, its theological and spiritual solutions emphasize Islam rahmatan lil ‘alamin, tasawuf akhlaki, jihad al-nafs, and communal religious traditions. Third, NU develops educational and socio-cultural solutions through pesantren, knowledge integration, religious moderation, and cultural da‘wah. Fourth, NU offers economic, political, and ecological solutions through community-based Islamic economy, ethical politics, Pancasila commitment, fiqh al-bi’ah, and environmental sustainability. Fifth, NU expands its global role through Humanitarian Islam, interfaith dialogue, bahtsul masail, and counter-radicalism. This study concludes that NU should be understood not merely as a traditional Islamic organization, but as an integrative civilizational actor that connects theology, spirituality, education, culture, economy, politics, ecology, and global humanitarian engagement.