Introduction to a Historic Moment: Rifa’iyyah’s Expansion in East Java

The enthusiasm to spread the teachings of Syaikhina KH. Ahmad Rifa’i continues to show promising growth across the Indonesian archipelago. Following the successful establishment of administrative bodies in various strategic provinces, the Rifa’iyyah community in East Java has marked a golden moment in history by hosting the inaugural Regional Silaturahim and Musyawarah (Musywil) for the East Java Provincial Leadership (PW) of Rifa’iyyah and the Provincial Leadership of Angkatan Muda Rifa’iyyah (AMRI) on Sunday, August 2, 2026. This event is not merely an administrative gathering but a manifestation of the long-held yearning of the pioneers who have finally found their roots in the land of Majapahit.

Main Facts: The Gathering and Its Significance

The event, which commenced at 13:00 WIB, was held at the residence of Ust. Ihsanuddin, M.Pd., located at Jl. KH. Misbahul Munir RT 04 RW 04, Kelurahan Mbujel, Kecamatan Mojoroto, Kota Kediri, East Java. Twenty-six figures and members of Rifa’iyyah, representing various regions in East Java, attended with a unified spirit: to revive the chain of dakwah (Islamic propagation) in a region that historically has an emotional closeness to the teachings of Syaikhina KH. Ahmad Rifa’i. The presence of participants from diverse backgrounds but with a shared vision injected positive energy into the organization’s future endeavors.

Chronology: A Momentous Gathering

This historic Musywil was graced by the presence of the top leadership of the organization at the central level. The Chairman of the Central Board of Rifa’iyyah, Dr. KH. Mukhlisin Muzarie, MA, attended alongside the Chairman of the Central Board of AMRI, Abdul Kholiq, M.Pd., AH, and other central AMRI executives. Their presence was not only to provide administrative legitimacy but also to offer guidance, strategic direction, and strengthen ideological understanding for the Rifa’iyyah community in East Java, ensuring alignment with the central committee’s vision.

Supporting Data: Historical Significance

In his stirring welcome speech, Dr. KH. Mukhlisin Muzarie, MA, revealed that the establishment of a regional administration in East Java represents a long-cherished dream of the previous Rifa’iyyah figures and scholars. Historically, the spread of KH. Ahmad Rifa’i’s teachings has a close connection with the land of East Java. "The struggle of the earlier Rifa’iyyah figures has always hoped that the Rifa’iyyah flag could wave in East Java. This is based on the history from the scholars who mentioned that some loyal students of KH. Ahmad Rifa’i made hijrah or sought refuge in the East Java region. Even historical records and oral traditions mention the presence of descendants (dzuriyah) of KH. Ahmad Rifa’i who settled in the Jombang area," he stated with a touch of nostalgia.

Official Responses: Guidance and Vision

The statement was warmly received by all attendees. The musyawarah, initially formal, turned into a moment of deep historical reflection. The participants realized that their presence was not coincidental but part of the continuation of a long struggle pioneered by the previous generations. This awareness of historical connection became the primary fuel for them to maintain the dignity of Syaikhina’s teachings amidst the highly heterogeneous and religious society of East Java.

Implications: A New Chapter

In line with these guidelines, the Chairman of the Central Board of AMRI, Abdul Kholiq, M.Pd., AH, emphasized the importance of organizing intentions within the organization. He invited all participants to view their organizational duties as a field of worship and a form of devotion to Allah SWT, rather than a stage for seeking popularity or personal gain. For him, leadership in the Rifa’iyyah environment is a pure medium of struggle to preserve the teachings of Syaikhina KH. Ahmad Rifa’i, which are rich in values of independence and righteousness.

"Whoever today receives the mandate as the regional leader of Rifa’iyyah and AMRI must be ready with all its consequences. Struggling for Rifa’iyyah will never reduce our wealth, time, or energy; on the contrary, it will bring abundant blessings from Allah SWT. Make this organization a means to draw closer to the Creator through service to the ummah," Abdul Kholiq stated firmly. This message of wisdom became a motivational injection for all selected administrators to work with high sincerity and unrelenting spirit.

The Establishment of Regional Leadership

The musyawarah process itself took place in a familial and consultative atmosphere, reflecting the organizational maturity of the Rifa’iyyah community. After productive discussions, the participants agreed on the inaugural structure of the PW Rifa’iyyah and PW AMRI of East Java. This decision was made considering the competency, dedication, and geographical reach of the administrators to coordinate dakwah more effectively at the provincial level.

The establishment of this administration is a significant historical milestone expected to catalyze the organization’s development across East Java. The new administrators face significant tasks, ranging from building internal consolidation, strengthening the basis of dakwah, devising systematic cadre development programs, to introducing the monumental works of Syaikhina KH. Ahmad Rifa’i to the broader public. With a moderate approach and grassroots engagement, it is hoped that Rifa’iyyah teachings can be well-received as one of the pillars strengthening interfaith harmony in East Java.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

This moment is also an integral part of the grand effort by the Central Board of Rifa’iyyah and AMRI to continue expanding the organization’s reach across the country. With the presence of regional administrations, it is hoped that communication channels between the center and the regions become smoother, allowing every work program to be implemented uniformly and measurably. The struggle spirit of the scholars must continue to be ignited so that it does not stop at the current generation but is passed on to future generations.

In conclusion, high hopes are pinned on all administrators who have accepted this mandate. May Allah SWT always grant them physical and spiritual strength, sincerity of heart, and blessings in every step of their struggle. This administration is expected to bring tangible benefits to the community, strengthen the bonds of silaturahim among Rifa’iyyah members, and become a means for the growth of dakwah and the thought of Syaikhina KH. Ahmad Rifa’i in the land of Majapahit. The presence of this organization is not just an addition to the number of religious organizations but as a reinforcement of the virtues inherited from the national hero. May Allah SWT bless every effort made, aamiin ya Rabbal ‘alamin.

The success of this Musywil also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the intellectual and spiritual legacy of scholars. As embodied in the historical traces in Batang, where the great name of KH. Ahmad Rifa’i is immortalized as a street name as a form of national tribute, the steps in East Java are an attempt to "immortalize" his teachings in the form of concrete and sustainable organizational practices. With the establishment of the East Java PW Rifa’iyyah, the door to dakwah is now wider open to spread the message of peaceful Islam based on the understanding of the books written by Syaikhina.

Author: Ahmad Zahid Ali
Editor: Yusril Mahendra

This event marks a significant chapter in the history of Rifa’iyyah’s expansion, symbolizing the organization’s commitment to spreading the teachings of Syaikhina KH. Ahmad Rifa’i and fostering a community based on the principles of independence, righteousness, and service to humanity. As the organization moves forward, it is poised to play a pivotal role in promoting interfaith harmony and contributing to the spiritual and intellectual development of the community in East Java and beyond.