NU was founded on January 31, 1926 by a ulema and merchants to defend both traditionalist Islamic practices (in accordance with the Shafi’i school) and its members’ economic interests. NU’s religious views are considered “traditionalist” in that they tolerate local culture as long as it doesn’t contradict Islamic teachings.

The NU exists to spread Islamic teaching. Its goal is “to spread messages about a tolerant Islam in their respective countries to curb radicalism, extremism and terrorism,” which, it claims, “often spring from a misinterpretation of Islamic teachings.”

It undertakes educational activities through its network of 6,830 Islamic boarding schools, or pesantren. It also owns 44 universities, and is involved in economic and agricultural studies, and social activities including family planning.

According to Wikiedia.