Ulil Abshar Abdalla is a Muslim scholar, writer, and progressive thinker widely recognized for his efforts to promote an inclusive and rational discourse on Islam. Born in Pati, Central Java, he received his early education at the Mathali’ul Falah Islamic Boarding School in Kajen, then continued his studies at LIPIA Jakarta and the Driyarkara School of Philosophy. He later earned his M.A. from Boston University and pursued doctoral studies at Harvard University. Ulil is known for his religious thought that emphasizes the balance between tradition and modernity. He actively writes essays and columns, and conducts public readings and reflections on classical works, most notably Imam al-Ghazali’s Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din, through his widely followed online program Ngaji Ihya’. His publications, including Menyegarkan Kembali Pemikiran Islam and Kaum Muda dan Krisis Moral, reflect his deep engagement with questions of ethics, spirituality, and humanity. For his intellectual contributions, he has received the Nurcholish Madjid Award and the Religious Moderation Figure Award from Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, establishing him as one of the most influential public intellectuals in contemporary Islamic thought in Indonesia.
