In the current era, this type of literary work is increasing with the rise of social media and technology that has experienced many developments. In addition to types based on form and content; literature can also be distinguished based on where the literary work develops and lives, such as pesantren literature.
Then, what is meant by pesantren literature? According to Abdurrahman Wahid in Sunyoto (2012), what is meant by pesantren literature can be explained in two definitions. First, pesantren literature is a literary work that explores the habits of pesantren. Second, pesantren literature is an academic work with a pesantren psychology pattern with a solid religious structure (religious colour).
The existence of literature in Pesantren began with the establishment of the first pesantren in the archipelago, namely the Tegalsari Pesantren, in 1742. Indeed, since the establishment of the Tegalsari Pesantren until now, there has been no academic curriculum in the pesantren. However, it is possible to teach literature in a pesantren environment.
Literature often used in Pesantren is usually in the form of poetry or poetry, such as poetry on Nadhom Alfiyah Ibn Maliki, Nadhom imrithi, Nadhom Aqidatul Awwam, and so on. The students are not only trained to read but to be memorized and submitted to the teacher or Ustaz. The teachers or Ustaz will also, of course, explain what the meaning of the nadhom is.
The literature used in pesantren is not only in the form of poetry or poetry. The book of Mahfudzat, or a book containing beautiful pearls of wisdom, is also studied. The book of Mahfudzat is often memorized by the students and practised to motivate themselves.