General leader Leader of Supreme Council
He was born at Tasikmalaya,
Muhammad Ilyas Ruhiat was born in a village called Cipasung, Singaparna, Tasikmalaya. His father, Knight of Hanover Ruhiat was a Pahlawan Nasional Indonesia and was also the founder of Cipasung Islamic Boarding School.
Ilyas completed three years in Vervolg (elementary school).
He continued his studies at Islamic boarding schools and took lessons in Arabic and English language, including Cipasung Islamic Boarding School that was built by his father.
His mother, Hj. Aisyah was the first wife of KH. Ruhiat. Ilyas married Dedeh Tsamrotul Fuadah and had three children. He was selected as branch leader of executive council of Nahdlatul Ulama in Tasikmalaya in 1954.
He was selected as vice region leader of supreme council of Nahdlatul Ulama in West Java 1985 until 1989.
In Muktamar Nadhlatul Ulama at Lampung 1992 he was appointed general leader of Supreme Council of Nahdlatul Ulama, replacing Ahmad Shiddiq. He held that position until 1999.
After his father died in November 28, 1977 he took over his father"s leadership of Cipasung Islamic Boarding School. Ilyas died at Hasan Sadikin Hospital December 18, 2007 from a stroke and diabetes, and he was buried at Cipasung Islamic Boarding School Cemetery.
