Since his childhood, Gus Ishom have been introduced to pesantren life fully littered with religious education. During his 'play age', Ishom did show his great interest in religious sciences. At the age of 7 years, in every month of Ramadan, the child Ishom always performed tarawih prayers at the Pesantren Tebuireng mosque and was always behind the imam (prayer leader).<>
Outside of Ramadan, the child Ishom also performed five obligatory prayers including maghrib at the mosque and was always behind the imam. At that time, congregational prayers were often led by KH. Idris Muhammad Kamali, son in law of Hadratus Syeikh KH. Muhammad Hasyim Asy'ari. Each time kiai Idris finished praying, he did never forget to blow Ishom's forehead by reciting prayers.
When studying at the Cukir Elementary School I, Ishom was considered one of the most outstanding students among his friends. In terms of subjects, his achievement was higher than that of his friends. At the time of entering his teen years, Ishom used his morning time to attend Madrasah Salafiyah Syafi'iyah Tsanawiyah Tebuireng and used his afternoon time to study at the A. Wahid Hasyim Junior High School.
After graduating from Madrasah Tsanawiyah Salafiyah Syafi'iyah Tebuireng, Ishom decided to study religious sciences at Pesantren Lirboyo Kediri. Under the direct guidance of KH. Mahrus Aly, Gus Ishom was increasingly interested in religious sciences by deepening traditional books (kitab kuning) taught in the pesantren. (Be continued)