Aceh, the "Veranda of Mecca," has the reputation of being the most deeply Muslim region in Indonesia. Because of its traditional value system, ulama have had broad influence in Acehnese society. I describe the role of the ulama in Aceh as leaders of resistance to Dutch colonialism and show how their influence declined over the last thirty years. Since 1976 when the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) demanded independence from the Indonesian government, Aceh has been the site of a militarized conflict. During this time the role of the ulama declined as the authoritarian government of former president, Suharto (1967-1998) tried to co-opt their support and GAM demanded their allegiance. After a tsunami hit Aceh in December 2004, the government and GAM negotiated a peace accord. I describe the reemergence of ulama in post-tsunami Aceh and argue that they should be given a more significant role in reconstruction. If this happens, modern ulama could make reconstruction projects more effective and moderate how syariah is implemented in Aceh.