MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – The spirit of Al-Ma’un should always be internalized within Muhammadiyah institutions, particularly health care. The spirit has four typical characteristics: compassion, inclusivity, disregard for social class, and a progressive way of thinking.
First, Muhammadiyah grasps humanism inclusively, as shown by the establishment of Penolong Kesengsaraan Oemoem (PKO-Muhammadiyah Health Care) in 1923, pioneering other Muhammadiyah health care.
“Differing from Darwinism, Muhammadiyah does believe the strongest the winner, but the strong ones should help the weak, and the weak should rise through their own capabilities. The notion underlay the founding of Penolong Kesengsaraan Oemoem. Muhammadiyah assists anyone in distress, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, and social status. Therefore, the spirit of compassion should serve as the foundation of our Islamic principles and our health services,” said President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir at the 52nd anniversary commemoration of Jakarta Islamic Hospital (RSIJ) of Cempaka Putih on Friday, June 23.
Second, Muhammadiyah promotes inclusiveness. The spirit of Al-Ma’un raises awareness of sharing and caring for others irrespective of their social status, ethnicity, and religion. Muhammadiyah commits to serving the whole nation, including people living in areas where Muslims are a minority.
Third, Muhammadiyah believes that Al-Ma’un teaches people not to reinforce social barriers because of economic classes, such as dividing the rich and the poor. Here, Muhammadiyah applies Islamic socialism.
“Islamic socialism, in contrast to Marxism, unifies rather than pits the rich against the poor, the bourgeoisie against the proletariat. In Islam, those who possess wealth (aghniya) have opportunities to attain heaven by sharing their riches through zakat, infaq, and alms. Meanwhile, the weak and the destitute are not left in despair but are encouraged to rise through their own efforts,” said Haedar.
Fourth, Surah Al-Ma’un encourages Muslims not to remain idle. Muhammadiyah has embraced this message and continues to develop its charitable initiatives.
“Al-Ma’un teaches us to establish hospitals, orphanages, empowerment programs, and other initiatives that contribute to the advancement of Muslims and our nation, particularly among those who face economic and educational challenges. The approach to develop them lies not in simply providing immediate assistance for the people but in teaching them how to empower themselves,” said Haedar.
Haedar hopes that those four principles, inspired by the spirit of Al-Ma’un, will serve as the fundamental guidelines for developing Muhammadiyah’s charitable institutions.
“Why do we emphasize these four principles? For one reason, there is a lot of growing and developing positive energy. Muhammadiyah has 125 hospitals, and as a huge movement we can help people in need,” said Haedar.
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