Saad Ibrahim, the chairman of Muhammadiyah, delved into the concept of “structure of existence.” This philosophical and metaphysical concept examines the fundamental nature of reality and being, exploring what exists, how things come into being, and the underlying principles that govern existence itself.
According to Saad, the concept of “structure of existence” in ancient Greece placed nature as the highest form of being. This can be seen in Thales’ argument that the origin of humans is water. Although this view is widely disputed, it shows that nature was considered something high, with gods below it, and humans and human works at the lowest level.
However, Saad also mentioned that Islam criticizes this ancient Greek concept of “structure of existence.” In the Islamic intellectual tradition, Allah is placed at the top of the hierarchy. This is reflected in the story of the Prophet Muhammad receiving the first revelation which states, “Read in the name of your Lord who created.” In this view, humans and the universe are below God.
Furthermore, Saad explained that in Islam, humans play the role of a bridge between the environment and God. Therefore, the Quran mentions that humans are God’s representatives on earth or caliphates. This concept became the foundation of the golden age of Islam.
In the Middle Ages, when the Crusades broke out, European Christianity more or less adopted Islamic knowledge and wisdom. Nevertheless, the structure of existence they held remained the same: God at the top, followed by humans, and the universe.
When Western culture accepted the intellectual heritage of the Islamic world, they tended to choose only the aspect of rationalism and ignore its theological aspects. As a result, Christianity began to be marginalized, and Western society began to shift towards secularism. In their structure of existence, humans are placed at the top, while the universe is considered to be below. The concept of God was then only positioned in the private sphere.
In the context of the ongoing Industrial Revolution 4.0, the structure of existence is undergoing another change. It is no longer humans who are at the top of the hierarchy, but rather human works that are the highest, namely technology. In this era, technology becomes the main pillar of the dominant structure of existence, displacing the role of humans in the order of the hierarchy of existence.
Saad Ibrahim also appealed for Muhammadiyah to maintain the position of Allah as the pinnacle of the structure of existence. In Muhammadiyah’s view, Allah must remain the main focus and guide for all aspects of life.
By upholding this principle, Muhammadiyah ensures that spiritual and religious values remain central to human existence, even amidst technological advancement and changing times. Thus, Saad Ibrahim’s message emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith and religious values in the face of the ever-changing dynamics of the structure of existence.
