MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, BANTUL – President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir emphasized the need to reconstruct the understanding of tawhid (oneness of God) in Islam.
Haedar noted that Muslims often limit the concept of tawhid to the relationship between Allah and humans. He argued that this understanding is too narrow and needs to be expanded to include the relationship between humans and other humans.
“In the view of progressive Islam, Muhammadiyah strives to re-enrich the meaning of tawhid. Tawhid is not only about the relationship between Allah and humans, but also about the relationship between humans and other humans. There are many verses in the Quran and hadiths that explain the relationship between humans and other humans. This is because humans have a tendency towards egoism and individualism,” said Haedar at the Ramadan preaching for staff of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta on Monday (March 25).
Haedar stressed that tawhid is not just about being aware of God, but also about being aware of the need to build good relationships with other humans. He said that Islam is a religion that emphasizes balance in all aspects of life, and that Muslims should not feel that they are the only ones who are right in their beliefs and ignore the world around them.
“Tawhid teaches Muslims to care about humanity and the environment,” Haedar said. “If we want to make tawhid a reconstructed concept, let’s make tawhid a part of the process of changing ourselves for the better, especially during this Ramadan.”
Haedaer explained that there are three effects of having a high level of tawhid: feeling that one is aways being watched by Allah, constantly introspecting oneself, and being sincere in living one’s life.
Haedar concluded by saying that by returning to the true meaning of tawhid, Muslims today can build a more civilized life, including in terms of intelligence, progress, and dignity.
“The momentum of the fasting month should be used to refine the heart by controlling emotions, and at the same time to sharpen the mind by sorting out information so that it remains critical,” he said.
