MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, BANDUNG – Dadang Kahmad, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah addressed the evolving landscape of challenges faced by the movement in the 21st century. He categorized these challenges into two broad areas: religious disruptions and social disruptions. Dadang emphasized the importance of knowledge as a key tool for Muhammadiyah to navigate these new realities.
One category of challenges concerns religious disruptions. These include the emergence of new movements that extend beyond concerns about superstition (tahayul), innovations deemed heretical (bid’ah), and unfounded beliefs (khurafat). The contemporary challenges encompass ideologies like secularism, liberalism, pluralism, feminism, and relativism. The ease of access to information, particularly among a young Indonesian Muslim population, is a major contributing factor to the rise of these new movements.
Social disruptions form the other category of challenges. Issues like poverty and wealth inequality, various health concerns, energy security, maintaining peace amidst global conflicts, and climate change are all pressing issues demanding attention. Dadang highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change and warning of rising temperatures.
“The Earth is not in good condition. This climate problem also results in extreme heat, which is predicted to continue rising,” said Dadang in the Gerakan Subuh Mengaji (GSM) program conducted by ‘Aisyiyah of East Java on Thursday (July 4).
In response to the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century, Muhammadiyah has developed a comprehensive strategy. At its 48th Congress (Muktamar), the movement identified three key challenges, namely regarding Muslims, the nation, and universal humanity. Muhammadiyah tackles these diverse challenges through concrete actions, such as expanding its services in healthcare, education, economic development, and other critical sectors.
According to Dadang, Muhammadiyah enduring strength lies in its unwavering ideology, which is firmly rooted in the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. This core ideology is codified in several key documents, including the Preamble to the Articles of Association, the Identity of Muhammadiyah, the Corpus of Creed and Life Goals of Muhammadiyah (MKCHM), the Guidance for the Islamic Life of Muhammadiyah Members (PHIWM), and a Treatise of Progressive Islam (RIB).
In addition, Muhammadiyah also relies on a well-defined set of strategic steps outlined in various charters. These charters include the Palembang Charter (1959), the Ponorogo Charter (1969), the Ujung Pandang Charter (1971), the Surabaya Charter (1978), and the Denpasar Charter (2002).
Dadang emphasizes that Muhammadiyah ideology becomes the foundation for its various initiatives.
“This ideology is what gives rise to movements,” Dadang explains, highlighting the centrality of the Al-Quran and Sunnah. Muhammadiyah ideology inspires its preaching efforts, social work, and other activities aimed at betterment.
Looking towards the future, Muhammadiyah aspires to become a global movement that transcends cultural barriers. The organization is committed to being proactive and adaptable in the face of change, innovative in its governance, and responsive to the critical issues shaping the contemporary world.
