MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — The Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Syamsul Anwar highlighted the importance of a progressive perspective (tajdid) in understanding Islamic teachings in the modern era. He emphasized that Muhammadiyah accentuated a forward-looking approach rather than being confined by traditional interpretations.
“Muhammadiyah embraces a tajdid perspective, which means looking forward rather than being tied to the past. We understand religion from the perspective of our current and future needs,” said Syamsul Anwar in the Sunday morning preaching held at the Kiai Sudja Mosque on July 28.
He further elaborated that this approach is mentioned in the Muhammadiyah Tarjih decisions, particularly in the realm of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh).
Syamsul Anwar also addressed the evolving discourse on women’s leadership roles, highlighting the often-cited hadith that states, “People who make a woman their ruler will never prosper.” He argued that this hadith must be understood within its historical and cultural context.
“This hadith should be interpreted in light of the social and cultural conditions of the time of the Prophet Muhammad, when women generally lacked public experience. The Prophet’s intention was for leaders to have a broad understanding of the world beyond their homes,” Syamsul Anwar clarified.
He further pointed out that, in 1976, the Muhammadiyah Council for Religious Opinion and Tajdid had issued a decision permitting women to have leadership roles, reflecting the organization’s progressive stance. “This is not a new decision; it was made almost half a century ago,” he added.
Syamsul Anwar stressed the significance of qualifications for leadership, regardless of gender. “Women can become leaders as long as they possess the necessary qualifications for the position. This applies to men as well; if one lacks the required expertise, they are not fit to lead,” he asserted.
In his preaching, Syamsul Anwar also emphasized the importance of methodological approaches to understanding hadith. He explained that hadiths cannot be interpreted in isolation but must be correlated with Quranic verses, other hadiths, and established principles of Islamic jurisprudence.
“Therefore, there is a tajdid perspective that is oriented towards the future, not the past. And the sources of our understanding of religion are not limited to the Quran and Sunnah but also include other relevant contextual sources,” he said.
In essence, Syamsul Anwar emphasized Muhammadiyah commitment to a dynamic and contemporary understanding and practicing of Islamic teachings, while also upholding the principles of justice and equality in society.
