MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir is set to launch a new book entitled “Gerakan Islam Berkemajuan” (The Progressive Islamic Movement) at the 2024 Tanwir National Meeting in Kupang.
The 750-page book, published by Suara Muhammadiyah and Kompas, is a year-long endeavor. It affirms that Muhammadiyah is on the right path as a progressive movement
“This book provides both theoretical and factual explanations of Muhammadiyah as a role model of the embodiment of Progressive Islamic thought and mission in the real world.” said Haedar on Sunday, December 1.
The book also highlights various achievements and the recognition Muhammadiyah has received for its impact, with praise coming from both international and national scholars and researchers.
“Muhammadiyah has not only articulated a vision of Progressive Islam but has also consistently demonstrated its commitment to this vision through its actions. Since its establishment, Muhammadiyah has proven itself to be a progressive Islamic movement dedicated to the advancement of the people, nation, and universal humanity,” said Haedar.
As the author, Haedar goes into detail about how scholars and researchers from around the world have logically and rationally recognized and praised Muhammadiyah for its contributions, from its early years to today.
For instance, Robert W. Hefner, an anthropologist and Islamic studies expert from Boston University described Muhammadiyah as a “key” to understanding Indonesia’s success in balancing religious and social commitments. He stated, “In my view, Muhammadiyah is the key to why Indonesia is the only country that has successfully carried out social and religious activities that can be observed as a model for the entire world, not only for Muslim organizations but also for others in different countries. I firmly believe that the country that has developed the most effective, modern, and truly Islamic educational system is Indonesia. Indeed, the organization that has contributed most to this success is Muhammadiyah.”
Similarly, James L. Peacock, an anthropologist from the University of Carolina, praised Muhammadiyah, saying “With hundreds of branches and millions of members throughout Indonesia, Muhammadiyah is the largest and most influential Islamic movement in Southeast Asia. Dedicated to promoting the core teachings of Islam, Muhammadiyah has also made significant contributions in social welfare and education. The organization runs health clinics, orphanages, social services, and thousands of schools, making it one of the largest non-Christian organizations in Indonesia in terms of social, educational, and religious impact. Its women’s wing, Aisyiyah, is likely the largest Muslim women’s movement in the world. In short, Muhammadiyah is one of the most powerful and important organizations in the world’s fifth-largest country.”
In addition to the two figures mentioned, this book also includes numerous insights and research findings from global scholars on Muhammadiyah’s work and impact. It highlights their appreciation for Muhammadiyah’s progressive approach to Islam, which reinforces its identity as a forward-thinking Islamic movement.
The book not only presents these international perspectives but also strengthens the official statement from the 48th Muhammadiyah Congress (Muktamar) in Surakarta, known as the Treatise on Progressive Islam.
