MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Provincial Board of Central Java, Tafsir, emphasized the importance of job opportunity creation and integrity in today’s society. He argued that the most meaningful contributions today are providing employment opportunities and maintaining honesty.
“If the Prophet were alive today and we asked him what the most virtuous act is, I believe he would say two things: creating jobs and staying free from corruption,” stated Tafsir at the Ramadan preaching conducted at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) on Tuesday, March 4.
Tafsir pointed out a pressing concern among Muhammadiyah members that many young graduates struggle to find jobs.
“People need employment, not just more tahfidz centers or orphanages that don’t align with today’s economic realities,” said Tafsir.
Tafsir criticized the tendency of Islamic organizations, including Muhammadiyah, to focus solely on charitable activities like orphanages and schools while leaving economic markets in the hands of others. He emphasized that economic empowerment should be a priority.
Drawing inspiration from ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn ʿAwf, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Tafsir recounted how he declined financial assistance and instead sought business opportunities after migrating to Medina.
“ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn ʿAwf said, ‘Show me the market, and I will work.’ This is the mindset we need to adopt,” explained Tafsir.
Tafsir stressed that Muhammadiyah should actively participate in economic development rather than remain dependent on external financial forces, referencing major business conglomerates as examples.
Under Tafsir’s leadership, Muhammadiyah Central Java has begun directing its efforts toward economic sectors. One notable success is BPRS Artha Wira Barokah, a rural bank with assets reaching 300 billion rupiahs, recognized as the best in its category by Infobank.
“We allocate 10% of the bank’s profits to support da’wa,” Tafsir revealed, encouraging other Muhammadiyah institutions, including universities, to adopt similar strategies.
According to Tafsir, Muhammadiyah should evolve from a purely social organization into one that also drives economic progress.
“We need to shift from charity-focused initiatives to building industries and from social work to market engagement,” said Tafsir.
