MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MAKASSAR – Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Council for Religious Opinion and Tajdid Hamim Ilyas highlighted the importance of Islam wasatiyah (moderation of Islam) as a guiding principle of Muhammadiyah in fostering Muslims.
Quoting the Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah verse 143, Hamim explained that Muhammadiyah position is neither rigidly conservative nor overly liberal. Instead, it follows a moderate approach based on Islamic teachings and in line with the needs of modern society.
“Muhammadiyah should pioneer the advancement of Muslims. If not us, then who?” said Hamim in the opening of the first national training for Tarjih cadre iin Makassar on Wednesday, May 28.
Hamim added that Muhammadiyah understanding of Islam wasatiyah goes beyond simple religious moderation. It is based on practical values drawn from Muhammadiyah foundational views, particularly the Masalah Lima (Five Foundational Issues), which define Islam as everything revealed in the Qur’an and delivered through authentic Sunnah. These teachings guide Muslims toward a good and meaningful life in both this world and the hereafter.
“This well-being includes both material and spiritual prosperity, and benefits both the present life and the afterlife,” Hamim said.
This idea is also reinforced by the Muhammadiyah Creed and Ideals of Life (Matan Keyakinan dan Cita-Cita Hidup Muhammadiyah), which describes Islam as a blessing and source of guidance for all people across time.
Hamim highlighted that Muhammadiyah interpretation of Islam wasatiyah reflects the true meaning of Islam rahmatan lil alamin (a mercy for the whole world). Quoting Surah Al-Anbya verse 107, “And We have not sent you [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds,” Hamim explained that this mercy is expressed through compassion, love, and efforts to help those in need.
“Mercy means offering real solutions for people’s needs. In the Qur’an, this is referred to as hayah thayyibah, or a good life—one that brings peace, comfort, and happiness,” said Hamim.
Hamim explained that this good life is promised in the Qur’an for those who have faith and do good deeds, as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 62 and Surah An-Nahl verse 97. Such people, the Qur’an says, will live free from fear and sadness.
Furthermore, the national training, according to Hamim, is an important step in preparing future Muhammadiyah leaders who truly understand the moderation of Islam. He stressed the need to produce new scholars who will continue Muhammadiyah vision.
“We don’t want Muhammadiyah to end up like a reform movement in India that faded away because it failed to produce new generations and relevant literature,” Hamim warned, citing the Aligarh Movement, which today has difficulty finding teachers who still reflect its original spirit.
Hamim also introduced three priority programs of the Council until 2027. These include developing the unified global hijri calendar, writing Muhammadiyah fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and advancing the Muhammadiyah Qur’anic interpretation project known as at-Tanwir.
“Our modern fiqh should be based on the Qur’an, particularly verses inspiring Muhammadiyah such as Al-’Asr teaching values of faith, good feeds, and mutual encouragement in truth and patience,” said Hamim.
With these efforts, Muhammadiyah aims to help build a modern Muslim society that is just, peaceful, and prosperous while setting an example of how Islam can be practiced as rahmatan lil alamin.
