EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, UNITED KINGDOM – The Muhammadiyah Special Branch Board of the United Kingdom and Ireland (PCIM UK and Ireland) has officially become the first, and currently the only, Indonesian organization to be a member of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB).
The membership followed a verification process that began in June after a series of meetings and discussions with one of MCB’s largest partner institutions, the East London Mosque. MCB Confirmed Muhammadiyah’s admission through an official email received on July 21, 2026.
The Muslim Council of Britain is an independent umbrella organization representing more than 500 mosques, educational institutions, charities, and Muslim professional organizations across the United Kingdom. It serves as a leading public advocacy body representing the interests of British Muslims while actively promoting initiatives related to religion, social welfare, and humanitarian issues.
Responding to the announcement, Ince Dian, Chairperson of PCIM UK and Ireland, expressed deep gratitude for the milestone. He described the membership as far more than a symbolic achievement, calling it tangible recognition of Muhammadiyah’s growing presence within the British Muslim community.
“This opens the door for us to contribute on a much broader scale. For Muhammadiyah, it affirms that our movement of da’wah and tajdid is capable of building extensive networks and being accepted within the wider Muslim community. We also believe that the values of wasathiyah (moderation) that we promote have an important place in global Muslim discourse, including among Muslims in Britain,” Dian said in an interview with the editorial team on Tuesday evening (28/7).
Membership Benefits Strengthen Muhammadiyah’s Public and Interfaith Engagement
In the interview, Dian outlined several strategic benefits that PCIM UK and Ireland will gain through its MCB membership.
First, institutional legitimacy and recognition. As part of Britain’s largest Muslim umbrella organization, PCIM gains greater credibility among the public, media, and local Muslim communities.
“This is particularly meaningful for a diaspora organization that is still relatively new in the UK,” Dian explained.
Second, access to an extensive network. Membership connects PCIM with more than 500 mosques, schools, charities, and Muslim professional organizations throughout the UK, creating opportunities for collaboration, joint programs, and resource sharing that would otherwise be difficult to achieve independently.
Third, a voice in national issues affecting British Muslims. As a member, PCIM can participate in discussions on public policies impacting Muslim communities, including issues such as discrimination, religious education, and freedom of worship. The membership also provides direct insight into the dynamics of mainstream Islam in Britain.
Fourth, opportunities for organizational development. According to Dian, MCB provides governance training, institutional guidance, media support, and professional forums that will help strengthen PCIM’s internal management.
Fifth, greater visibility and outreach. Through MCB’s communication channels, PCIM’s activities will receive wider exposure.
“This further strengthens our mission to introduce Muhammadiyah’s vision of Progressive Islam to audiences across different communities,” he said.
Sixth, a bridge for Muslim diplomacy. Membership positions PCIM as a connector between Indonesian Muslim communities and the wider British Muslim community, strengthening Islamic solidarity while enhancing Muhammadiyah’s international profile.
Finally, expanded interfaith and social partnerships. Through MCB, PCIM will have easier access to interfaith dialogue initiatives, joint humanitarian programs, and nationwide social activities.
Hopes for Meaningful Contributions in the Future
With these strategic advantages, Dian hopes the achievement will not only benefit Muhammadiyah but also encourage greater participation by other Indonesian Islamic organizations within Britain’s civil society.
“At present, we are still the only Indonesian organization represented in the Muslim Council of Britain. However, we are ready to support fellow Indonesian Muslim organizations in the UK that wish to undergo the process and become members of the MCB as well,” he said.
PCIM UK and Ireland’s membership in the Muslim Council of Britain marks an important milestone in Muhammadiyah’s internationalization efforts. Beyond expanding its organizational network, the achievement demonstrates that Muhammadiyah’s vision of Progressive Islam is gaining increasing recognition on the global stage.
Through broader collaboration, dialogue, and community engagement, Muhammadiyah is expected to continue making meaningful contributions toward building a more inclusive, peaceful, and civilized society while further strengthening Indonesia’s position as one of the world’s leading centers of Islamic civilization. (Bhisma)
