MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MAKASSAR – Members of the Muhammadiyah community in South Sulawesi gathered for a Syawalan gathering following Eid al-Fitr, marking the Islamic year 1447 H. The event brought together religious leaders and members of the organization, including Abdul Mu’ti, Secretary General of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah.
During his remarks, Mu’ti emphasized that diversity in schools of thought and religious perspectives is a divine reality that cannot be avoided. Therefore, he urged Muslims to understand the nature of ikhtilaf, or scholarly disagreement, particularly in matters of Islamic jurisprudence.
Ikhtilaf, he explained, refers to differences of opinion among scholars on secondary legal matters (furu’iyah). Moreover, he categorized these differences into three forms: natural differences rooted in human disposition, intellectual differences shaped by reasoning and methodology, and practical differences related to how religious practices are performed.
“Rather than engaging in futile debates over who is most correct, what truly matters is the spirit of fastabiqul khairat—competing in doing good,” Mu’ti said on Saturday (28/3). “Every act of ijtihad carries its own reward, and ultimately, God alone will determine the absolute truth in the hereafter.”
Three Principles for Preserving Unity
In addition, Mu’ti highlighted the importance of maintaining unity among Muslims, which he likened to a single body. To achieve this, he outlined three key principles that he described as essential for fostering harmony.
First, he called on believers to avoid elitism and a sense of superiority, instead taking inspiration from the humility of the Prophet Muhammad. Second, he urged Muslims to cleanse their minds of negative assumptions and refrain from seeking out the faults of others. Finally, he emphasized the need to cultivate meaningful silaturahim, or social bonds.
“Silaturahim is not merely about physical gatherings,” Mu’ti explains. “It must lead to sincere efforts to untangle misunderstandings and reconnect ties that may have been strained or broken.”
Strengthening Bonds Beyond Formal Gatherings
Furthermore, Mu’ti noted that maintaining silaturahim remains crucial in strengthening the community. While gatherings such as Syawalan provide an important starting point, he stressed that their true value lies in the quality of interaction they foster.
According to him, direct, face-to-face engagement generates positive energy. It also encourages healthier and more thoughtful dialogue within the community. As a result, such interactions help build a more cohesive and intellectually vibrant Muslim society.
“The physical presence in gatherings like this brings positive energy,” he concluded. “It helps the community grow healthier and wiser through warm, direct conversations.”
