MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Haedar Nashir, President of Muhammadiyah, highlighted the pioneering role of Ahmad Dahlan in the early growth of the organization.
Haedar, a Professor of Sociology, described how Ahmad Dahlan was the first Muslim preacher to conduct public religious gatherings in spaces such as schools and offices. This was a groundbreaking move at the time, as religious teachings were traditionally confined to mosques and private homes.
Ahmad Dahlan also played a key role in establishing regular religious study groups, such as the Kajian Malam Jumat (Friday Night Preaching) and the Pengajian Malam Selasa (Tuesday Night Preaching), which continue to exist to this day. These study groups provided a platform for in-depth discussions on Islamic teachings and their application in daily life.
Beyond religious education, Ahmad Dahlan also pioneered the institutionalization of zakat collection and Hajj pilgrimage. He established Muhammadiyah zakat collection agency, which ensures that zakat is collected and distributed efficiently and transparently. He also sent Kiai Sudja’ and two other students to Mecca to study the Hajj pilgrimage in detail, laying the foundation for Muhammadiyah’s Hajj guidance services.
Thanks to Kiai Dahlan’s pioneering efforts, Muhammadiyah experienced rapid growth in its early years. By 1922, the organization had spread to almost all corners of the Indonesian archipelago. This expansion was driven by Muhammadiyah focus on meeting the needs of the local communities it served.
Muhammadiyah rapid growth was not without challenges. The organization faced resistance from traditionalist groups who were opposed to its reformist ideas. However, Muhammadiyah message of social reform and progress resonated with many people, and it was eventually accepted in most parts of Indonesia.
Haedar Nashir emphasized that Muhammadiyah success is rooted in its inclusive and systematic approach to da’wa. The organization’s statutes emphasize the importance of spreading, advancing, and bringing joy to the people. This inclusive approach, combined with Muhammadiyah’s strong focus on education and social welfare, has made it one of the most influential Muslim organizations in Indonesia.
The pioneering role of KH. Ahmad Dahlan and the early generations of Muhammadiyah leaders laid the foundation for the organization’s remarkable growth and success. Their commitment to social reform, education, and community development continues to inspire Muhammadiyah’s work today, as it strives to build a more just and prosperous society for all Indonesians.
