MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, BANDUNG – Anthropologist Julian Millie from Monash University, Australia, pointed out that Muhammadiyah da’wah goes beyond mere rhetoric (bil lisan), extending to practical action (bil hal) within the community.
Julian Millie, the Professor of Indonesian Studies, mentioned the bil hal da’wa is performed through the establishment of Muhammadiyah-‘Aisyiyah institutions in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Muhammadiyah’s da’wa is action-oriented, going beyond education to provide services in healthcare, social welfare, and economic empowerment.
Notably, Muhammadiyah da’wa stands out for its inclusivity, serving not only Muslims but also all members of society.
Julian Millie highlighted that the inclusivity of Muhammadiyah da’wa is well demonstrated by influential figures like Buya Hamka, who successfully reinforced both Islamic and Indonesian identities.
“Buya Hamka foresaw and prepared for challenges brought about by colonial influences and technological advancements,” said Julian Millie in the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Da’wa and the Architecture of Higher Education in the Future conducted on Tuesday (18/7).
Buya Hamka’s da’wa approach provided a robust defense for Muslims and the Indonesian nation against interventions by colonial powers.
Julian Millie mentioned the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in contemporary da’wa activities. It should not be confined to religious knowledge but rather integrate insights from various fields, including social sciences.
“Understanding the distinctions between religious teachings and other disciplines is crucial for enhancing da’wa,” said Julia Mille.
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