SURAKARTA, MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID – Saad Ibrahim, the Chairman of Muhammadiyah, wished teachers in Muhammadiyah educational institutions to be valued professionally. Although financial compensation is not the only professionalism measurement, the higher the financial compensation, the better.
In a webinar held by Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) on Wednesday (29/3), Saad said that the welfare of Muhammadiyah teachers is an inseparable part of efforts to regain the Islamic Golden Age.
Reflecting on the history of the Islamic Golden Age in the Middle Ages, the vital element was the role of teachers who disseminated knowledge widely across Islamic territories. Indeed, science was tremendously valued.
“During Umar bin Khattab’s time, someone who taught the Arabic alphabet to recite the Quran would make approximately the equivalent of 30 to 35 million rupiah per month in today’s currency,” said Saad.
In the following eras, when scholars translated Greek books into Arabic, they were paid in gold weighing the translated book. The high appreciation for science led to the Islamic Golden Age.
“I believe Muhammadiyah will be the pioneer and become vital part to achieve the second Islamic Golden Age,” said Saad.
However, teachers in Muhammadiyah institutions may not solely expect to get salary. They should believe that their entire lives will be taken care of by Allah.
According to Saad Ibrahim, a Muhammadiyah teacher’s faith in monotheism should give good inclusive service for students from both internal and external Muhammadiyah.
“We have to be aware that the students will be Muhammadiyah’s ambassadors deployed to many regions. Thus, we have to serve them well so they will remember us and proud of Muhammadiyah institutions,” said Saad.
