MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Moderation, known as “wasathiyah“, is often interpreted as a middle path or moderate approach. However, according to General Secretary of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti, the term “wasathiyah” can also be understood as excellence.
He elaborated on this concept during a discussion centered on the ideas of Haedar Nashir, President of Muhammadiyah whose book “Jalan Baru Moderasi Beragama” (A New Path for Religious Moderation) was being launched. Mu’ti explained that wasathiyah could also be interpreted as “ajwad” or “ahyar,” both Arabic words carrying the meaning of superiority.
“This is precisely why Pak Haedar emphasizes the importance of establishing centers of excellence within Muhammadiyah. These centers shouldn’t be confined to addressing grand issues only,” Mu’ti said, using an honorific term for Nashir, in the book launch on Monday, March 4.
Muhammadiyah vision of excellence, Mu’ti highlighted, transcends vast global concerns, as exemplified by the theme chosen for its 111th anniversary: “Efforts to Save the Universe.” However, this pursuit of excellence extends to the most local levels as well.
Mu’ti illustrated Muhammadiyah deep commitment to reaching even the most remote communities by making a lighthearted comparison. “We might use GPS for navigation in most places,” he said, referring to the Global Positioning System, “but where Google doesn’t reach, Muhammadiyah does. There, we use a different kind of GPS – ‘Gunakan Penduduk Setempat,’ which means asking locals for directions.”
This anecdote underscores Muhammadiyah presence in even the most isolated areas, a point Mu’ti further emphasized. “Pak Haedar is present there too,” he said. “In these villages, Muhammadiyah offers centers of excellence. So, under Pak Haedar’s leadership, moderation becomes more than just a gentle or neutral stance. It’s about striving for excellence while maintaining a critical perspective.”
Mu’ti concluded by clarifying that Muhammadiyah interpretation of wasathiyah, or moderation, does not equate to indecisiveness, syncretism (blending of religions), passivity, or blind agreement.
“It’s about upholding the principles enshrined in Muhammadiyah khittah (charter) and implementing them through diverse, non-extreme approaches,” he explained. “The core principles remain firm, but the methods can be flexible.”
By defining moderation as encompassing excellence, Muhammadiyah demonstrates its commitment to not just finding a middle ground but also pursuing superiority in all its endeavors, all while staying true to its core values and beliefs.
