MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SURABAYA — Muhammadiyah hospitals or healthcare centers demonstrate the practical and application and sustainability of Surah Al-Ma’un, as initiated by K.H. Ahmad Dahlan and Kiai Sudja’.
Quoting Kiai Sudja, President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir explained that al-Ma’un embodies compassion and love for all humanity, regardless of background. Muhammadiyah healthcare services aim to help everyone, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social status. This, he argues, is a direct reflection of the core principle of Al-Ma’un: caring for one’s fellow human beings.
Haedar contrasted the Islamic concept of Al-Ma’un with Charles Darwin’s theory of “struggle for life.” Darwin suggested that life is a battle where the strongest will survive and win. In this view, the less fortunate and marginalized are often left behind and have limited opportunities to gain welfare.
Meanwhile, Al-Ma’un teaches that every individual, regardless of their strength or weakness, deserves a chance at a better life. This, Haedar asserted, is a more humane and just approach.
“The principle of Al-Ma’un, with its emphasis on compassion, challenges Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest. This is one example of the character of Muhammadiyah,” said Haedar at the inauguration ceremony of the Muhammadiyah School Building of Tandes and the 100th Anniversary of PKU Muhammadiyah Surabaya on Sunday, September 1.
The concept of al-Ma’un has been the foundation of Muhammadiyah identity. KH Ahmad Dahlan translated the teachings of Al-Ma’un into three concrete actions: establishing hospitals, homes for the poor, and orphanages. These institutions were a direct result of Dahlan’s and Sudja’s interpretation and implementation of Al-Ma’un.
Haedar further highlighted that al-Ma’un was more than just a memorized surah for Dahlan. It was a call to action that inspired him to create tangible change.
