MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Al-Ma’un underlay the establishment of Muhammadiyah by Ahmad Dahlan. He taught us to implement the surah in social da’wa.
“Ahmad Dahlan encouraged his students to apply al-Ma’un in their real life,” said President of ‘Aisyiyah Salmah Orbayinah on the national meeting at the ‘Aisyiyah Council for Community Empowerment (MKS) on Monday to Wednesday (July 28-30).
Kiai Dahlan’s theological foundation went beyond theoretical knowledge and is manifested in practical actions. Surah Al-Ma’un serves as the cornerstone for Muhammadiyah’s commitment to serving the underprivileged.
Salmah mentioned three pillars based on the theology of Al-Ma’un: healing (health services), schooling (education services), and feeding (social services).
“Of all ‘Aisyiyah councils, the MKS has all three services. Indeed, the MPK collaborates with other councils and the government to provide services for children who become sexual violence victims and confront legal issues, the elderly, and the disable. The MKS offers physical and social service,” said Salmah.
Salmah hoped that the national meeting would result in post-muktamar (congress) program policies swiftly implemented nationwide.
“‘Aisyiyah should be a problem solver in society,” said Salmah.
Furthermore, the Chair of the MKS mentioned that the national meeting raised a theme ‘Pemimpin Berkemajuan, Mustadh’afin’ Berdaya (Progressive Leaders, the Empowered Mustadh’afin’ /Disadvantaged). It is expected that all MKS at regional levels instills the spirit to develop and empower disadvantaged people.
The regional MKS, then, may enhance policy advocacy and empowerment for the underprivileged, shifting from charity-based aid to more comprehensive assistance.
Community empowerment may build disadvantaged people’s self-reliance, and they may ultimately become zakat givers one day.