EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, BANDUNG – Haedar Nashir, President of Muhammadiyah Central Board, urged leaders within the organization to separate personal interests from positions of responsibility and public trust.
Speaking during the 10th anniversary celebration of Universitas Muhammadiyah Bandung on Saturday (16/5), Haedar said leadership within Muhammadiyah requires sincerity, restraint, and moral discipline.
“Anyone entrusted with leadership at any level must close the door to personal interests,” he said. “Especially within Muhammadiyah, leadership should not be driven by individual agendas.”
Leadership Requires Balance and Wisdom
Haedar also emphasized the importance of responding wisely to public discourse and media narratives. According to him, leaders should understand social dynamics without reacting impulsively to every issue.
“Not every issue must be answered,” he said. “But not everything should be ignored either.”
To illustrate his point, he quoted a traditional Malay proverb: “Avoid being like a chicken in the coop, making noise over laying one egg. Be like a turtle on the beach, laying hundreds of eggs without boasting.”
He described the proverb as a reflection of tawassuth, or moderation, a principle he believes Muhammadiyah leaders should uphold in both communication and decision-making.
“In certain situations, we must still be able to give direction and make an impact,” he added.
Spirituality and Humility in Organizational Life
Haedar said leadership within Muhammadiyah also requires spiritual depth and emotional intelligence, especially in an organization composed of diverse personalities and perspectives.
According to him, meaningful communication cannot rely solely on formal speech or institutional authority.
“No matter how complicated relationships become, when people speak from the heart, there is still connection,” he said.
He further advised Muhammadiyah members not to publicize their good deeds merely to seek praise or recognition. Genuine contributions, he said, will eventually become known naturally.
“There is no need to announce every good deed,” he said. “God records it, the universe remembers it, and people will eventually recognize it on their own.”
At the same time, he warned that those who abuse positions of trust or act dishonestly would ultimately face the consequences of their own actions. He linked the message to a verse from the Qur’an, Surah Al-Isra verse 7.
Promoting Truth With Moderation
Haedar concluded by reminding Muhammadiyah members to uphold truth and moral values through moderate and ethical conduct.
He cautioned against promoting righteousness through harshness or hostility, arguing that truth should never be delivered through destructive behavior.
While encouraging members to maintain personal piety and integrity, he also warned against feelings of moral superiority.
“Muhammadiyah members should continue striving for purity and devotion,” he said. “But they must never feel that they are the purest among others.”
