MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Hamim Ilyas, Chairperson of the Council for Religious Opinion and Reform of Muhammadiyah Central Board, emphasized that through tauhid (Islamic monotheism concept), Islam seeks to bring both true happiness and genuine truth into human life.
He delivered the statement during the fourth session of the 1447 H Ramadan Sermon session organized by Muhammadiyah Central Board at the Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta Dormitory on Saturday (21/2).
Hamim explained that Muhammadiyah officially upholds the creed of Islam Berkemajuan (Progressive Islam), a theological framework that has long inspired and mobilized the organization and its members. Within this framework, the functional presence of God is articulated through two concepts of tauhid: tauhid rahamutiyah and pure tauhid.
Referring to Surah Al-An‘am verse 12, he described tauhid rahamutiyah as the belief that the One God has prescribed mercy upon Himself. This attribute of compassion becomes the core of all His actions, attributes, and names.
“Meanwhile, tauhid murni, as explained in Surah Al-An‘am verse 82, is faith that is not mixed with injustice,” he stated.
According to Hamim, a firm commitment to tauhid produces a peaceful and secure society, guides humanity to the shirath al-mustaqim (the straight path), and facilitates the realization of blessings (ni‘mah) in all aspects of life.
He added that this theological foundation rests upon faith (iman). Strong belief gives rise to righteous deeds, liberates humanity from loss (khusr), and leads to hayah thayyibah—a good, prosperous, peaceful, and fulfilling life.
The Theological Foundation of Islam Berkemajuan
Hamim further referred to the Muqaddimah (Preamble) of Muhammadiyah’s Articles of Association, which outlines several fundamental variables as the basis of the organization’s movement:
- Ilahiyat (Divinity): Affirming that Allah is the Ultimate Truth (al-Haqq).
- Insaniyat (Humanity): Viewing humans as Allah’s vicegerents—autonomous beings and builders of civilization.
- Diniyat (Religiosity): Upholding teachings derived from the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah, consisting of divine commands and prohibitions.
- Ittiba’ al-Nabi: Following the Prophet’s example in building a truly Islamic society.
- Amar makruf nahi munkar: Enjoining good and forbidding evil as Muhammadiyah’s core mission.
- Wathaniyat (Nationhood): Accepting the state as dar al-‘ahdi wa al-syahadah—a realm of national consensus and testimony.
Through this explanation, Hamim stressed that Progressive Islamic creed is not merely a theological formulation, but the foundational spirit guiding Muhammadiyah’s efforts to build a civilized and progressive society. (Bhisma)
