MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Secretary-General of the Muhammadiyah Business Association (SUMU) Ghufron Mustaqim emphasized the importance of understanding global megatrends for young Muslim entrepreneurs during the Young Muslim Leaders Forum held at the Jakarta Convention Center on November 2, 2024.
Ghufron highlighted the significant role of Muslim youth in driving the global economy, particularly given the growing Muslim population.
“By the mid-21st century, Muslims will be the world’s largest population. Indonesia, as the world’s largest Muslim-majority country with the largest economy, is projected to be the fourth-largest economy globally by 2050. This immense potential must be accompanied by a strong theological understanding,” Ghufron stated in the forum, part of the Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival 2024, which brought together 700 participants to discuss ‘Fostering Sustainable Economic Growth through Youth Entrepreneurship.’
He further elaborated on historical trends related to the significance of Baitul Maqdis.
“History has shown that civilizations that controlled Baitul Maqdis also dominated the world in terms of politics, culture, science, and technology. For instance, ancient Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Rome, and Islamic civilizations like the Umayyad, Abbasid, Ayyubid, and Ottoman empires were global leaders during their respective eras. All these civilizations controlled Baitul Maqdis. Today, Baitul Maqdis is under Zionist control, representing Western civilization. Thus, the West currently dominates the world,” Ghufron explained.
Citing Surah Al-Isra’ verse 7, Ghufron emphasized the prophecy of the return of Baitul Maqdis to Muslim dominion. He pointed out signs of this, such as the growing global condemnation of Zionist actions.
“Thus, SUMU has initiated programs to address these global trends. Besides supporting our members’ businesses, we have introduced programs to deepen our understanding of geopolitics, collaborating with experts like Professor Abd Al Fattah Al Awaisi. Our Saladin Camp program focuses on learning from the Prophet Muhammad’s strategies for liberating Baitul Maqdis. Economic endeavors should be complemented by strengthening our faith,” Ghufron asserted.
For information, other notable attendees at the event included the Acting Secretary-General of the Directorate General of Domestic Trade Krisna Ariza, Assistant Governor of Bank Indonesia Solikhin M Juhro, Director of the Payment System Policy Department of Bank Indonesia Yasamartha, Head of the Sharia Division and Social Management at KNKES Urip Budiarto, Chairperson of Rabu Hijrah Phirman Reza, and CEO of Hijra Bank Dima Djani.
