MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SIDOARJO – Islam, according to Muhammadiyah, is a faith that encourages its followers to seek progress and advancement in all aspects of life.
“Muhammadiyah believes that Islam guides its followers toward progress. It’s not just about living in peace and comfort but about striving for an advanced and dynamic way of life,” said Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Agung Danarto at the Baitul Arqom organized by the Muhammadiyah Branch of Sidoarjo on Wednesday, January 29.
Agung explained that Islam Berkemajuan (Progressive Islam) promotes a civilization built on excellence in knowledge and technology. However, Muhammadiyah vision of progress is not about imitating Western advancements but developing a forward-thinking society based on Islamic principles.
At the core of this progress is the command to read, as stated in the first revealed verse of the Qur’an, Iqra’. Agung emphasized that reading should not be limited to Al-Qur’an but should encompass all forms of knowledge.
“When the command to read was revealed, the Qur’an itself had only one verse. So, what was meant to be read? Everything,” he said.
He pointed out that this command encouraged Muslims, including Prophet Muhammad, to study the great civilizations of the past, such as Greece, Persia, Rome, and China.
“Iqra’ is about reading in a creative and innovative way. This kind of reading leads to the development of knowledge and technology that benefit humanity,” added Agung.
Beyond its literal meaning, Iqra’ carries a deeper message, namely a call to love knowledge and reflect on the changes in the universe. Since it was the first command given in Islam, it highlights the importance of intellectual pursuit.
Therefore, Agung urged Muhammadiyah members to fully embrace this principle, emphasizing that reading is the foundation of knowledge and the key to building a progressive civilization.
