EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SLEMAN – When Kiai Ahmad Dahlan first promoted his da’wah movement by establishing modern schools, many people considered the effort heretical and even labeled him a kafir (unbeliever). Today, however, that educational model has proven successful. Moreover, it has been adopted by numerous other Islamic organizations.
This demonstrates that reform movements require courage and a willingness to face criticism, even accusations of disbelief. This message was conveyed by Haedar Nashir, President of Muhammadiyah, during the Ahad Wage Islamic sermon in Moyudan, Sleman, on Sunday (21/6).
Kiai Dahlan’s struggle to educate the nation’s younger generation encountered significant resistance. Many within the Muslim community opposed his ideas and accused him of imitating non-Muslims. Nevertheless, these criticisms did not deter him from pursuing educational reform.
“The Dutch colonial government established schools, and then Muhammadiyah established schools as well. People considered this an imitation of the Dutch. As a result, Kiai Dahlan was labeled a kafir,” Haedar explained.
Over time, however, Kiai Dahlan’s approach to da’wah yielded remarkable results. Today, Muhammadiyah, which was founded in 1912, operates thousands of Muhammadiyah Charitable Enterprises (AUM) in the field of education.
This success has become mainstream and has inspired many other organizations to follow a similar path. Therefore, as a pioneer of modern Islamic education, Muhammadiyah must not become complacent or stagnant, particularly its ‘Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal (ABA) kindergartens.
Muhammadiyah Education: Giving Meaning to Life
For Haedar Nashir, education is not merely about developing intellectual abilities so that graduates can secure jobs that match their educational background.
Rather, he believes that Muhammadiyah education aims to help students find meaning and purpose in life. Education should not be viewed solely as a pathway to employment, and even when graduates enter the workforce, becoming a civil servant is not the only measure of success.
“Work requires spirit and intention. We can work in many different places. But often our concern is simply whether our children can become government employees after completing their education,” Haedar said.
He emphasized that all professions carry equal dignity in the sight of Allah. Therefore, teachers in private schools and entrepreneurs should never feel inferior. Whatever one’s occupation, it should be accompanied by sincere intentions, a desire for divine blessings, and a spirit of service.
“Kiai Dahlan and Muhammadiyah wanted people to experience a meaningful life. That is why they established schools, hospitals, and even ‘Aisyiyah,” Haedar explained.
When ‘Aisyiyah was founded, Kiai Dahlan and Nyai Walidah observed that women were often confined by social expectations and stereotypes that restricted them to domestic roles centered around the kitchen, household chores, and family responsibilities.
Through ‘Aisyiyah, Muhammadiyah encouraged women to participate actively in public life. The organization promoted the idea that men and women should advance together as equals in contributing to the progress of the Muslim community and the nation.
