MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, PEKANBARU – Dato’ Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, widely known as Dato’ MAZA and currently serving as the Mufti of Perlis, Malaysia, expressed his admiration for Muhammadiyah as a movement that reflects the spirit of Islamic renewal mentioned in a well-known hadith of the Prophet Muhammad.
Speaking during a Bincang Tauhid event held at Universitas Muhammadiyah Riau (UMRI) on Friday, June 27, Dato’ MAZA referred to the hadith transmitted by Abu Dawud, “at the beginning of every century God will send one who will renew its religion for this people.”
“This renewal may not only come from individuals. It could also come from organizations, groups, or movements. I believe Muhammadiyah is one of those meant by the hadith, a true reform movement.”
Dato’ MAZA praised Muhammadiyah for its lasting influence in Indonesia and across the surrounding regions. He noted how the movement’s approach to Islamic teachings and its practical expressions of faith closely resemble the religious life of Muslims in Perlis.
“When Muhammadiyah members visit Perlis, they feel at home. Their practices, beliefs, and understanding of Islam are very similar to ours,” said Dato’ MAZA.
He also spoke about the historical figure of Ahmad Dahlan, the Muhammadiyah founder, whose life was portrayed in the film Sang Pencerah. Dato’ MAZA said the story of Dahlan and his reformist efforts resonated deeply with him and many Malaysian Muslims. He expressed his hope for a new version of the film that would present Dahlan’s progressive ideas in a way that speaks to today’s context.
“I hope a new film on Ahmad Dahlan will show more clearly the spirit of renewal he brought and how it remains relevant now,” said Dato’ MAZA.
Dato’ MAZA also encouraged Muhammadiyah to maintain its reformist spirit and to expand its vision of Islam Berkemajuan (Progressive Islam) beyond Indonesia.
“The tajdid spirit of Muhammadiyah shoukd always be nurtured and never fade. I hope Muhammadiyah continues to share its progressive Islamic values with other countries,” expressed Dato’ MAZA.
