MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – A Muhammadiyah scholar Sukidi said that Millennial Muslims could adopt the thoughts of Ahmad Dahlan as the use of reason, compassion, and devotion.
First, the use of reason was a means of Ahmad Dahlan to enlighten the next generation. It’s similar to what the first Indonesian president Soekarno said.
The use of reason provided alternatives for religion to respond to changes through ijtihad (independent legal reasoning). Ahmad Dahlan used the reason to enlighten Muslims blindly following traditions then.
“Ahmad Dahlan rationally used the reason to bring Muslims to confront a modern era,” said Sukidi on Wednesday (6/4).
Muslims turned into disciplined, had a work ethos, and were oriented to modernity. Those have been relevant for Muslims to face this modern era.
Second, Ahmad Dahlan taught compassion. According to Sukidi, Ahmad Dahlan took sides with the poor and vulnerable (dhuafa’-mustadh’afin).
Sukidi believed that Dahlan’s compassion was not just a reflection of his feelings but was also based on religious principles and his close relationship with the poor and oppressed.
“Dahlanwas very close to the weak, the poor, and the needy. He believed that they’re part of us. Thus, we have to be compassionate,” said Sukidi.
Finally, Dahlan taught devotion to Muhammadiyah. This teaching has led Muhammadiyah to flourish tremendously and to provide services in many areas for the benefit of the community, nation, and universal humanity.
