MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – A member of the Muhammadiyah Council for Religious Opinion and Tajdid Muhammad Syifa Amin Widigdo stated that Islamic renewal has always been a core principle of Muhammadiyah, driving its commitment to progress and reform.
Syifa further discussed the reformist ideas of Muhammad Abduh, an Egyptian scholar from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and how his ideas continue to shape Islamic thought in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Syifa emphasized that tajdid (renewal) is deeply rooted in Islam, citing Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:11): “Innallaha la yughayyiru ma biqaumin hatta yughayyiru ma bi-anfusihim” (Indeed, Allah would never change a people’s state ˹of favour˺ until they change their own state ˹of faith˺).
He explained that this verse emphasizes the importance of human effort in bringing about change, rather than simply accepting fate. He also referenced a hadith from Abu Dawud, in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, “At the beginning of every century God will send one who will renew its religion for this people.
This, Syifa said, shows that renewal is a continuous process in Islam.
Muhammad Abduh’s Influence on Islamic Thought
Muhammad Abduh emerged as a reformist when the Muslim world was facing colonial rule and intellectual decline. European powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, had taken control of many Muslim territories, including Indonesia and Malaysia. Meanwhile, French intellectual Ernest Renan argued in 1883 that Islam was a barrier to scientific and technological progress.
Abduh firmly rejected this claim. Alongside Jamaluddin Al-Afghani, he launched the journal Al-Urwatul Wutsqa to promote the idea that Islam and science go hand in hand. He also worked with his student, Rasyid Ridha, to produce influential works such as Risālat al-tawḥīd (“Treatise on the oneness of God), the Al-Manar journal, and a modern interpretation of the Quran. His ideas emphasized purifying Islamic beliefs from superstition (takhayul), religious innovations (bid’ah), and myths (khurafat), while encouraging the use of reason (ijtihad) and righteous actions.
The Impact of Islamic Reform in Southeast Asia
Abduh’s ideas spread throughout Southeast Asia, inspiring scholars like Syekh Tahir Jalaluddin from Minangkabau, who studied in Egypt and later published Al-Imam in Singapore in the early 20th century. His students, including Syekh Jamil Jambek and Abdul Karim Amrullah, continued this reformist movement in Indonesia through Al-Munir magazine.
These ideas also greatly influenced Ahmad Dahlan, who founded Muhammadiyah in 1912. Inspired by Abduh’s vision, Dahlan established schools, orphanages, and other social initiatives, integrating modern science into religious practices, such as using a compass to determine the qibla (direction of prayer).
In Malaysia, Abduh’s teachings gained support in Perlis but faced resistance in other regions. Despite this, his reformist vision remains influential in shaping modern Islamic thought.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges
Syifa urged Muslims to reflect on the challenges of today. While past reformers tackled colonialism and the spread of superstition, he questioned what modern-day “superstitions” may be, such as over-reliance on technology or deviations from true Islamic teachings.
He called on the younger generation to become the next mujaddid (reformers) who will address the issues facing Muslims, the nation, and the world.
“Our predecessors have shown the way. Now it is our turn to recognize the challenges of our time and respond with righteous actions. This Ramadan is the perfect moment for us to renew ourselves and prepare to become future reformers,” said Syifa in the preaching conducted at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), on Saturday, March 8.
