MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAYAPURA-Muhammadiyah has had a tradition of striving for the people, the nation, and universal humanity since the era of Kiai Ahmad Dahlan. It only took ten years after its establishment in 1912 that Muhammadiyah could exist throughout Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke. In Papua, Muhammadiyah has been present since 1926 and has involved women in the front lines to take roles.
Indeed, Muhammadiyah continues to flourish through its institutions, including overseas ones such as Malaysia, Australia, and Egypt.
President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir said that the notion of ‘Islam Berkemajuan’ (Progressive Islam) as an interpretation of rahmatan lil ‘alamin (mercy to the whole world) underlay the establishment of this movement.
“Grace comes from compassion of Allah, and He loves all creatures, either who believe and disbelieve. That’s the nature of Allah,” said Haedar at the 8th regional meeting of Muhammadiyah-‘Aisyiyah of Papua.
“Islam as rahmatan lil alaamin also refers to Islam as dinul hadarah (a religion to build a noble civilization). A civilization is because of divine values, but creating a good civilization requires good relations with Allah, people, and universe,” mentioned Haedar.
The belief in Islam as rahmatan lil alamin and dinul hadarah triggers Muhammadiyah to expand its roles.
“What Muhammadiyah has done is addressed to educate, nourish, and prosper the nation regardless of religion, ethnicity, race, class, and political choices,” said Haedar.
“Thus, Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah always present Islam as rahmatan lil alamin and dinul hadarah. That’s what we call ‘Islam Berkemajuan’,” said Haedar.
Discussion about this post