EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MALAYSIA – Muhammadiyah’s Department of Community Da’wah (LDK) and Department of International Relations and Cooperations (LHKI) are preparing to deploy Muhammadiyah preachers to countries around the world as part of efforts to strengthen the organization’s global da’wah network.
Initial discussions on the planned cooperation were held at Wasola (Warung Soto Lamongan), Malaysia, on Friday (7/8). Members of the Muhammadiyah Special Branch Board (PCIM) Malaysia were also in attendance.
The initiative aims to establish a more structured, professional, and globally oriented da’wah ecosystem. Beyond deploying preachers, the program will focus on developing their religious expertise, international awareness, cross-cultural communication skills, and ability to adapt to the social dynamics of their host countries.
Muchamad Arifin, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah’s LDK, said cooperation with LHKI was a strategic step toward expanding Muhammadiyah’s global da’wah outreach.
“We want Muhammadiyah’s da’wah to remain strong domestically while reaching more communities abroad through preachers with strong expertise, global perspectives, and the ability to adapt to local communities,” Arifin said.
He stressed that sending preachers overseas should not be viewed simply as placing religious personnel abroad. It requires a comprehensive system covering needs assessment, cadre selection, training, competency development, and continued support throughout their assignment.
“This is not simply about sending preachers overseas. We are building a global da’wah ecosystem. They must be prepared to serve communities while also representing Muhammadiyah and promoting progressive, enlightening, moderate, and rahmatan lil alamin values,” he said.
Arifin added that PCIM branches in various countries could play a strategic role in developing Muhammadiyah’s international da’wah. Cooperation among LDK, LHKI, and PCIM would help ensure that da’wah programs respond to the needs of local communities.
Strengthening Muhammadiyah’s Global Contribution
Yayah Khisbiyah, Secretary of Muhammadiyah’s LHKI, welcomed the planned cooperation. She said cross-institutional collaboration was essential to expanding Muhammadiyah’s contribution as a progressive Islamic movement.
“International da’wah is becoming increasingly complex, so cooperation across institutions is needed to ensure that the preparation and deployment of preachers are more systematic, high-quality, and sustainable,” Yayah said.
She added that international da’wah should go hand in hand with stronger relationships between Muhammadiyah and communities in host countries. Da’wah, she said, should not be limited to conveying religious messages, but also contribute to improving people’s lives.
PCIM Malaysia representatives also welcomed the initiative, noting that preachers with strong religious expertise, cross-cultural communication skills, and an understanding of local communities would strengthen Muhammadiyah’s da’wah services abroad.
The planned cooperation is expected to establish a more integrated model for preparing and deploying Muhammadiyah preachers. At the same time, this strategy is intended to support the organization’s internationalization. Preachers are envisioned not only as religious guides but also as community builders and representatives of Muhammadiyah abroad.
From Malaysia, the initiative marks an early step toward expanding Muhammadiyah’s da’wah beyond geographical borders. This program is going to bring its progressive Islamic values to communities around the world.
