MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — The Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Syafiq Mughni highlighted the crucial role of Muslims in addressing the world’s pressing challenges, including ongoing conflicts and wars in various parts of the world.
“The challenges faced by Muslims today are immense. There is no respite from these challenges, and we continue to face serious threats,” said Syafiq in the National Coordination Meeting and Grand IKADI Award 2024 conducted at Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel, Jakarta on Friday to Sunday, November 1-3.
In the meeting raising the theme “Spreading Islam as a Mercy to the Worlds towards Advanced Indonesia and World Peace”, Syafiq explained that Muhammadiyah has been actively supporting the Palestinian people through fundraising efforts.
“All the funds raised by Muhammadiyah are used entirely to support the Palestinian cause,” said Syafiq. These funds are sent to Palestine, particularly during Ramadan and times of crisis, to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Beyond financial aid, Muhammadiyah is also committed to building the resilience of the Palestinian people, especially children, through psychological support. “A psychosocial approach can provide greater resilience to the Palestinian people, particularly children,” he explained.
In the realm of education, Muhammadiyah offers scholarships to Palestinian students to study at Muhammadiyah universities. “Currently, we have around 50 Palestinian students studying in Indonesia,” Syafiq noted. The organization also facilitates student and faculty exchange programs between universities in Gaza, the West Bank, and Muhammadiyah universities in Indonesia.
Furthermore, Muhammadiyah has a plan to establish a museum dedicated to documenting the suffering of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. Despite facing challenges in securing a suitable location, Syafiq expressed commitment to realizing this project.
“We have been planning for about eight months to build a museum similar to the Holocaust Museum, but focusing on the experiences of the Palestinian people who have been victims of Israeli atrocities,” he said.
Syafiq called for international support for Palestinian independence and urged major powers, particularly the United States, to reconsider their policies towards Palestine.
“We sincerely hope that the United States will recognize its mistakes and support justice for the Palestinian people,” he stated.
Muhammadiyah has consistently expressed its admiration for the Indonesian government’s support for Palestinian independence and sovereignty.
In conclusion, Syafiq called on all Muslims to continue praying for peace and justice for the Palestinian people. “May Allah answer our prayers and grant the Palestinian people their rightful freedom,” he said.
