MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SPAIN – It is very potential for Muhamamdiyah to expand missions overseas, particularly European countries.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Spain, Muhammad Najib, encouraged the internationalization of Muhammadiyah carried out organizationally besides individually through its cadres.
“The Muhammadiyah internationalization has been performed by its members, so it should be done institutionally now,” said Najib.
Najib believed that, as a large organization, Muhammadiyah is capable of widening internationalization in European countries. Moreover, there is a big momentum, namely geopolitical turmoil between Russia and Western countries.
As an organization has the vision of Rahmatan Lil-‘Alamin, Najib hoped that Muhammadiyah will actively take roles in European countries to promote world peace.
“If Muhammadiyah comes with the spirit of Rahmatan Lil-‘Alamin, they will accept it. Muhammadiyah’s openness makes it easier for the organization to mingle and collaborate with European citizens, both Muslims and non-Muslims,” Najib said.
Strategic Actions that Muhammadiyah Needs to Take
Furthermore, Najib suggested that Muhammadiyah builds a da’wa center in a European country as stepping stone.
“It can be in Madrid, London, or Germany,” mentioned Najib.
After that, Muhammadiyah can start establishing junior and senior high schools in Europe having European standards.
“I am sure that this will appeal not only Indonesian Muslims in Europe but also Muslims from European countries, whose number is already quite high,” he said.
In addition, Najib recommended that the Muhammadiyah da’wa center in Europe could boost its cadres to join international programs.
“This can be done by leveraging the cooperation of hundreds of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah universities such as student, teacher, and doctor exchanges and joint research with European experts and figures,” said Najib.