MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MALANG – For decades, Muhammadiyah has dedicated its service to the underprivileged and marginalized. Now, it’s looking beyond familiar ground, venturing into a new frontier: the elite.
Haedar Nashir, President of Muhammadiyah, made this bold announcement at the recent launch of the Abdul Malik Fadjar Modern Islamic Boarding School in Malang om Wednesday, February 2. He declared that the time has come for Muhammadiyah to extend its reach, establishing elite schools and international-standard hospitals to engage with a previously untapped segment of society.
“There’s no doubt we have the capacity for this,” Haedar asserted, acknowledging the need for a “progressive mindset shift” to unlock this potential. He emphasized that this move aligns perfectly with Muhammadiyah historical roots in educational reform.
Haedar traced Muhammadiyah educational mission back to its critique of traditional Islamic education, which he described as too focused on religious knowledge and lacking in modern relevance. Kiai Dahlan envisioned a more progressive approach, leading to the establishment of the “madrasah,” a modern Islamic educational institution.
Drawing parallels with early Islamic history, Haedar explained how the madrasah concept stemmed from two schools of thought: the rationalist “madrasatul ra’yi” and the text-based “madrasatul atsar.” This historical context underscores Muhammadiyah commitment to balancing tradition with modern thinking.
Since the 1980s, a yearning for establishing pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) has emerged within Muhammadiyah. However, Haedar emphasized that these institutions should not be mere replicas of outdated “Salafiyyah” thinking. He stressed the need for a progressive vision, quoting Indonesian historian Kuntowijoyo, who described Muhammadiyah educational philosophy as the seamless integration of faith and morality with modern thought and progressive Islamic interpretations.
With over 400 Islamic boarding schools already established, Haedar warned against an unchecked proliferation driven by mere revivalism or fear of modernity. Instead, he emphasized the need for these institutions to be rooted in a progressive vision of Islam that caters to the needs of contemporary society, regardless of socioeconomic background.
This shift in Muhammadiyah approach signifies its commitment to inclusivity and its evolving vision for social engagement. It marks a bold step towards fostering a progressive form of Islam that resonates with all segments of Indonesian society.
