Muhammadiyah Has Never Been Antipathetic to Local Culture

MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MALANG – Muhammadiyah has always embraced local culture since its establishment. This movement utilizes culture as a medium of Islamic da’wa.

For instance, a Muhammadiyah figure Ki Bagus Hadikusumo was used to wearing traditional Javanese attire such as beskap (a formal ensemble consisting of a long-sleeved jacket or coat that is usually buttoned up, worn over a batik or plain shirt) and blangkon (a headgear worn by men and made of batik fabric).

Vice Chair of the Muhammadiyah Cultural and Arts Office of Batu City Kusen, well known as Kyai Cepu, mentioned that Islam was successfully disseminated in Nusantara due to cultural approaches accommodating local culture adjusted with Islamic teachings.

Acculturation and assimilation generated Islam with characteristics of Nusantara. Thus, Muhammadiyah is required to restrengthen the fiqh of culture.

“Correlation between Islam and cultural diversity of Nusantara emprically necessitates a reevaluation of fiqh integrating Indonesian socio-cultural aspects. Failure to harmonize the two can lead to ambiguity and confusion for its adherents,” said Kusen at the Cultural Fiqh Seminar on ‘Islamic Diversity Appreciation’ on Saturday (3/5).

Furthermore, the Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Regional Board of Batu City Tsalis Rifai mentioned the importance of comprehending and implementing cultural fiqh. This involves understanding and adapting Islamic law to local cultural values while upholding the fundamental principles of religious teachings and striving for harmony and understanding among diverse communities.

“Understanding and practicing Islam relevant to local contexts enable Muslims to achieve harmony between their religious identity and their cultural heritage,” said Kusen.

“In fact. Muhammadiyah members are not averse to arts and culture. As long as art and culture bring enlightenment and do not promote polytheism, they are permissible. This position was reiterated in the Muktamat (Congress) of Muhammadiyah in Jakarta in 2000,” said Tsalis.

Moreover, the Chair of the Muhammadiyah Cultural and Arts Office of Batu City Akbar Mahadi said that this cultural event was firstly conducted since the establishment of Muhammadiyah of Batu in 2000. The event played a crucial role in actualizing the ideology of Muhammadiyah within the community.

“Hence, it is essential for Muhammadiyah members to familiarize themselves with cultural fiqh. This event also aims to reintroduce the Muhammadiyah Cultural and Arts Office, which has been in a vacuum since 2010. Our mission aligns with the strategy of disseminating Islam through the medium of art and culture,” said Akbar.