MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Muhammadiyah calls for an integration of arts, culture, and sports into Islamic da’wa. Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Irwan Akib highlighted the need to include artists, cultural workers, and athletes in the Islamic da’wa.
He recounted the life of Ahmad Dahlan, the founder of Muhammadiyah, who excelled in playing a violin, demonstrating that religious figures can also be proficient in the arts.
“Ahmad Dahlan showed us that dawah can be done in a gentle and engaging way. He knew how to reach people using the right tools and methods,” said Irwan Akib at the Arts and Culture Festival of the 112th Muhammadiyah Anniversary hosted by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) on November 20.
Irwan Akib further emphasized that Muhammadiyah has yet to fully utilize the potential of arts, culture, and sports as mediums for Islamic da’wa. He noted that these sectors represent a significant demographic that has not been adequately reached by Islamic da’wa.
Referring to the theme of the 112th Muhammadiyah Anniversary, “Bringing Prosperity to All,” Irwan Akib explained that prosperity encompasses both worldly and spiritual well-being.
“One way to achieve spiritual well-being is through religion, especially when it is presented in an artistic form that brings comfort to the heart,” he added.
As the Muhammadiyah Chairperson for Education, Arts, Culture, and Sports, Irwan Akib stressed the importance of arts education. He argued that arts education can cultivate a sense of gentleness and refinement in students.
“Islamic teachings can be conveyed through the arts in a more engaging and appealing way, creating a sense of peace and tranquility in our children,” said Irwan Akib.
