MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Muhammadiyah, established in 1912, has grown to become the largest Islamic movement not only in Indonesia but also in the global Islamic world, according to President of Muhammadiyah citing James L. Peacock, Robert W. Hefner, and Mitsuo Nakamura.
Muhammadiyah contributions to the Islamic world are undeniable. The organization founded by KH. Ahmad Dahlan was recognized even before the establishment of the Indonesian state. Its presence is not only structural but also tangible in advancing the nation.
“James L. Peacock concluded that Muhammadiyah, including ‘Aisyiyah, with its religious understanding and various fields of education, health, and social work, has presented modern Islam, and progressive Islam. This has become a new phenomenon, not only in Indonesia but also in the Islamic world,” said Haedar Nashir at the Muhammadiyah Ramadan Preaching Series at the Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) on Monday (March 18).
Haedar explained that, according to Mitsuo Nakamura’s research, the greatness and tact of Muhammadiyah as an Islamic movement has many faces in a positive sense.
On the one hand, Muhammadiyah appears to have a rigid theological system. On the other hand, it is also able to present a flexible and adaptable Islam, as well as Islamic charity that can be accepted by all groups. Muhammadiyah is also a cultural movement, but it is also able to present a national movement.
“Muhammadiyah has played a national role through its strong political role in the national awakening movement. However, its character remains that of a cultural Islam.” said Haedar.
Clifford Geertz’s research in Mojokuto found that there are three types of Islam in Indonesia: santri, abangan, and priyayi. Within the santri group, there is a modernist group, namely Muhammadiyah. This movement combines santri-ness in the form of devout religious practice with the ability to present a modern face.
“The constructs of these experts reflect the social facts and realities that are genuinely present within Muhammadiyah,” said Haedar.
“What is constructed by the experts is a picture of social facts, which at the same time reflects the social reality that is genuinely present within Muhammadiyah,” said Haedar.
Haedar added that the modernization that exists within Muhammadiyah is because this movement presents a modern, reformist, and progressive Islam. The term “Islam Berkemajuan” (Progressive Islam) was originally coined by Muhammadiyah, and its founder, Ahmad Dahlan, directly mentioned it.
