MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SURAKARTA – As society grapples with the growing diversity of ideologies and movements, religious moderation has become a critical issue. Muhammadiyah has positioned itself as a champion of moderation since its establishment.
“Muhammadiyah is a moderate organization from an ideological standpoint,” said Dadang Kahmad, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah, on Friday (March 22). He spoke at a book discussion and workshop on digital literacy for religious moderation organized by the Muhammadiyah Council for Publication and Information at the Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS).
This commitment to moderation was evident in the 48th Muhammadiyah Congress (Muktamar Muhammadiyah), which produced the Treatise of Progressive Islam. The Treatise of Progressive Islam emphasizes Muhammadiyah character as a “wasathiyah” or moderate organization.
This character of moderation and balance is complemented by four other key characteristics: Tawhid (monotheism), basing all actions on the Quran and Hadith, ijtihad (independent reasoning), and rahmatan lil ‘alamin (being a blessing for all of creation).
The embodiment of moderation within Muhammadiyah can also be seen in its founder, Ahmad Dahlan. Dadang described Ahmad Dahlan as a man who was open to interacting with people from all walks of life, regardless of their religious beliefs.
“Ahmad Dahlan often visited different groups of people, including the Catholic Church. His willingness to engage in dialogue is a clear sign of his moderation,” Dadang said.
Dadang also emphasized that pluralism is an inevitability, as mentioned in the Quran. Differences should not be a source of conflict, but rather an opportunity for competition in goodness.
Hatred arising from differences is also condemned by Allah. Therefore, Allah commands us to be just even to those who are different from us, even those we may dislike.
By promoting religious moderation and fostering a spirit of tolerance and understanding, Muhammadiyah is playing a vital role in shaping a more harmonious and inclusive society.
