MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Muhammadiyah Social Enterprises’ vast network is a true form of practical realizations of tauhid (monotheism), said Abdul Mu’ti, Secretary General of Muhammadiyah Central Board, during a Ramadan Sermon on Sunday (22/2).
Abdul Mu’ti said that good deeds must stem from faith to hold transcendental value. Without this spiritual foundarion, actions lack merit before God. Therefore, Muhammadiyah views its schools and hospitals not merely as businesses, but as “amal saleh” (righteous deeds) that manifest the core tenets of tauhid.
Mu’ti, who also serves as the Indonesian Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, noted that righteous deeds extend far beyond ritual prayer. Any action that brings benefit to humanity constitutes a form of worship. “Righteous deeds are good works that do not always take the form of formal worship. Everything that brings goodness to humans is a righteous deed,” he stated. Because human needs are diverse, the expression of these deeds must be equally varied to remain effective.
Transforming Revelation into Social Movements
The second major point of Mu’ti’s address focuses on the concretization of faith. He argued that divine revelation must undergo a transformation into social movements. This process allows abstract values of goodness to become tangible realities for the community. For example, Muhammadiyah establishes schools and universities to fulfill the mandate of educating the nation. Similarly, the organization builds hospitals to provide healthcare services as a real form of devotion to the public.
“This is what the organization does through Muhammadiyah Social Enterprises,” Mu’ti remarked. By building these institutions, the movement moves beyond theory into direct service. This approach ensures that faith remains an active force in society.
Consequently, the organization creates a bridge between spiritual convictions and the practical needs of the citizenry. These efforts prove that religious values can drive significant national progress when applied systematically.
Building Public Trust Through Objectification
The third pillar of this philosophy involves “objectification.” This term describes a state where the public recognizes and trusts the organization’s work based on its visible quality. “Objectification is a necessity where, when people join us, they feel safe because their existence is respected and protected,” Mu’ti explained. Because Muhammadiyah institutions maintain high standards, they attract a diverse range of people. The public does not hesitate to use these services because they see the excellence provided.
This inclusive nature is a hallmark of Muhammadiyah Social Enterprises (AUM). People from various religious backgrounds and social groups frequent their hospitals and schools. “Those who study in Muhammadiyah are not only Muslims and not only members of Muhammadiyah. Likewise, those treated in Muhammadiyah hospitals are not only Muslims,” he clarified. This openness builds a unique social capital rooted in transparency and accountability.
Ultimately, tauhid provides the ideological foundation for all these developments. Mu’ti concluded that the strength of the movement lies in its moral-social capital and service quality. This professional yet spiritual approach allows the organization to remain a pillar of stability in Indonesia. By combining high-quality service with transparent management, Muhammadiyah continues to command deep public respect across the country. (janu)
