MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SLEMAN – President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir recently shed light on the organization’s core principles. He emphasized that Muhammadiyah values and religious perspectives are not based on anthropocentric agreements (human-centered agreements), but rather on a deep understanding of Islamic theology. This theological foundation provides a unique lens through which Muhammadiyah views all aspects of life, from the afterlife to pressing worldly issues like environmental stewardship.
He clarified that while grounded in theology, Muhammadiyah remains firmly engaged with the world. Islamic teachings, he explained, also emphasize humanity’s responsibility as stewards. We are entrusted with managing and improving the earth, while fostering positive relationships between humanity and the universe itself.
“Building these connections,” Haedar said, “leads to a more just and prosperous world, a true civilization. This is the essence of our roles as both abdullah (servants of God) and khalifatul fil ardh (vicegerents on earth).”
Haedar, a sociologist, further elaborated on humanity’s role. We are called upon to develop and utilize the earth’s resources, but with a crucial caveat: this development cannot come at the expense of the environment itself.
“We should build, not destroy,” he stressed. “We should avoid hoarding resources and instead use them wisely. This is a religious perspective that considers both our earthly lives and the afterlife.”
Muhammadiyah has codified this theological foundation into a robust organizational system. Haedar highlighted the organization’s smooth leadership transitions, both within Muhammadiyah and its affiliated women’s organization, ‘Aisyiyah. The core values and objectives remain constant, regardless of individual leaders.
“Leaders come and go,” Haedar explained, “but the system endures. This system ensures objectivity, professionalism, and accountability in all our endeavors. We fulfill our mandate with a strong moral compass.”
This robust system allows Muhammadiyah to deliver on its mission with exceptional professionalism. The organization’s contributions to education, healthcare, and the overall well-being of Indonesia are well-known and impactful.
However, Haedar emphasized that professionalism is just one aspect. Muhammadiyah actions are also driven by deeper values: amanah (trustworthiness) and kejujuran (honesty). These values, he argued, are often missing in purely human-centered systems.
“Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like Muhammadiyah deserve respect,” Nashir declared. “Those who underestimate them fail to grasp their true potential.”
Muhammadiyah commitment to its theological foundation translates into tangible actions. The organization has established a vast network of institutions, including 172 universities, 120 hospitals, and countless schools. These concrete contributions are a testament to Muhammadiyah commitment to progress and social responsibility, all guided by its unwavering ethical principles.
