ed to EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, UNITED KINGDOM — The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has welcomed Muhammadiyah as part of its membership. The MCB is an independent umbrella body representing more than 500 mosques, educational institutions, charities, and Muslim professional organizations across the UK.
PCIM UK and Ireland, which is part of Muhammadiyah, is the first Indonesian organization to join the MCB. We very much look forward to working together. We believe there is much we can learn from one another, and God willing, much we can celebrate together,” Maswood Ahmed, deputy secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said in a media statement received Wednesday (12/8).
Citing the message of unity in Qur’an 3:103, Maswood stressed the importance of strengthening unity and cooperation in responding to challenges facing Muslims in Britain and around the world.
For him, Muslim unity cannot remain merely a talking point. It must take shape through practical work, collaboration, and a willingness to support one another. In this regard, umbrella organizations such as the MCB can help bring different parts of the Muslim community together.
“We need to put this into practice in real life. We often talk about unity, but there is no action. Hard work is needed to bring the community together. That is what we are trying to do as an umbrella organization,” he said.
Building Unity through Moderation
In line with Muhammadiyah’s moderate and open approach to Islamic outreach, Maswood said efforts to unite Muslim also require openness, moderation and respect for differences.
He expressed hope that cooperation between the MCB and Muhammadiyah would provide an opportunity for both organizations to learn from each other. It could also strengthen the Muslim community’s contribution to the wider public good.
“God willing, we can build unity. We can help one another regardless of religious background, because we are all part of humanity,” he said.
His message underscored a broader understanding of Muslim unity. It should not serve only the interests of the Muslim community. Instead, it should translate into tangible contributions to society as a whole.
Muhammadiyah is currently the only Indonesian Islamic organization registered as a member of the Muslim Council of Britain. Through collaboration and moderation, its membership is expected to strengthen Muslim unity, build bridges between communities and expand opportunities for cooperation that benefit society at large. (Bhisma)
