EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — A member of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah’s Council for Religious Preaching, Talqis Nurdianto, has called on Muhammadiyah members to embrace the Guidance for the Islamic Life of Muhammadiyah Members (Pedoman Hidup Islami Warga Muhammadiyah/PHIWM) as a practical framework for living according to Islamic teachings.
Talqis said the PHIWM helps Muslims implement the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah in a systematic and practical way across different aspects of life.
He delivered the message at a religious study session at KH Sudja Mosque in Yogyakarta on Thursday (2/7). The lecture marked the first session in a series that will examine the PHIWM chapter by chapter.
PHIWM is Not a Substitute to the Qur’an and the Sunnah
Talqis emphasized that the guidelines do not replace the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Instead, they organize their teachings into thematic guidance based on Muhammadiyah’s official documents, including the Corpus of creed and Life Goals of Muhammadiyah (Matan Keyakinan dan Cita-Cita Hidup Muhammadiyah/MKCH), the Preamble to the Statute of Muhammadiyah (Muqadimah Anggaran Dasar Muhammadiyah), the Identity of Muhammadiyah (Kepribadian Muhammadiyah) and the Tract of Muhammadiyah (Khittah Muhammadiyah).
“The PHIWM makes it easier for us to practice the teachings of the Qur’an and the hadith because they are presented thematically. It does not replace the Qur’an or the Sunnah. Rather, it serves as a practical guide for Muhammadiyah members,” he said.
He also encouraged members to approach any perceived shortcomings in the document through scholarly dialogue and tabayyun (careful verification) instead of making unilateral judgment on social media. Because the guidelines were man-made, he noted, they remain open to refinement, while the Qur’an and the Sunnah remain the ultimate sources of authority.
Talqis explained that the need for the PHIWM originated from a mandate issued during the Muhammadiyah Tanwir meeting in Jakarta in 1992. Although the document was produced decades ago, he said its principles remain relevant because they are rooted in Islamic scripture.
“Generations may change, from Millennials to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, but as long as the foundation remains the Qur’an and the Sunnah, these guidelines will remain relevant,” he said.
The PHIWM covers a wide range of topics, including personal conduct, family life, community engagement, organizational ethics, the management of Muhammadiyah Social Enterprises, business, professional responsibilities, citizenship, environmental stewardship, science and technology, and perspective on arts and culture.
According to Talqis, this breadth reflects Islam’s comprehensive guidance. Islamic law extends beyond ritual worship into social, professional, and civic life.
Building Character through Faith
Talqis outlined the spiritual development described in the PHIWM. It began with becoming a Muslim, mu’min (believer), muhsin (one who excels in worship), and ultimately muttaqi (God-conscious person).
He said the declaration of faith is more than a verbal statement. Affirming that there is no deity but Allah requires believers to reject every form of misplaced devotion, while acknowledging Muhammad as His Messenger means following his example.
Talqis cautioned Muslims against belittling the Prophet’s Sunnah. While failing to perform recommended acts of worship does not constitute sin, he said, disparaging the Sunnah reflects a lack of genuine love for the Prophet.
He also stressed that sound religious knowledge is essential for developing steadfast faith capable of withstanding doubt.
According to Talqis, a true believer responds to Allah’s command with sami’na wa ata’na (we hear and we obey) without unnecessary conditions or bargaining. A muhsin, meanwhile, worships sincerely for Allah alone rather than seeking public recognition.
“If we perform good deeds only because people are watching, then we have not yet reached the level of ihsan,” he said.
A muttaqi, he added, constantly remains aware of Allah’s presence. They diligently fulfill His commands, avoid His prohibitions, and regularly evaluates personal conduct.
Tawhid at the Center of Daily Life
Talqis then discussed the four pillars of personal life outlined in the PHIWM: creed (aqidah), character (akhlaq), worship (ibadah), and worldly affairs (muamalah duniawiyah).
In matters of faith, he said Muhammadiyah members must build their lives upon pure tawhid, or the oneness of God. Citing Surah Al-Ikhlas, he explained that this principle requires Muslims to reject superstition, innovations in ritual worship without scriptural basis, myths, and mystical beliefs.
As examples, he referred to traditions such as determining marital compatibility through Javanese weton calculations or believing that certain numbers bring fortune or misfortune.
“Muhammadiyah members believe in the existence of jinn because the Qur’an affirms it. However, we must never associate good or bad fortune with trees, numbers, or mystical calculations,” he said.
Turning to ethics, Talqis encouraged members to emulate the Prophet Muhammad’s qualities of honesty (siddiq), trustworthiness (amanah), effective communication (tabligh), and wisdom (fathanah). He argued that honesty is indispensable in both business and public life, since trust, once broken, is difficult to restore.
He also underscored the importance of sincerity, warning that disappointment over a lack of recognition often signals that one’s intentions require purification. Furthermore, he urged Muhammadiyah members to avoid arrogance, ostentation, contempt for others, promiscuity, consumerism, corruption, collusion, and other forms of moral misconduct.
Regarding worship, Talqis encouraged Muslims to prioritize obligatory acts before increasing voluntary devotions, emphasizing repentance, seeking forgiveness, and spiritual purification.
“Do not become diligent in night prayers while neglecting the dawn prayer. Obligatory worship must always come first,” he said.
Finally, in discussion muamalah duniawiyah, Talqis reminded participants that Muslims are both servants of Allah and stewards of the earth. Consequently, economic activity, professional work, and the management of natural resources should always be carried out responsibly and without causing environmental harm.
