MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir highlighted the significance of spirituality as a life force that transcends rational thought.
“The spiritual dimension is the dimension of the soul, ihsan (benevolence), and irfani (enlightenment) within the life,” Haedar mentioned in a gathering (halal bi halal) conducted at the Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) on Wednesday, April 24.
He explained the concept of ihsan, emphasizing its role in fostering harmony amidst life’s dynamics.
“Ihsan goes beyond justice. When someone does good to us, we return it with even greater kindness. Even when someone mistreats us, we respond with kindness. This is the essence of ihsan, the lesson we learn from the practice of fasting. After fasting, spiritual ascension (miraj ruhani) is necessary, elevating our spirituality to matters of deeper significance and transcendence. By embodying the practice of ihsan, harmony can be maintained amidst life’s dynamics,” said Haedar.
Haedar further stressed the importance of cultivating unity through silaturahmi, a practice of strengthening social bonds. “We should not wait for others to initiate unity and brotherhood,” he urged. “Ukhuwah is often easier said than done, especially when factors arise that threaten our unity, whether due to personal interests or worldly desires that often seep into our natural behaviors.”
He acknowledged the inherent human tendency to compete for resources, which can disrupt unity. “Therefore,” he concluded, “let us rekindle the bonds of brotherhood during this Eid al-Fitr.”
