MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Rahmawati Husein, an expert from Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC), highlighted the strong emphasis Islam places on humanitarian values.
“Humanity in Islam is about respecting human values, which are closely related to the moral and ethical principles explained in Islamic teachings,” explained Rahmawati at the Muhammadiyah Ramadan Preaching Series at the Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) on Wednesday (March 20).
She stressed that a universal attitude that all humans should possess is to protect and treat others according to their inherent humanity.
“The goal of humanitarian assistance is to save lives, alleviate suffering, and uphold human dignity,” Rahmawati stressed.
Rahmawati, also the Chair of the Aisyiyah Environmental Preservation and Disaster Management Center, outlined four principles that guide universal humanitarian work.
First, it is dealing with the principles of humanity. “Human suffering must be addressed, not ignored. Humanitarian work aims to protect life and health, and to ensure respect for humanity itself,” said Rahmawati.
Second, it is regarding neutrality. Humanitarian workers must not take sides in conflicts or engage in political, racial, religious, or ideological disputes.
“Muhammadiyah, through MDMC, works on the basis of humanity, not ideological principles. When providing assistance, Muhammadiyah never asks about a person’s religion, ethnicity, or even their organization. We act based on the principle of humanity,” said Rahmawati.
Third, it is about impartiality. Humanitarian action should be based solely on need, with priority given to the most urgent cases, regardless of nationality, race, gender, or political views.
“Humanitarian work should not be driven by political interests,” Rahmawati emphasized.
Last, it is independence. Humanitarian action must be free from political, economic, military, or other objectives that may be held by other actors in the area where the work is being carried out.
Rahmawati hoped that Muhammadiyah humanitarian work will always be in line with those principles and show Islam as a religion of mercy for all worlds (rahmatan lil alamin).
