MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, DEPOK – Dadang Kahmad, Chairman of Muhammadiyah, stressed the importance of fostering a reading culture among the organization’s members. He emphasized reading as a cornerstone for personal growth and empowerment, contributing to the continuous development of the organization as a whole.
Dadang expressed his concern over Indonesia’s persistently low literacy rates, highlighting the potential negative impact on Muhammadiyah if its members fail to actively engage in reading. “Indonesia faces a critical situation regarding literacy, and we, as members of Muhammadiyah, cannot afford to contribute to this problem through neglecting the habit of reading,” he stated in a pre-Ramadan lecture held at the Masjid Jami’ Assalam on Saturday, March 2.
He pointed out the apparent disconnect between the organization’s core foundation and the reading habits of its members. “The very foundation of Muhammadiyah lies in the principles of the Quran and the Sunnah, both of which are meant to be actively recited and understood. It is crucial to ask ourselves why Muhammadiyah members might be hesitant to engage with these fundamental texts,” he questioned.
Beyond offering guidance for navigating life in this world, Dadang emphasized the Quran and the Sunnah as essential sources of understanding and direction for the hereafter. He argued that reading these texts fosters a deeper appreciation for the wonders of Allah’s creation and ignites a sense of purpose in one’s life.
Dadang urged all members to actively study and comprehend the profound messages found within the Quran and the Sunnah. He proposed a three-step approach: self-reflection through reciting it, in-depth study to unlock deeper meaning, and the practical application of these learnings in daily life.
Encouraging members to expand beyond religious texts, Dadang also suggested filling their free time with diverse reading materials such as books, novels, and daily news, both in print and digital formats. He emphasized, “Reading is not a passive activity; it opens doors to new and unexpected knowledge. By engaging with books, novels, and news, we can actively cultivate our sensitivity, intelligence, and intellectual capabilities, ultimately contributing to the individual and collective growth of Muhammadiyah members.”
By promoting a strong reading culture within its ranks, Muhammadiyah aims to equip its members with the necessary knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a strong moral foundation – enabling them to become valuable contributors to society and play a pivotal role in building a brighter future.
