Siraad Dahlan dan the History of Muhammadiyah’s Logo

As a movement committed to advancing civilization through enlightenment, Muhammadiyah has long been closely associated with the sun. The symbol forms the centerpiece of Muhammadiyah’s logo and is also immortalized in its official anthem, “Sang Surya.” 

The Muhammadiyah logo features the Arabic word “Muhammadiyah” at its center. The calligraphy is surrounded by the two declarations of faith, or shahada, and 12 white rays of sunlight. Set against a green background, the logo is more than a visual identity. Each of its elements carries a deeper philosophy. 

Muhammadiyah Central Board President Haedar Nashir has revealed that the logo was designed by Kiai Haji Siraad Dahlan. He is the eldest son of Muhammadiyah founder Kiai Haji Ahmad Dahlan.

“According to HM Sukriyanto AR, who recounted what he heard from senior Muhammadiyah figures such as H. Djarnawi Hadikusumo, Pak Wasthan Sudjak and others, the Muhammadiyah symbol, the Sun logo, was created by Pak Siraad Dahlan, the eldest son of Kiai Dahlan,” Haedar said during the launch of the logo for Muhammadiyah’s 114th Anniversary and Tanwir at the Muhammadiyah Central Board office in Yogyakarta on Saturday (12/9).

Siraad Dahlan: Astronomer and Calligraphy Artist

Kiai Haji Siraad Dahlan inherited his father’s religious scholarship, expertise in falak or Islamic astronomy, and artistic talent. In this context, the origins of Muhammadiyah’s sun symbol are closely linked to the movement’s broader vision of enlightenment.

For Haedar, the sun is both a source of light and a source of life. The symbol, therefore, should not remain merely an organizational emblem. It should become a message embodied by every member of the organization.

“Wherever Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah are, they must become a light of life. When people are hopeless in life, no matter how difficult things may be, we must remain a source of light. We must not contribute to an atmosphere of darkness and despair. That is where Muhammadiyah’s importance lies,” Haedar said.

This understanding makes the sun a representation of Muhammadiyah’s role in bringing enlightenment. Light does more than illuminate. It gives life and shows the way through darkness.

Meanwhile, the word “Muhammadiyah” at the center of the logo affirms the identity of the organization founded by Kiai Haji Ahmad Dahlan in 1912 as a movement committed to following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. The two declarations of faith surrounding it represent Muhammadiyah’s commitment to upholding tawhid, affirming the word of God and following the Prophet Muhammad.

Green, White and an Aesthetic Rich in Meaning

The philosophy of Muhammadiyah’s logo is also reflected in its choice of colors. According to an article by HM Sukriyanto AR in the October 2015 edition of Suara Muhammadiyah magazine, Kiai Haji Siraad Dahlan regarded green as a color offered by Allah to Muslims.

The interpretation refers to several Quranic verses that mention green as part of the imagery of blessings in paradise, including Surah Ar-Rahman, verse 76; Surah Al-Insan, verse 21; and Surah Al-Kahf, verse 31.

Over time, green has commonly come to symbolize coolness, freshness, peace, shade and tranquility. These meanings align with Muhammadiyah’s dakwah, which seeks to promote an enlightening and peaceful understanding of Islam and to bring tranquility through good deeds as a rahmatan lil alamin, or mercy to all creation.

The white rays of the Muhammadiyah sun also carry their own meaning. White is known as a color favored by the Prophet Muhammad. In accounts concerning Kiai Haji Ahmad Dahlan, the color was also understood as a hope that Muhammadiyah members would continually radiate the light of Islam with pure intentions and purified hearts.

The white light also symbolizes amar ma’ruf nahi munkar. It symbolizes the call to encourage what is right and prevent what is wrong. This spirit must be carried out without seeking personal gain and solely in pursuit of Allah’s pleasure.

Thus, the sun rays that distinguish the Muhammadiyah logo do not simply represent illuminating light. They also represent purity of intention in carrying out the movement’s dakwah.

More Than Just a Symbol

Taken together, the elements of Muhammadiyah’s logo show that the organization has viewed symbols from the outset as more than matters of aesthetics or visual beauty. Each element contains ideas and values intended to be passed on to future generations.

At the launch of the logo for Muhammadiyah’s 114th Anniversary and Tanwir, Haedar emphasized the need for Muhammadiyah to continue learning about the relationship between aesthetics and meaning.

“From the beginning, Muhammadiyah has created a symbolic logo. Therefore, we in Muhammadiyah must learn about the aesthetics and meaning behind it. Meaning is something of value that lies behind an object or something that exists before us, while aesthetics refers to something that possesses beauty,” Haedar said.

For Haedar, understanding the aesthetics of Muhammadiyah’s logo also means understanding the message that must be brought to life through the movement. The sun should not merely remain a beautiful symbol. It should inspire dakwah, ensuring that Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah continue to serve as living sources of enlightenment amid the challenges facing Muslims, the nation and humanity around the world. (Bhisma)