MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Muhammadiyah has expressed its support for the recent fatwa on jihad against Israel issued by a number of international scholars. In an online interview on Thursday, April 10, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Syafiq Mughni explained the movement’s stance on the issue.
Syafiq said Muhammadiyah supports the call for jihad because it aligns with the Islamic mission to promote good and prevent injustice. However, he stressed that jihad should not only be seen as an armed struggle.
“Jihad can take many forms, such as economic development, education, and cultural work,” he said.
In the context of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, Muhammadiyah views jihad as the effort to empower the Palestinian people, raise global awareness, and support the cause of Palestinian freedom and sovereignty.
“We call on the world to stand against Zionism,” he added, explaining that Muhammadiyah takes a different path from those who see jihad only as military resistance.
Syafiq emphasized that Muhammadiyah is urging the Indonesian government to use all its diplomatic influence to help shape international policy on this issue.
“We are calling for the end of colonialism, occupation, and all forms of oppression in the world,” he said.
Muhammadiyah is also encouraging global institutions to prioritize humanity over politics or economic interests. As a movement long active in humanitarian work, Muhammadiyah chooses to focus on aid as a form of meaningful jihad.
“Providing humanitarian assistance is one of our forms of jihad,” Syafiq explained, referring to Muhammadiyah history of helping conflict victims, including those in Palestine.
He also addressed concerns about how the fatwa might affect interfaith relations. Instead of causing division, Syafiq believes the Palestinian cause continues to gain support from people of different religions.
“I believe that many around the world, including Christians and even some Jewish groups like Orthodox anti-Zionists, increasingly support the Palestinian struggle,” he said.
Muhammadiyah has no plans to issue its own fatwa, as Syafiq believes their official statements and actions already speak clearly.
“We believe our consistent efforts, through statements and humanitarian aid, are more powerful than simply issuing another fatwa,” he said.
Through this approach, Muhammadiyah reinforces its commitment to supporting Palestine through peaceful means such as advocacy, education, and humanitarian relief, while also promoting justice, peace, and interfaith understanding.
