MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – In Muhammadiyah’s perspective, tauhid carries broad implications for everyday life. It does not stop at theological recognition of God’s oneness. Instead, it serves as a foundation for building social relations among people of diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
Achmad Jainuri, Vice Chairperson of the Higher Education, Research, and Development (Diktilitbang) Council of Muhammadiyah Central Board, delivered that message during the third session of the Ramadan 1447 H lecture series at Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY) on Saturday (21/2).
From Theology to Social Engagement
According to Jainuri, a comprehensive understanding of tauhid underpins Muhammadiyah’s approach to pluralism and tolerance. Moreover, Muhammadiyah interprets worship as a concept with wide social meaning.
“Worship in Muhammadiyah carries a very broad significance,” he said.
He explained that this practical orientation reflects what scholars call a philosophy of praxis, which is an emphasis on concrete action as the embodiment of religious teachings. In this spirit, he cited the well-known phrase of Ahmad Syafii Maarif: “less talk, do more.”
Furthermore, Jainuri traced this outlook to Ahmad Dahlan, who insisted that Islam does not reside solely in the Qur’an and Hadith as texts. Rather, it ultimately appears in daily conduct.
“Islam is not only what is written in the Qur’an and Hadith,” he explained, “but what becomes visible in everyday life.”
Institutionalizing a Practical Vision
Subsequently, Muhammadiyah formalized this praxis-oriented vision in its statutes and bylaws (AD/ART). The organization encourages the establishment of charitable enterprises as concrete expressions of da’wah even before officially forming a branch in a region.
Jainuri added that Ahmad Dahlan’s thought continues to shape Muhammadiyah’s ideological and religious orientation in understanding tawhid. Consequently, the organization does not confine worship to ritual acts (ibadah mahdhah). Instead, it extends worship’s implications to social realities.
Fasting, for example, functions not merely as a personal ritual but also as a means of character formation.
“Fasting carries profound social implications,” he said. “It shapes trustworthy personalities who uphold truth, patience and sincerity. Theologically, sincerity means recognizing that all our thoughts, words and actions rest solely on devotion to Allah.”
Through this understanding, Muhammadiyah affirms tawhid as a transformative force. It guides believers to translate Islamic values into tangible contributions within society. (janu)
Translator: Bintang Adrian
