MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MAKASSAR – A grandson of K.H. Ahmad Dahlan and Director of The Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand Winai Dahlan shared his story, the halal institution, and the story of his parents at Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar (Unismuh).
A rumor falsely claimed that Winai’s father Irfan Dahlan, the son of K.H. Dahlan, was a follower of Ahmadiyah. Winai clarified it was not true at all. Although Irfan Dahlan studied in India, he remained a Muhammadiyah member.
“My dad pursued his education in India. It’s similar to other Muslims studying overseas, such as in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East,” said Winai Dahlan during his visit to Unismuh Makassar on Wednesday (5/7).
Muhammadiyah sent Irfan Dahlan to study in Lahore India. He and other Muhammadiyah members studied at Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaati Islam Lahore.
However, due to the unstable political situation in Indonesia at the time, Irfan decided not to return home and chose to settle in Thailand. He met and married a Javanese descent woman, the daughter of a Javanese community leader in Thailand. Irfan Dahlan also established an Islamic Foundation in Thailand based on the principles of Muhammadiyah. Later on, this foundation was continued by Winai Dahlan.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit and collaborate with Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar. My dad once told me to reconnect with Muhammadiyah, and here I am now to collaborate with Unismuh Makassar. I am fulfilling my parent’s wish,” said Winai Dahlan.
The visit of Prof. Winai Dahlan, recognized as one of the 500 Influential Muslims worldwide, to Unismuh Makassar also opened up an opportunity for collaboration between Chulalongkorn University, particularly with The Halal Science Center, and Unismuh Makassar.
