MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Many foreign researchers recognized the greatness of Muhammadiyah. It portrays that both internals and externals objectively acknowledge Muhammadiyah’s roles.
For instance, a researcher of Islamic studies and political culture in Indonesia from Boston University, Robert W. Hefner, told the President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir to ‘overlook’ his book entitled ‘Civil Islam: Muslims and Democratization in Indonesia’. Robert discovered the novelty of Islam and democratization in Indonesia after directly engaging in Muhammadiyah.
Besides, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, Chiba University, Japan, Mitsuo Nakamura had considered Muhammadiyah similar to other organizations and not the largest one. However, after he had a dialogue and observed Muhammadiyah, he refuted his own argument claiming that Muhammadiyah was smaller than other organizations.
In fact, recognition of the greatness of Muhammadiyah has not only come from these two figures but also from many others. Nevertheless, Muhammadiyah’s goal is not to be recognized for its excellence but to provide the most significant possible benefit to and develop the lives of the people, the nation, and humanity.
Haedar said that popularizing Muhammadiyah thoughts, such as the idea of ‘enlightenment’ and ‘progressive’, took work.
“To gain public and media trust and to promote Muhammadiyah thoughts require the maintenance of thought objectivity and nationalism,” said Haedar at the closing of the Dialog on the Organization’s Political Ideology at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan on Sunday (7/5).
The public began recognizing Muhammadiyah through the roles of researchers and media. It’s essential to echo Muhammadiyah thoughts and roles to public, although Muhammadiyah internals apply the adage ‘talk less, do more’.
Thus, Haedar always encouraged Muhammadiyah cadres, leaders, and members to be confident in their Muhammadiyah identity. They don’t need to feel inferior and should always believe that Muhammadiyah is not smaller than other organizations.
It is necessary to broadcast the Muhammadiyah actions and services for the people, nation, and universal humanity through various media platforms, academic forums, and other channels. It is expected to provide a more elegant idea construction of Muhammadiyah for others.
“It is our responsibility to promote Muhammadiyah elegantly without being arrogant. However, we also do not need to hide ourselves because without the dissemination people will not know what Muhammadiyah has done,” said Haedar.
