MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – General Secretary of Muhammadiyah, Abdul Mu’ti, discussed three key strategies for advancing Muslims.
Drawing on the work of Muslim scholar Kuntowijoyo, Mu’ti highlighted the importance of cultural, structural, and social mobility strategies in empowering the community.
First, the cultural strategy focuses on internal transformation, aiming to change mindsets and individual attitudes within the community. This approach is rooted in the Quranic verse (13:11), which emphasizes self-improvement as a prerequisite for societal change.
He also highlighted the problem of “double inferiority” identified by a European Muslim scholar Tariq Ramadan, where Muslims feel inferior both spiritually and in other aspects of life.
To address this, Mu’ti emphasized the need for cultural advancement, including changing mindsets and building self-confidence.
Second, the structural strategy focuses on external factors that influence the community’s condition. It involves engaging with existing systems and institutions, such as government and policymaking, to create a more conducive environment for Muslim advancement.
Mu’ti emphasized the need for greater Muslim representation in government and other decision-making bodies. “By actively participating in these structures, Muslims can ensure that their voices are heard and their interests are represented,” said Mu’ti at the preaching at the Universitas Gadjah Mada on Thursday (March 14).
Third, the social mobility strategy focuses on improving the socio-economic status of the community through education, employment, and other means. This involves both vertical mobility (moving up the socioeconomic ladder) and horizontal mobility (acquiring new skills and knowledge).
Mu’ti stressed the importance of inter-generational cooperation and solidarity in achieving social mobility. By working together, different generations can build on each other’s strengths and create a more prosperous future for the community.
By implementing these three strategies, Mu’ti believes that the Muslim community can achieve progress and advancement in all aspects of life.
