MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Minister of Primary and Secondary Education as well as General Secretary of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti emphasized the importance of Ummatan Wasatha, describing it as a community that upholds justice and moderation.
“Ummatan Wasatha represents a just and balanced society. Justice has two key aspects: ‘Adilun fi ‘Ilmi and ‘Adilun fi Hukmi. ‘Adilun fi ‘Ilmi refers to those who seek and uphold knowledge with fairness and objectivity, while ‘Adilun fi Hukmi applies to those who ensure justice in legal and social matters,” said Mu’ti during the Ramadan preaching conducted by Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) on March 7.
Mu’ti cited Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77: “Rather, seek the ˹reward˺ of the Hereafter by means of what Allah has granted you, without forgetting your share of this world.” He explained that this verse highlights the importance of balance, embracing both worldly success and spiritual fulfillment.
Mu’ti stressed that Ummatan Wasatha follows a middle path, avoiding extremism in any form. He emphasized that moderation is key to maintaining harmony in society.
Referencing Ibn Kathir, Mu’ti noted that Wasatha means choosing the best and most balanced approach, avoiding excessiveness or rigid interpretations.
“Ibn Kathir explains that a truly balanced faith integrates material and spiritual well-being. Ummatan Wasatha must practice moderation and wisdom, as assumptions and prejudice do not lead to truth, whereas knowledge fosters wisdom and righteousness,” he said.
Mu’ti reaffirmed that Muhammadiyah’s concept of Wasathiyah Islam Berkemajuan (Progressive Islamic Moderation) is built on the principles of the theology of Al-Ma’un and Al-‘Ashr.
This concept defines Muhammadiyah as a moderate Islamic movement that neither leans toward extreme liberalism nor rigid conservatism. As a progressive Islamic organization, Muhammadiyah strives to promote Wasathiyah Islam (moderation in Islam) through theological, ideological, and practical applications, particularly in addressing modern global challenges.
By instilling the values of Wasathiyah Islam, Muhammadiyah equips its members with a balanced perspective to tackle global issues effectively.
Furthermore, the reaffirmation of Islam Berkemajuan (Progressive Islam) from the Surakarta Congress (Muktamar) aligns with the principles of Wasathiyah Islam. It establishes Muhammadiyah’s theological position as a moderate path in the global religious landscape, preventing it from falling into the extremes of either right-wing or left-wing ideologies.
