Muhammadiyyah: The Vanguard of Indonesian Islamic Reform
Definition and Meaning
Muhammadiyyah is a prominent Javanese Islamic reformist movement founded by Kiyai Hadji Ahmad Dahlan in 1912. It stands as one of the most significant religious, educational, and social forces in Indonesia, and it is now considered the most powerful reformist movement in Muslim Southeast Asia. Muhammadiyyah emerged both as a response to the pressures of colonial influence and as an adaptation to modernity, seeking to rejuvenate Islamic faith and practices among its followers.
Etymology and Background
The name Muhammadiyyah is derived from the word “Muhammad,” emphasizing the adherence to the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The suffix “iyyah” is an Arabic grammatical construct indicating association or belonging.
Kiyai Hadji Ahmad Dahlan:
Founded Muhammadiyyah in Yogyakarta, Ahmad Dahlan was influenced by modernist Islamic thought and education reforms. Inspired by the Islamic Modernism of al-Afghani and Muhammad โAbduh, Dahlan aimed to reconcile traditional Islam with modern science and rationality.
Historical Facts and Dates
- 1912: Muhammadiyyah was established in Yogyakarta.
- 1927: Formation of ‘Aisyiyah, the women’s wing of Muhammadiyyah, focusing on education and social work for women.
- 1953: Official adoption of the 1946 “Decentralization Act,” leading to the proliferation of branches across Indonesia.
- 1960sโ1990s: Expansion into various sectors including health, education, and social welfare.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Cultural Differences:
- Muhammadiyyah focuses strongly on rationality and acts against syncretic practices, which is in contrast to the Nahdlatul Ulamaโs blend of Islam with local traditions.
- Women’s active participation through the vehicle of Aisyiyah is a significant cultural aspect, unusual in more conservative Islamic settings globally.
Cultural Similarities:
- Shared objective with many Islamic movements worldwide โ striving for the revival and purified practices of Islam.
- Similar to other modern reformist movements, emphasis on education and healthcare.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
Synonyms:
- Javanese Islamic Reform Movement
- Islamic Modernist Movement in Indonesia
Antonyms:
- Nahdlatul Ulama (as a traditionalist counterpart)
Related Terms:
- โAisyiyah: The women’s wing of Muhammadiyyah.
- Kiyai Hadji Ahmad Dahlan: The founder of Muhammadiyyah.
- Al-Islam: A term referring broadly to the Religion of Islam, central to Muhammadiyyahโs ideology.
Exciting Facts
- Educational Outreach: Muhammadiyyah runs over 5,000 schools and more than 170 higher education institutions in Indonesia.
- Social Welfare: The movement operates over 600 orphanages, dozens of hospitals, and numerous clinics and social welfare agencies.
- Publications and Influence: Muhammadiyyah publishes various influential periodicals and journals, disseminating reformist Islamic and educational ideas.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “The dynamism of Muhammadiyyahโs educational and social efforts is a cornerstone in modern Indonesian Islam.” โ Rahman M. Saidi, Islamic Movements in Southeast Asia
Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Studies
Books:
- “Islam and the Secular State in Indonesia” by Luthfi Assyaukanie.
- “Indonesian Islam: Social Change Through Contemporary Fatawa” by M. B. Hooker.
- “The Muhammadiyyah Movement and Islam in Modern Indonesia” by James L. Peacock.
Journals:
- Journal of Contemporary Asia, special issues on Southeast Asian Islam.
- Journal of Islamic Studies, articles on Islamic modernism and reforms.
Academic Thesis:
- “Transformation of Islamic Education in Southeast Asia: The Impact of Muhammadiyyah” by Faizal Djalal.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
May the dedication and rational pursuit of the truth embodied by Muhammadiyyah inspire countless budding scholars and reformists in their quests for a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, continuously rejuvenating faith and knowledge across the generations.
Prof. Fatimah Idris, 2023
