Muhammadiyyah
Definition
Muhammadiyyah - A significant Javanese Islamic reformist movement founded by Kiyai Hadji Ahmad Dahlan in 1912. It stands as one of the most prominent religious, educational, and social movements in Indonesia and is considered the most powerful reformist movement in Muslim Southeast Asia today.
Historical Context
Muhammadiyyah emerged during the colonial period in Indonesia, providing a means for coping with the pressures and alienation brought about by colonial history. Its foundation aimed at reforming and revitalizing Islamic practices and beliefs, making them more relevant to contemporary societal needs.
Etymology
- The term “Muhammadiyyah” derives from Arabic, specifically from the name “Muhammad” (محمد), which refers to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), with the suffix “-iyyah” indicating association or pertaining to.
- In Turkish, the reformist movement may be referenced as “Muhammadiyyah” (مُحَمَّدِيّةْ).
Organizational Structure
Muhammadiyyah has a vast organizational structure with hundreds of branches and millions of members. Its activities encompass various aspects of social welfare, including:
- Educational initiatives: Establishing schools and universities.
- Healthcare services: Running clinics, orphanages, poorhouses, and hospitals.
- Economic projects: Creating labor unions, farm cooperatives, and factories.
- Publications: Producing religious and educational materials.
Key Committees
Several committees operate within Muhammadiyyah, focusing on:
- Islamic Law
- Politics
- Women’s Affairs
- Youth
- Education
- Library and Archives
- Celebrations and Evangelism
- Social Welfare and Health Care
- Economic Development
- Property Administration
Demographics
Muhammadiyyah counts several million members, predominantly from the middle class. Its influence is widespread across Indonesia and continues to grow in Muslim Southeast Asia.
Further Reading
For those interested in exploring more about Muhammadiyyah, consider the following books:
- “Islamic Reform in the Twentieth Century: Receptors of Education and Modernity” by Azyumardi Azra
- “Muhammadiyyah and Socio-Political Change in Indonesia” by Ahmad Najib Burhani
- “Islam and the Making of the Nation: Kartosuwiryo and Political Islam in 20th Century Indonesia” by Chiara Formichi
Takeaways
- Muhammadiyyah provides a pivotal example of Islamic reform responding to colonial and postcolonial challenges.
- It emphasizes a balance between religious orthodoxies and contemporary needs through education, social welfare, and economic development.
- Kiyai Hadji Ahmad Dahlan’s vision continues to influence millions, ensuring the relevance of Islamic teachings in modern-day Indonesia.
Conclusion
Muhammadiyyah’s role in the educational, social, and economic reform in Indonesia marks it as an essential movement in the broader context of Islamic reform. Its enduring legacy, organizational structure, and adaptive strategies contribute significantly to the discourse on religious and social progress within Muslim communities globally.
