General Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, Prof. Dr. Din Syamsuddin, will inaugurate the mosque in the area of University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) Hospital on Saturday (5/21). KHM Bedjo is the name of the third mosque owned by the UMM. The name was initiated by the UMM Rector, Muhadjir Effendy and taken from a prominent reformer of Muhammadiyah Malang in 1930s, Kyai Haji Bedjo Darmoleksono.

 

Bedjo Mosque is different from other UMM mosques. It has Chinese oriental style. "This style is also used for UMM Hospital building," said Muhadjir.

 

In addition, the mosque was built first before the entire building of the hospital. Muhadjir said that building the mosque is more important than the hospital. It means that spiritual building is prioritized first rather than the physical one. Moreover, the mosque would be useful for the builders and the surrounding community.

 

Meanwhile, KHM Bedjo was chosen to be the name of the hospital for this figure had very close historical relationship with Muhammadiyah and UMM. Kyai Bedjo was a preacher who had broad knowledge of religious matters. He had become the leader of Muhammadiyah Malang. Besides, he was also a board of trustees and commissioners of UMM. His work in the Muhammadiyah was recognized until the national level.

 

In book Siapa dan Siapa 50 Tokoh Muhammadiyah Jawa Timur (2007), it is mentioned that KHM Bedjo preached not only in the podium of mosques, but also in schools, colleges and radio as well as the writing on the mass media. "One of his writings Islam Sontoloyo in Suara Muhammadiyah had ever made the magazine being banned by President Soekarno," said Muhadjir citing the book.

 

The name of the new mosque, KHM Bedjo, is intended to evoke the spirit of the ideals of Kyai Bedjo. He was not only a religious scientist, but also a critical activist.

 

Meanwhile, in addition to inaugurating KHM Bedjo Mosque, Din is also scheduled to inaugurate the Orphanage and Pesantren of Muhammadiyah Gondanglegi, Kabutapen Malang. The land area of ​​1.5 hectares and the orphanage building are family waqf of H. Moedhar Syah and HA Djauhar Arifin from Gresik. The entrepreneurs and owners of PT Polowijo Gosari were born in Gondanglegi. The event would be held at the same place and the invited guests would be able to watch the orphanage profile through a television screen. (nas/t_alf)