MUHAMMADIYAH.ID, SURABAYA – Reminiscing the late former chief of Majlis of Economy and Entrepreneurship of Muhammadiyah, the Regional Board of East Java launched a book, entitled “Mohammad Najikh Penggerak Saudagar Muhammadiyah” (Mohammad Najikh, an Influencer of Muhammadiyah entrepreneurs), on Friday (11/9).

In his opening remark, Chairman of the Regional Board of East Java Saad Ibrahim conveyed that the book may tell and inspire Muhammadiyah people since it mentions Mohammad Najikh’s devotion to Muhammadiyah, particularly Muhammadiyah dakwah in East Java.

Besides, Former General Chairman of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah Syafi’i Ma’arif recalled creativity and persistence of dakwah by Muhammadiyah people of Jawa Timur, especially the late Mohammad Najikh and the late Abdul Malik Fadjar.

“Muhammadiyah of East Java is phenomenal. Many members are creative. Pak Malik Fadjar did a lot of things, and recently we knew Pak Najikh. We should not be hostile to the world but we should conquer it. The building of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang was made of bamboos, yet due to endeavors it becomes magnificent now. It is an axiom in history. It has a small number, but they are creative. Those two people were remarkable. I am proud of them,” expressed Syafi’i.

He also conveyed that Islam theologically fights for the underprivileged and is anti-poverty.

“It means that the poverty may not stay and must be temporary. I do not find any hadith saying to receive zakat, but it is said to pay zakat. However, the theology is only a saying in the world of Islam until now,” criticized Syafi’i.

He contended that Muhammadiyah should create persistent cadres who are willing to work hard, solutions- and work-oriented, and out of the box as Mohammad Najikh and Abdul Malik. Thus, the two figures should be mentioned again and again in various activities conducted by Muhammadiyah of East Java to boost other members’ vigor.