MUHAMMADIYAH.ID, KUDUS – In the 21st anniversary Universitas Muhammadiyah Kudus (UMKU) commemorated virtually, General Chairman of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah Haedar encouraged the university to be developed.
“Universities are a booster of civilization and tajdid. They have to care about community and environment around them. They also produce enlightening intelligent people,” declare Haedar.
Islam is a religion of civilization, and Muhammadiyah views that Islam possesses characters of tajdid (renewal) and tanwir (enlightenment) which are moderate and manifested through a work ethic. Haedar advised that people of Muhammadiyah, including the UMKU, to grasp the characteristics.
“For hundreds of years many ulemas and figures had recited and memorized Al-Ma’un, but the surah had not been implemented. Then, for Ahmad Dahlan, the surah became enlightenment. He could establish hospitals, orphanages, as well as schools and empower marginalized people. An Islamic character as a religion of charity is the strength of Muhammadiyah,” mentioned Haedar.
Furthermore, he prompted Muhammadiyah people to impersonate first generations of Muhammadiyah having a character of Islam Berkemajuan (Progressive Islam) that a religion is not merely about preaching, memorization, and claims of truth. However, a religion may present changes and real implementation.
“The advancement becomes our character to do collective actions. In various situations, Muhammadiyah people never lose their optimism and do not see the world from a dark side. Muhammadiyah does not compete through statements but immediately takes actions,” asserted Haedar. He also told huge Muhammadiyah contribution to tackle this pandemic without massive broadcasting.
“We have to be proud that Muhammadiyah always exists to foster the civilization of this nation, endeavor, improve academic quality, reinforce financial bases as backup, and build togetherness. The enthusiasm should remain present,” he ended.