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The most profound and persistent challenge confronting Islamic preachers today is the cultivation and maintenance of istikamah, or unwavering consistency and steadfastness. This fundamental principle, emphasized by Zakiyuddin Baidhawy, an Expert Council member of the Majelis Pembinaan Kader dan Sumber Daya Insani (MPKSDI) Pimpinan Pusat (PP) Muhammadiyah, serves as a crucial reminder for Muhammadiyah cadres: they must be prepared for the arduous journey of dakwah (proselytization), never succumbing to despair or surrender. Baidhawy delivered this powerful message on July 19 during the "Pengajian Ahad Pagi Al Manar" (Al Manar Sunday Morning Lecture) held at Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo, underscoring the long-term commitment required for meaningful Islamic propagation and reform.

The concept of istikamah transcends mere perseverance; it embodies a holistic commitment to truth, justice, and the path of Allah, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. It is a spiritual anchor, ensuring that the mission of dakwah remains unwavering, irrespective of immediate outcomes or popular reception. For Muhammadiyah, an organization deeply rooted in the spirit of tajdid (renewal and reform), this message is particularly resonant, as its history and ongoing efforts are replete with instances where long-term consistency has been the bedrock of its success.

The Enduring Challenge of Istikamah in Islamic Preaching

In an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, the role of an Islamic preacher is fraught with challenges. From navigating diverse ideological landscapes and addressing contemporary social issues to combating misinformation and fostering genuine spiritual growth, the demands are immense. Zakiyuddin Baidhawy’s address specifically highlighted istikamah as the primary hurdle, suggesting that without this internal fortitude, even the most eloquent and knowledgeable preacher risks burnout or deviation from their noble purpose.

The term istikamah itself originates from the Arabic root qama, meaning to stand upright or to be firm. In an Islamic context, it refers to maintaining a straight and upright path, adhering to principles and values without wavering. The Quran frequently alludes to this virtue, with verses such as "So remain steadfast [on the straight path] as you have been commanded" (Quran 11:112) serving as direct divine injunctions. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also emphasized its importance, stating that the most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if small. For Muhammadiyah cadres, who are trained not just as religious scholars but also as community leaders and social reformers, istikamah translates into consistent effort in education, healthcare, social welfare, and advocating for an enlightened understanding of Islam.

The contemporary landscape of dakwah is marked by various pressures: the rise of secularism, the spread of misinterpretations of Islam, internal divisions within Muslim communities, and the pervasive influence of digital media. In such an environment, the temptation to compromise, to seek quick wins, or to become disillusioned is ever-present. Baidhawy’s message, therefore, serves as a vital psychological and spiritual bulwark, reminding preachers that the true measure of success lies not in immediate gratification but in sustained commitment to the divine mission.

Drawing Lessons from Prophetic Perseverance: The Journey of Prophet Muhammad

To illustrate the profound significance of istikamah, Professor Zakiyuddin Baidhawy drew upon the unparalleled example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself. The Prophet’s life story is a testament to unwavering perseverance in the face of overwhelming opposition, providing a timeless blueprint for all who embark on the path of dakwah.

The Makkah Period (circa 610-622 CE): A Foundation of Steadfastness

The initial phase of Prophet Muhammad’s mission, spanning approximately 13 years in Makkah, was characterized by immense hardship and limited visible success. During this period, Islam was introduced to a society deeply entrenched in idolatry, tribalism, and socio-economic disparities. The Prophet’s message of monotheism (Tawhid), social justice, and moral rectitude directly challenged the prevailing power structures and belief systems of the Quraysh, the dominant tribe in Makkah.

The early Muslims faced relentless persecution, boycott, and ostracism. They were subjected to physical abuse, economic sanctions, and social isolation. Key events during this period, such as the boycott of Banu Hashim (the Prophet’s clan), the migrations to Abyssinia, and the profound personal losses of his beloved wife Khadijah and protective uncle Abu Talib, tested the Prophet’s resolve to its limits. Yet, despite these immense trials, the Prophet remained steadfast in his call. His followers, though few in number – Baidhawy noted approximately 40 individuals after more than a decade of preaching – were characterized by their profound faith and unwavering commitment. This small, dedicated community formed the spiritual core of Islam, demonstrating that quality of belief often outweighs quantity in the initial stages of a movement. The Makkah period thus laid the foundational principles of Islam and forged a resilient community through shared suffering and istikamah.

The Madinah Period (circa 622-632 CE): Growth and Consolidation

The Hijra, or migration to Madinah in 622 CE, marked a pivotal turning point. This strategic move provided a new environment where the Prophet could establish an Islamic community and state. The transition from Makkah to Madinah was not merely a change of location but a paradigm shift in the dakwah methodology, moving from purely preaching to building a comprehensive socio-political order.

In Madinah, over approximately ten years of the Prophet’s life (the original text mentions 13 years of dakwah in Madinah, which can be interpreted as the broader period of Islamic expansion and consolidation following the Hijra), Islam experienced exponential growth. The Prophet established the first Islamic constitution (the Constitution of Madinah), forged alliances, and engaged in defensive battles (such as Badr, Uhud, and Khandaq) to protect the nascent Muslim community. By the time of his passing in 632 CE, Islam had spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula, and its adherents numbered well over 100,000. This rapid expansion, following the protracted and difficult Makkah period, vividly illustrates Baidhawy’s point: initial setbacks do not define the ultimate trajectory of a divinely guided mission. The patience and istikamah cultivated in Makkah bore fruit in Madinah, demonstrating that persistent effort, even when yielding slow results, can eventually lead to widespread acceptance and profound societal transformation. For Muhammadiyah cadres, this narrative serves as a powerful reminder that their efforts in education, healthcare, and social reform, even if met with initial resistance, contribute to a larger, long-term vision for society.

Kiai Ahmad Dahlan’s Visionary Reform: The Qibla Correction

Beyond the prophetic example, Zakiyuddin Baidhawy also highlighted the historical struggle for reform within the Indonesian context, specifically referencing the efforts of Kiai Ahmad Dahlan, the revered founder of Muhammadiyah. Dahlan’s initiative to correct the direction of the Qibla (the direction Muslims face during prayer towards the Kaaba in Mecca) serves as a potent analogy for the long-term nature of reform and the necessity of istikamah.

The Context of Early 20th Century Indonesia

At the turn of the 20th century, Indonesian Islam was largely characterized by traditional practices, with significant regional variations and influences from local customs. The scientific determination of the Qibla was often neglected, with many mosques built based on rudimentary observations or inherited traditions, leading to inaccuracies. Kiai Ahmad Dahlan, having studied in Mecca and exposed to more advanced astronomical calculations and a reformist understanding of Islam, recognized this as a significant deviation from proper Islamic practice. He understood that prayer, a fundamental pillar of Islam, required precise orientation towards the Kaaba.

Kiai Dahlan’s Reformist Initiative and Initial Resistance

Kiai Dahlan began his efforts to correct the Qibla direction in Yogyakarta, where he famously measured and corrected the orientation of several mosques, including the Grand Mosque of Kauman. His actions, though rooted in Islamic teachings and scientific accuracy, met with considerable resistance and controversy. Many traditionalist scholars and community leaders viewed his actions as an affront to established customs, even accusing him of heresy. The idea that generations of their ancestors had prayed in the "wrong" direction was deeply unsettling and challenged the authority of existing religious figures.

Baidhawy’s statement, "Menegakkan risalah tauhid dibutuhkan jumlah ratusan nabi dan ratusan rasul. Lalu kalau Kiai Ahmad Dahlan dulu meluruskan kiblat ternyata butuh satu abad," (To uphold the message of monotheism required hundreds of prophets and hundreds of messengers. Then, if Kiai Ahmad Dahlan once corrected the Qibla, it apparently took one century), dramatically emphasizes the duration and difficulty of instituting such reforms. While not a literal 100-year waiting period for Dahlan’s immediate actions to be accepted, it signifies the generational effort required for a fundamental shift in understanding and practice to become widely institutionalized. It took decades of consistent educational efforts by Muhammadiyah, through its schools, mosques, and social organizations, for the scientifically accurate Qibla direction to become the norm across Indonesia. Today, it is standard practice for new mosques to undergo precise Qibla measurement, a testament to Dahlan’s enduring legacy and the power of sustained reformist dakwah. This historical episode underscores that even seemingly straightforward corrections, if they challenge ingrained traditions, demand immense patience and istikamah.

Modern Challenges: The Global Unified Hijri Calendar Initiative

The lessons of history, both prophetic and local, find contemporary resonance in ongoing debates within the Muslim world. Zakiyuddin Baidhawy specifically referenced the initiative for a Global Unified Hijri Calendar (KHGT), highlighting it as another example where istikamah will be paramount in overcoming "pro-kontra" (pros and cons) and achieving long-term acceptance.

The Context of Lunar Calendar Disunity

For centuries, Muslim communities worldwide have faced challenges in unifying the start dates of Islamic months, particularly for significant events like Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. This disunity primarily stems from differing interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence regarding moon sighting (ru’yah) versus astronomical calculation (hisab). Traditionalists often prioritize direct visual sighting of the crescent moon, while modernists and many scientific-minded organizations, including Muhammadiyah, advocate for astronomical calculations to achieve greater predictability and global unity.

Muhammadiyah’s Stance and the KHGT Proposal

Muhammadiyah has long been a staunch proponent of hisab wujudul hilal (astronomical calculation based on the moon’s existence above the horizon) as its method for determining the start of Islamic months. Its commitment to scientific accuracy and unity aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Global Unified Hijri Calendar (KHGT) initiative. The KHGT proposes a single, globally recognized Islamic calendar based on specific astronomical criteria, aiming to eliminate the annual confusion and division caused by different countries observing religious festivals on different days.

The "Pro-Kontra" and the Need for Istikamah

As Baidhawy noted, the KHGT initiative, being relatively new (only a year old at the time of his speech), naturally faces "pro-kontra." Proponents highlight the benefits of global Muslim unity, predictable planning for religious observances, and the alignment of religious practice with scientific advancements. Opponents, however, raise concerns about departing from traditional ru’yah, potential theological implications, and the challenge of overcoming deeply ingrained local customs and interpretations.

Baidhawy’s analogy to Kiai Ahmad Dahlan’s Qibla correction is highly pertinent here: "Apalagi Kalender Hijriah Global Tunggal (KHGT) kan baru setahun yang lalu. Sabar pak. Kalau masih ada pro-kontra biasa gitu, kan mungkin butuh satu abad lagi." (Moreover, the Global Unified Hijri Calendar (KHGT) was only introduced a year ago. Be patient, sir. If there is still pro-contra, that’s normal; it might take another century.) This statement is a powerful call for istikamah in advocacy. It acknowledges that significant reforms, especially those that challenge deeply held traditional practices and affect global communities, require immense patience, sustained dialogue, and consistent educational efforts over generations. The journey towards a unified calendar, much like the widespread acceptance of a scientifically accurate Qibla, is likely to be a long one, demanding unwavering commitment from its proponents.

Muhammadiyah’s Commitment to Cadre Development and Da’wah

The message delivered by Zakiyuddin Baidhawy at UM Ponorogo is not merely an academic lecture but a strategic directive for Muhammadiyah’s extensive cadre development program. Muhammadiyah, with its vast network of educational institutions, hospitals, and social welfare organizations, relies heavily on its cadres – dedicated members trained in both religious knowledge and practical skills – to carry out its mission of dakwah and tajdid.

The Majelis Pembinaan Kader dan Sumber Daya Insani (MPKSDI), which Baidhawy represents, is central to this effort. Its role is to cultivate a new generation of leaders and preachers who embody Muhammadiyah’s progressive Islamic vision. The emphasis on istikamah directly addresses the qualities essential for these cadres: resilience, long-term vision, an unwavering commitment to principles, and the ability to navigate complex challenges without losing sight of their ultimate objectives.

Muhammadiyah’s approach to dakwah is holistic, extending beyond mere ritualistic preaching to encompass social action, education, and economic empowerment. Its extensive network includes over 170 universities, thousands of schools, hundreds of hospitals, and numerous orphanages and social service centers across Indonesia. Each of these institutions serves as a platform for dakwah bil hal (preaching by action) and dakwah bil lisan (preaching by words). The success and sustainability of these endeavors critically depend on the istikamah of its cadres, who often work in challenging environments with limited resources, driven solely by their commitment to the organization’s mission and Islamic values.

The Broader Implications for Islamic Reform and Unity

Zakiyuddin Baidhawy’s lecture carries broader implications for Islamic reform and unity, not just within Muhammadiyah but for the wider Muslim world. His message reinforces several key themes:

1. The Gradual Nature of Change: True, lasting reform rarely happens overnight. It is a process that requires persistent effort, education, and patience, often spanning decades or even centuries, as evidenced by the historical examples provided.
2. Balancing Tradition and Modernity: Muhammadiyah’s history, from Kiai Dahlan’s Qibla correction to its advocacy for a unified calendar, showcases an ongoing effort to reconcile Islamic tradition with modern scientific knowledge and the demands of contemporary society. This balance requires courage, intellectual rigor, and, crucially, istikamah.
3. The Importance of Internal Fortitude: The challenges faced by preachers and reformers are often internal – doubt, frustration, and weariness. Baidhawy’s emphasis on istikamah speaks to the necessity of cultivating inner strength and spiritual resilience.
4. Unity Through Principle, Not Compromise: While seeking unity, Muhammadiyah’s approach often involves advocating for what it believes to be the most accurate and principled position, even if it initially causes division. The expectation is that over time, through consistent articulation and education, these principled positions will gain wider acceptance, fostering a more robust and informed unity.

Conclusion: A Call for Steadfastness in a Changing World

In conclusion, Zakiyuddin Baidhawy’s address at UM Ponorogo served as a profound reminder that the journey of dakwah is not for the faint of heart. It is a path that demands unwavering consistency and steadfastness (istikamah), drawing strength from the examples of Prophet Muhammad’s unparalleled perseverance and Kiai Ahmad Dahlan’s reformist vision. Whether navigating the initial resistance to foundational truths or advocating for modern initiatives like a Global Unified Hijri Calendar, the message is clear: the true test of dakwah lies in one’s ability to remain consistent and resolute.

For Muhammadiyah cadres and Islamic preachers worldwide, this call to istikamah is more than just an exhortation; it is an essential spiritual and practical guide. It instills the understanding that the impact of their efforts may not be immediately apparent, but with patience, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to the principles of Islam, they can contribute to profound and lasting positive change in their communities and the world. The ongoing dialogue, the "pro-kontra," and the slow pace of acceptance are all part of the process, demanding a faith that looks beyond immediate results towards a divinely ordained, long-term vision. As Baidhawy succinctly put it, "Jadi ujiannya berdakwah itu sejauh mana kita bisa konsisten dan bisa istikamah," – "So, the test of preaching is how consistent and steadfast we can be." This timeless wisdom remains a guiding light for all who strive to uphold the message of Islam in an ever-evolving global landscape.