JAKARTA – The Central Leadership (PP) of Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia’s largest and most influential Islamic organizations, recently hosted a pivotal visit from Datuk Seri Panglima Salleh Tun Said Keruak, a prominent community leader from Sabah, Malaysia. The meeting, held at the Muhammadiyah Central Office in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 21, 2024, served as a significant platform for strengthening silaturahmi (Islamic brotherhood) and exchanging perspectives on fortifying the bond between Muhammadiyah and the Muslim community in Sabah, with a particular focus on joint initiatives in da’wah (Islamic propagation) and education. This high-level dialogue underscores a concerted effort to foster greater regional Islamic solidarity and practical cooperation, bridging communities across national borders through shared religious values and a commitment to progress.
Historical Context and Muhammadiyah’s Enduring Legacy
To fully appreciate the significance of this encounter, it is essential to understand the historical and ideological foundations of Muhammadiyah. Founded in 1912 by K.H. Ahmad Dahlan in Yogyakarta, Muhammadiyah emerged as a modernist Islamic movement in Indonesia, advocating for a return to the pristine teachings of the Quran and Sunnah while simultaneously embracing modernity and scientific advancement. Its core philosophy, Islam Berkemajuan (Progressive Islam), emphasizes intellectual dynamism, social justice, and practical application of Islamic principles to address contemporary challenges.
Over its more than a century of existence, Muhammadiyah has built an extensive network of social, educational, and healthcare institutions across Indonesia, including thousands of schools, universities, hospitals, and orphanages. This vast infrastructure not only serves the spiritual and material needs of millions but also stands as a testament to its holistic approach to da’wah, which integrates religious preaching with tangible social development. Unlike many traditional Islamic organizations that might adhere strictly to a particular madhhab (school of thought), Muhammadiyah employs the tarjih method, critically evaluating various jurisprudential opinions to select those most strongly supported by the Quran and Sunnah, thereby promoting a dynamic and adaptable understanding of Islamic law. This approach fosters an environment of intellectual inquiry and tolerance, which is crucial for inter-madhhab dialogue and broader Islamic unity.
The organization’s influence extends beyond Indonesia’s borders, with a growing international presence and collaborations in various fields. Its model of combining theological rigor with social action has garnered admiration and interest from Muslim communities worldwide, seeking inspiration for their own development and reform efforts. This visit from a Sabah leader highlights Muhammadiyah’s growing regional appeal and its potential to contribute to the Islamic discourse and community development in Southeast Asia.
The Sabah Context and Cross-Border Islamic Ties
Sabah, a state in East Malaysia located on the island of Borneo, shares significant cultural and historical ties with Indonesia. Its diverse population includes a substantial Muslim community, alongside various indigenous groups and other faiths. The religious landscape in Sabah, while predominantly Sunni Islam, also reflects local traditions and the influence of different Islamic schools of thought. Leaders like Datuk Seri Panglima Salleh Tun Said Keruak play a crucial role in navigating this diversity and ensuring the welfare and progress of the Muslim community.
Cross-border Islamic ties between Indonesia and Malaysia are deep-rooted, stemming from shared Malay heritage, historical trade routes, and the spread of Islam throughout the archipelago. Religious scholars and movements have historically traversed these waters, contributing to a vibrant exchange of ideas and practices. In contemporary times, these ties are reinforced through educational exchanges, joint religious events, and mutual support in addressing regional challenges. The dialogue between Muhammadiyah and Sabah represents a continuation of this rich tradition, aiming to formalize and strengthen channels of cooperation that can benefit both sides.
Chronology of the Engagement
The meeting commenced with the arrival of Datuk Seri Panglima Salleh Tun Said Keruak at the Muhammadiyah Central Office in Jakarta. He was warmly received by a delegation led by Dr. H. Anwar Abbas, M.M., M.Ag., Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, and Dr. H. Izzul Muslimin, Lc., M.A., Secretary of PP Muhammadiyah. The cordial atmosphere immediately set the tone for an open and constructive dialogue.
Dr. Anwar Abbas, on behalf of Muhammadiyah, expressed his sincere welcome, underscoring the visit as a vital step in reinforcing ukhuwah Islamiyah between Muhammadiyah and the Muslim community in Sabah. He articulated Muhammadiyah’s belief that relationships built upon the foundation of shared Islamic brotherhood must be continually nurtured through sustained communication, collaborative da’wah, educational initiatives, and various activities that bring tangible benefits to society. "Muhammadiyah warmly welcomes this silaturahmi. The bond formed on the basis of Islamic brotherhood needs to be continuously strengthened through da’wah, education, and various activities that bring benefit to society. We are open to exchanging experiences and deepening communication with our Muslim brethren in Sabah," Dr. Abbas stated during the meeting.
During the discussions, Dr. Abbas elaborated on Muhammadiyah’s unwavering commitment to developing a moderate and progressive form of Islamic da’wah. He reiterated Muhammadiyah’s respectful stance towards all recognized madhhabs of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) while emphasizing that the organization does not bind itself exclusively to any single one. Instead, Muhammadiyah employs its rigorous tarjih method, which involves a scholarly process of examining various jurisprudential opinions and selecting the one deemed to have the strongest basis in the Quran and Sunnah.
To illustrate this principled approach, Dr. Abbas cited the issue of qunut Subuh (the special supplication recited during the dawn prayer), a point of minor jurisprudential difference among Muslims. "In matters such as qunut Subuh, Muhammadiyah holds a view based on its tarjih findings, yet we always respect our brothers and sisters who practice different opinions. Differences in fiqh must never be a reason to fracture ukhuwah Islamiyah," Dr. Abbas firmly declared, highlighting the organization’s commitment to unity despite diversity. He further asserted that the relationship between Muhammadiyah and the Muslim community in Sabah holds immense potential for continuous growth through ongoing communication, mutual exchange of experiences, and collaborative efforts in the critical fields of da’wah and education.
Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Salleh Tun Said Keruak, in turn, conveyed his profound appreciation for the warm reception extended by PP Muhammadiyah. He characterized the visit as not only an act of respect but also a foundational step towards cementing a stronger relationship with Muhammadiyah, an organization already recognized and respected by many in the Sabah Muslim community. "Muhammadiyah possesses a long and rich experience in developing da’wah and education, which can serve as a profound inspiration for strengthening the lives of Muslims in Sabah," Dr. Salleh remarked. He further noted that Muhammadiyah’s progressive thought and movement are beginning to gain traction among certain segments of the Muslim population in Sabah. Consequently, he emphasized the critical need for more intensive communication to ensure that the values of Islam Berkemajuan are more widely understood and can deliver broader benefits to the community.
Supporting Data and Analysis of Potential Collaboration Areas
The proposed collaboration between Muhammadiyah and the Sabah Muslim community carries significant potential across several domains:
1. Educational Development:
- Curriculum Enhancement: Muhammadiyah’s century-long experience in developing modern, integrated Islamic curricula could offer valuable insights for educational institutions in Sabah, balancing religious instruction with contemporary academic subjects.
- Teacher Training: Muhammadiyah operates numerous teacher training colleges and universities. Programs for teacher exchange, workshops on pedagogical methods, and scholarships for Sabah educators could significantly uplift educational standards.
- Student Exchange Programs: Facilitating exchanges between students from Muhammadiyah schools and universities and those in Sabah could foster cross-cultural understanding and expose students to diverse learning environments.
- Digital Learning Platforms: Muhammadiyah has increasingly embraced digital education. Sharing expertise in e-learning platforms and resources could benefit remote or underserved areas in Sabah.
2. Da’wah and Community Empowerment:
- Moderate Islamic Discourse: Muhammadiyah’s emphasis on Islam Berkemajuan – a progressive, tolerant, and rational interpretation of Islam – could provide a valuable counter-narrative to extremist ideologies and promote a more inclusive understanding of faith in Sabah.
- Socio-Economic Programs: Muhammadiyah’s da’wah extends beyond sermons to include practical social welfare initiatives. Collaborations could explore joint projects in poverty alleviation, healthcare, and community development tailored to Sabah’s specific needs.
- Youth Engagement: Muhammadiyah’s youth wings (e.g., Pemuda Muhammadiyah, Nasyiatul Aisyiyah) are highly active. Sharing strategies for engaging youth in positive, constructive activities could be beneficial for Sabah’s younger generation.
- Interfaith Dialogue: While not explicitly mentioned, Muhammadiyah’s moderate stance often leads to engagement in interfaith dialogue. This could be a future avenue for collaboration, promoting harmony in Sabah’s multi-religious society.
3. Institutional Capacity Building:
- Organizational Management: Muhammadiyah’s sophisticated organizational structure and governance models, honed over decades, could offer insights for burgeoning Islamic organizations in Sabah seeking to enhance their operational efficiency and impact.
- Research Collaboration: Joint research initiatives on Islamic studies, social issues, or educational methodologies could enrich academic discourse and inform policy-making in both regions.
The fact that Muhammadiyah’s thought and movement are "beginning to be known" in Sabah, as noted by Dr. Salleh, indicates a fertile ground for deeper engagement. This initial recognition, coupled with the expressed need for "more intensive communication," suggests a clear demand for Muhammadiyah’s unique approach to Islam that integrates faith with social progress.
Broader Impact and Implications
This meeting is poised to yield significant implications, extending beyond the immediate participants:
1. Strengthening Indonesia-Malaysia Bilateral Ties: While largely a non-governmental initiative, enhanced people-to-people and religious leader-to-community connections contribute to the broader tapestry of Indonesia-Malaysia relations. It fosters mutual understanding and cooperation at grassroots levels, complementing official diplomatic efforts.
2. Promoting Regional Islamic Moderation: In an era where various interpretations of Islam compete for influence, the collaboration between Muhammadiyah and Sabah’s Muslim community can serve as a beacon for moderate, progressive, and tolerant Islamic thought in Southeast Asia. This strengthens regional resilience against radicalism and promotes an Islam that is compassionate, intellectually vibrant, and socially responsible.
3. Enhancing Educational and Social Welfare Standards: The transfer of knowledge, expertise, and best practices from Muhammadiyah’s extensive network could lead to tangible improvements in educational outcomes and social welfare provisions for Muslims in Sabah, contributing to human capital development and overall societal well-being.
4. Elevating Muhammadiyah’s Regional Role: This engagement further solidifies Muhammadiyah’s position not just as a national leader in Indonesia but as a significant regional actor in the broader Southeast Asian Islamic landscape. Its model of Islam Berkemajuan becomes an exportable framework for development and progress.
5. Fostering Cross-Cultural Understanding: Beyond religious collaboration, such exchanges naturally foster deeper cross-cultural understanding and appreciation between the peoples of Indonesia and Malaysia, celebrating their shared heritage while respecting their distinct national identities.
The meeting concluded with a shared optimism that this dialogue marks the beginning of intensified communication and a stronger relationship between the Muslim communities of Indonesia and Malaysia. Through the exchange of experiences in da’wah, education, and community activities, both parties expressed their hope for closer collaboration that would yield concrete contributions to the advancement of the ummah (global Muslim community) and society at large. The commitment to sustained engagement suggests that this initial handshake in Jakarta could soon blossom into a series of impactful joint ventures, further cementing the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and progress across the Nusantara.
