Reconciling Islamic Faith and Modern Values: Muhammadiyah’s Perspective in Indonesia and Malaysia

This article analyses Muhammadiyah’s contribution towards progressive Islamic thought in Southeast Asia and its popularity in Indonesia and Malaysia. Utilising the constructivist approach to theory synthesis, and drawing on theories of faith, modernity and Islamic reformation this article considers how Muhammadiyah has attempted to contextualise its version of Islam to correspond with the requirements of modern-day society. Literature should be classically reviewed to investigate the connection between Islamic concepts and modern life, in all aspects of society within a variety of sociocultural settings. The findings indicate that Muhammadiyah’s has succeeded in integrating traditional Islamic norms with modern ones, through the organization’s educational, healthcare and social activities. And do the community and society as a whole a lot of good. Whilst conservative interests and ideological differences from more than just global Muslims have attempted to halt Muhammadiyah in reforming what they perceive to be their goals, it has been able to do so. It also has a strong orientation to social justice, pluralism and working with people of other faiths. It is an example of long-term Islamic reform, one that respects religious rules while dealing with the real and pressing issues of today. The research shows that Muhammadiyah not only helps Muslims seeking solutions for real problems but also serves as a progressive framework concerning the development and modernization of Islam more generally. Muhammadiyah is still very much shaping how Muslims speak to each other today. It provides a conservative but open-minded and forward-looking perspective of Islam.