KHA Dahlan's Progressive and Transformative Religious Thought for Progressive Indonesia: A Hermeneutical Approach

Abstract

One of the similarities between KHA Dahlan's thinking and that of sociologist Max Weber is that his study is based on religious spirituality. In contrast, the former is based on the Qur'an and the social transformation movement. The second is based on Protestant ethics and the spirit of capitalism. In contrast to Max Weber, KHA Dahlan is a figure whose thinking is based on a progressive attitude and faithful patriotism (forward-looking, patriotic, and religiously devout). In mapping the problems of society and Indonesia, he found three major issues at that time, namely the conditions of society and Indonesia, which were overwhelmed by ignorance, poverty and backwardness, and the lives of the people and the nation still bear the burden as a result of colonization experienced over a long period (at least 3 centuries). KHA Dahlan carried out a socio-religious transformation and intelligently offered a solution instead of a political movement against the colonizers, but came up with a movement to dynamize the people through education, provision of cheap health care and social assistance (food, clothing) to the oppressed/poor around Yogyakarta. Muslim business people, intellectuals, ulama and movement leaders welcomed this social movement. Later, the social movement was followed by establishing a modern organization called Muhammadiyah. It is inconceivable that the Dutch colonial government legitimized the establishment of this modern organization. Undeniably, Muhammadiyah has demonstrated its commitment through tangible works, with the establishment of orphanages, hospitals, and educational institutions serving as concrete examples of their movement. Today, Muhammadiyah is recognized as the most critical non-governmental actor in education and health. The study uses the hermeneutic approach as the primary theoretical basis, primarily exploring the most profound aspects of KHA Dahlan's progressive, patriotic, and religious beliefs.