K.H. Ahmad Dahlan’s Islamic Renewal Movement: Dynamics, Ideas and Relevance in Contemporary Context

Abstract

The development of Islam in Indonesia cannot be separated from the contribution of reformist figures who tried to respond to the challenges of the times with a contextual and solution oriented approach. One of the central figures in the history of Islamic reform in Indonesia is K.H. Ahmad Dahlan, the founder of Muhammadiyah, who is known for his reformist ideas in the fields of education, socio religious, and community empowerment. The reform movement he carried out was not only a response to the stagnation of the community, but also a constructive effort to build a rational, dynamic, and progressive Islamic civilization. This study aims to examine the dynamics of K.H. Ahmad Dahlan's reform movement, trace the main ideas underlying his struggle, and analyze the relevance of these thoughts in a contemporary context. The methodology used is a descriptive qualitative approach through library research on primary and secondary sources, including historical works, Muhammadiyah documents, and academic literature on Islamic reform. The results of the study show that K.H. Ahmad Dahlan emphasized i) the renewal of Islamic thought through rational education, ii) tajdid in understanding religion, and iii) social charity as a form of Islamic teaching practice. The implications of this finding suggest the importance of reviving the spirit of K.H. Ahmad Dahlan's renewal in responding to the problems of today's people. The renewal movement that is based on Islamic values and aligned with the demands of the times becomes a strategic model in building a Muslim society that is progressive, has character, and is adaptive to global change.