The Discourse of Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama with Considerations of Geertz’s Religion of Java

Firdaus Wajdi

doi:10.21009/hayula.002.1.04

Abstract

Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama are two biggest Muslim organizations in the most populous Muslim country, Indonesia. Many studies have conducted to identify both roles in the Indonesian Islam context. However, there is lack study which actually traces possible similarities between the two. This paper illustrates the distinct description of the two organizations from the perspective of Clifford Geertz in his prominent work, the Religion of Java, where it covered some characteristics of the followers of both Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama. This study then continues with possible similar identification of Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama. This is qualitative study conducted through library research. This study concludes that despite the fact the differences, there are some similarities, which put the two organization together to contribute even more to the development of Islam in Indonesia. It then expects that the followers of both could work together to build peaceful Indonesian through better understanding of religious institutions such as the Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama.

Highlights

Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) are two biggest organizations in Indonesia, in terms of their followers, and their activities, which include public service in health, education, and religious institutions (Jainuri, 1992; Sukma, Hayula, P-ISSN: 2549-0761, E-ISSN: 2548-9860‎ Firdaus WajdiThe Discourse of Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul UlamaJoewono, & Centre for Strategic and International Studies., 2007)
They play a significant role in terms of Islamic development in Indonesia, since almost all of Indonesian Muslim belongs to the two big organizations officially or not
There are no questions about their significant role to improve the quality of Indonesian Muslim through their programs and contribute to the existence of the Islam Nusantara (Al-Zastrouw, 2017)

Summary

Introduction

Joewono, & Centre for Strategic and International Studies., 2007) They play a significant role in terms of Islamic development in Indonesia, since almost all of Indonesian Muslim belongs to the two big organizations officially or not. Many people form villages have been empowered and having high positions in the society They later return the favor to contribute to the society. Their programs are similar in many aspects They both shared the educational institution both in religious aspects and the one to accommodate secular system. They are supportive to the government and work hand in hand to provide prosperous umat under the Republic country. The last term is to accommodate the idea form Clifford Geertz, in which this paper will take some focus and considerations (Geertz, 1984)

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion