Din Syamsuddin hopes political differences do not divide the Muslim community

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Muhammadiyah figure Din Syamsuddin hopes political differences do not divide the Muslim community.

“Don’t let this community fall into division merely over organisational differences, religious interpretations, or political aspirations and interests,” Din Syamsuddin said during the Eid al-Adha sermon on Wednesday at Al Azhar Grand Mosque in South Jakarta’s Kebayoran Baru.

Din stated Indonesia has numerous Islamic organisations, making it vital to preserve unity and cohesion.

According to the former Muhammadiyah chairman, internal conflicts would only lead to failure for Muslims. Din cited Quranic teachings urging the community to avoid discord, as this would erode their dignity and strength.

“Do not conflict, do not quarrel, for you will fail and lose your dignity; your strength as Muslims will vanish,” he said.

“Indonesian Muslims currently face a significant issue: a gap between quantity and quality. Despite their large numbers, quality has yet to catch up,” Din said.

He noted Muslims remain lagging across social, political, and economic spheres, with their position increasingly marginalised.

“However, if we are honest, in national life Muslims are not playing a role, not determining outcomes, and are even marginalised, particularly in the economic sphere,” he said.

Therefore, Din urged all Muslims to rise and assert their national role, stressing that their current duty is to advance and free Indonesia from wrongdoing to realise the founders’ vision.

“If past heroes, including scholars, sacrificed themselves to uphold our beloved nation, now is the time for Muslims to contribute to the progress of our country and nation,” said the former chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).