Muhammadiyah 114th Milad in Palu Urges National Unity

At Muhammadiyah's 114th Anniversary and Tanwir in Palu, Secretary-General Abdul Mu'ti emphasized national unity as the key to Indonesia's progress.

Muhammadiyah 114th Milad in Palu Urges National Unity
Photo: Muhammadiyah

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The city of Palu in Central Sulawesi played host to a major gathering marking the 114th Milad (Anniversary) and Tanwir (national council) of Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia's largest Islamic organizations. A grand Islamic gathering (Tabligh Akbar) under the theme "Uniting the Nation Together" was held at the Baitul Khairaat Grand Mosque on Thursday (12/11/2026), featuring an address by the Secretary-General of Muhammadiyah's Central Board, Abdul Mu'ti.

In its report, local news outlet Republika noted that Abdul Mu'ti emphasized national unity as the fundamental key to Indonesia's progress amidst its rich ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity. He reminded the audience that Indonesia's pluralism—comprising roughly 719 regional languages and more than 300 ethnic groups—is a blessing from Allah that must be cherished and collectively nurtured.

Unity as the Foundation for Progress

Abdul Mu'ti, who also serves as Indonesia's Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, stressed that identity differences should never be a pretext for claims of superiority. According to him, a person's honor before Allah is determined solely by piety, not by ethnic or linguistic background.

وَمِنْ اٰيٰتِهٖ خَلْقُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافُ اَلْسِنَتِكُمْ وَاَلْوَانِكُمْۗ اِنَّ فِيْ ذٰلِكَ لَاٰيٰتٍ لِّلْعٰلِمِيْنَ ﴿٢٢﴾

And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge.

Qur'an, Surah Ar-Room [30]: 22 (Sahih International)

During the gathering, he also urged Muslims to refrain from division after clear guidance has come to them, echoing instructions revealed in the Qur'an.

وَلَا تَكُوْنُوْا كَالَّذِيْنَ تَفَرَّقُوْا وَاخْتَلَفُوْا مِنْۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَاۤءَهُمُ الْبَيِّنٰتُ ۗ وَاُولٰۤىِٕكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيْمٌ ۙ ﴿١٠٥﴾

And do not be like the ones who became divided and differed after the clear proofs had come to them. And those will have a great punishment.

Qur'an, Surah Aal-i-Imraan [3]: 105 (Sahih International)

He expressed hope that the theme "Uniting the Nation Together" would move beyond a mere slogan and be realized in daily life through mutual respect and strengthened brotherhood. Republika reported that Mu'ti also expressed appreciation for the support of the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government, as well as TNI-Polri (the Indonesian National Armed Forces and Police) for ensuring security throughout the event.

Appreciation for Muhammadiyah's Contributions

Meanwhile, according to a report on the official website Muhammadiyah.or.id, the 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, extended his warm congratulations on Muhammadiyah's 114th Milad. He lauded the organization's concrete contributions across education, healthcare, and social welfare.

Jusuf Kalla, who also serves as Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and Chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI), described Muhammadiyah's journey as a timeless service generating immense ongoing charity (amal jariyah). He prayed for Muhammadiyah's continued growth and that its leaders be granted health and strength in fulfilling their noble mission.

The spirit of unity championed at the Tanwir conference in Palu serves as a reminder to all segments of society to maintain harmony amidst diversity, securing a peaceful, safe, and thriving Indonesia. Readers interested in learning more about the organization's work can explore details regarding Muhammadiyah's social initiatives or the cadre development process taking place across various regions.

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