Understanding Hadith in the Perspective of Muhammadiyah and Its Impact on Worship Practices

Abstract

Muhammadiyah is a religious and social organization founded on the Quran and hadith. Through the Tarjih and Tajdid Council’s interpretations of the Quran and hadith, it performs its duties and comprehends its faith. The meaning of hadith differs from that of other groups with ramifications for worship matters. This study seeks to elucidate Muhammadiyah’s interpretation of the hadith affecting the implementation of ghair mahḍah worship, particularly in deciding on fasting and Eid al-Fitr. This research is intriguing to examine, particularly in light of Muhammadiyah’s different understanding of the government. This study employed a qualitative method based on library data and descriptive analysis; thus, belonging to library research. The study discovered several findings. First, being the fastest-growing organization in Indonesia, Muhammadiyah has a specific and unique interpretation of hadith. Second, the comprehension of hadith in Muhammadiyah is carried out by a religious organization, the Tarjih and Tajdid Council, splitting it into three approaches: bayāni, burhāni, and irfāni, which tend to be textual and contextual. Third, interpreting the hadith has obvious consequences for the practice of fasting and Eid al-Fitr, dictated by the notions of reckoning and embodiment of the hilāl based on the Prophet’s traditions. Muhammadiyah seems both rebellious and obedient to the government’s decision owing to its knowledge of multiple works of literature, including the varied conditions for the arrival of the hilāl atop the ufuq, which put the execution of the worship in the limelight for some.