Islam Berkemajuan: Islam Nusantara vs Berkemajuan

Abstract

This study examines the concepts of Islam Nusantara and Islam Berkemajuan of Muhammadiyah as two strands of Islamic thought that have developed within Indonesia’s socio-cultural context amid the growing prominence of religious moderation discourse. The background of this research lies in the persistent misunderstanding that positions Islam Nusantara as a new school or sect, as well as the limited understanding of the strategic role of Muhammadiyah’s Islam Berkemajuan in national dynamics. The study aims to analyze the characteristics, intellectual foundations, and implications of these two concepts for Islamic and national life. The method used is a literature review with a qualitative–descriptive approach, involving the collection and analysis of relevant books, scholarly articles, official documents, and credible online sources. The findings show that Islam Nusantara is not a new school, sect, or denomination, but rather a typology of Islamic practice that is contextual, dynamic, and attuned to the cultural plurality of the Indonesian archipelago. Meanwhile, Muhammadiyah’s Islam Berkemajuan emphasizes the role of Islam as a reformist force that promotes enlightenment of the ummah, social progress, and civilizational development. The study concludes that both concepts make important contributions to strengthening Islamic moderation in Indonesia and provide normative and practical frameworks for the development of dakwah that is inclusive, dialogical, and oriented toward civilizational advancement.