Reconstruction of Religious Orientation, Educational System, and Social Worship According to KH. Ahmad Dahlan: an Effort to Liberate Humanity from Backwardness

Abstract

This article analyzes the reconstruction of religious orientation, the education system, and social worship within the thought of KH. Ahmad Dahlan, framing them as a paradigm for liberating the community from backwardness. This qualitative study—based on library research—examines KH. Ahmad Dahlan’s intellectual works, the Qur’an, authentic hadiths, and relevant scholarly articles. Employing a historical-philosophical approach, the study utilizes a descriptive-analytical method to reveal the foundations and transformative implications of his ideas. Research findings indicate that the reforms initiated by KH. Ahmad Dahlan were not merely oriented toward the purification of creed and acts of worship; they also encompassed a reconstruction of religious practice grounded in a contextual understanding of the Qur'an and Sunnah. This reconstruction was realized through the reform of the Islamic education system—integrating religious studies with modern sciences—and the strengthening of the concept of "social worship" as a manifestation of faith that directly impacts community welfare. This paradigm gave rise to a progressive, inclusive, and transformative model of Islamic education, capable of serving as an instrument to liberate the community from ignorance, poverty, and backwardness. The implications of this research demonstrate that KH. Ahmad Dahlan’s ideas remain relevant in addressing the challenges faced by contemporary Muslim society, particularly regarding the development of Islamic education, the strengthening of religious moderation, and social empowerment rooted in Qur'anic values.