The Concept of Social Ihsan in the Thought of K.H. Ahmad Dahlan: A Reactualization of Practical Sufism (Tasawuf Amali) in the Modern Era
Keywords:
Social Ihsan, K.H. Ahmad Dahlan, Tasawuf Amali, Islamic Moral Education, Character FormationAbstract
This study explores the concept of social ihsan emerging from the legacy of K.H. Ahmad Dahlan, the founder of Muhammadiyah. Situating Dahlan’s thought within the debate between purificationist modernism and classical Sufism, this study argues his reform project reoriented spirituality toward "practical Sufism" (tasawuf amali). In this framework, spiritual authenticity is measured by tangible, compassionate engagement with human suffering rather than mystical achievement. At its core lies social ihsan manifesting excellence toward God through excellence toward fellow human beings. Employing a qualitative methodology based on library research and content analysis, this study examines Dahlan’s pedagogical legacy alongside Islamic studies literature. The findings demonstrate that Dahlan's practical Sufism rests on three principles: the inseparability of theological conviction and social action, the integration of Quranic ethics with modern organizational rationality, and the prioritization of maslahah (public welfare) as the supreme criterion of Islamic conduct. These principles remain highly relevant for contemporary Islamic character education, organizational ethics, and civic virtue.
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