Who does not know Drs. H. Rosyad Sholeh, an unpretentious and humble figure and highly respected in Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY)? Moreover, Muhammadiyah’s cadres also venerate him.
In the main event of the 50th anniversary of Emas UMM on last Sunday (7/12), Dr. H. Rosyad Sholeh was one of the Muhamadiyah’s figures who achieved UMM Award. The UMM Award was given to eight figures of Muhammadiyah who were more than 70 years old but they could consistently serve and strive people, notion, and Muhammadiyah. It was countless anymore how great their contribution is to people and notion, particularly Muhmammadiyah.
His endeavor for people and Muhammadiyah has begun since he was young, exactly since he graduated from elementary school in Bojonegoro in 1953. He continued his study at PGAN (State Religion Teacher Education) in the same city and graduated in 1957. He moved to Yogyakarta and enrolled in State Islamic Justice Education (PHIN) till 1960. Then, he started dedicating himself to the nation as a civil servant (PNS).
Rosyad’s dedication to the state was carried out from 1960 to 2000 in Ministry of Religion (Depag). Several positions were the Head of Regional Office (Kakanwil) Depag of DIY and Central Java, a secretary of Directorate General of Islamic Guidance and Hajj Affairs, and staff of Ministry of Religion from 1990 to 2000.
Eventhough he was busy doing many activities and accomplishing his duties of Depag and Ministry of Religion, he never overlooked to contribute immediately to Muhammadiyah. During his business as the leader of several office affairs of Depag, in fact, Rosyad got involved in establishing a community that it is now as an independent organization of Muhammadyahm so-called Muhammadiyah Student Community (IMM).
Along with Drs. H.M. Djazman Al-Kindi in 1960 after he got back from Medan, North Sumatera, they founded aIMM as one of the forums for Muhammadiyah’s students. It was the time that IMM was built in many universities. In 2965, both initiated to conduct national conference and determined IMM as one of the independent organizations of Muhammadiyah.
The decision taken by Rosyad to create IMM was inseparable from his roles in Muhammadiyah’s Youth when he was in Medan. Members of Muhammadiyah’s Youth and he brought missionary endeavor of Islamic Progress initiated by Muhammadiyah.
Rosyad’s business seems never stop because, after joining Muhammadiyah Youth and succeeding in establishing IMM, he has actively engaged in Muhammadiyah from 1978 to now. His positions were a member of PP Muhammadiyah, a secretary of PP Muhammadiyah, the Chief of Central Election for Muhammadiyah Center Organization for 7 times consecutively and an expert consultant of PP Muhammadiyah to date.
Besides his activities in PP Muhammadiyah and the Ministry of Religion, Rosyad was a member of MPR RI of 1999-2004 from a fraction of Muhammadiyah. Rosyad is now believed as a Head of Daily Adviser Board (BPH) of UMY. He shows that he has dreamt of being a preacher and driven his life and the dream valuable. It is not beneficial for not only himself but also people around him.
Rosyad is an exemplary leader figure for everyone moreover for Muhammadiyah’s cadres as he is honest, discipline, and firm in all aspects. Futhermore, another exemplary aspect is his consistency to struggle and dedicate himself to people, notion, and Muhammadiyah. Even though Rosyad is already 74 years old, he persistently devotes to people, notion, and Muuhammadiyah. He has not taken many direct actions in the society, but he fights and brings progressive Islam for all people through his writings.
Rosyad, spending 52 years of his life to people and this notion, expected that Muhammdiyah’s cadres and young generation could be more qualified than the predecessors. “Young generation and Muhammadiyah’s cadres should be qualified intellectually, mentally, and behaviorally since future challenges are getting harder and more complex, either internal or external challenges, moreover from abroad.
Thus, it is necessary to have reliable cadres so that Muhammadiyah would not be left behind and could always spread progressive Islam. “I hope that the next generation and cadres should be smarter, healthier, stronger, and if it is possible you have to be richer than the predecessors. Hence, Muhammadiyah that has already gone to the second century could be more advanced,” he continued.
