Studies on Muhammadiyah largely ignore Muhammadiyah’s perceptions of war. This study explores Muhammadiyah’s thoughts and practices on the protection of civilians in a so far neglected war, namely Japanese invasion of the Netherlands Indies in 1941-1942. Using historical research method, this study scrutinizes previously unexamined primary sources, the weekly magazine Adil, which was published by Surakarta branch of Muhammadiyah, in editions between 1941-1942. By examining edicts from the Central Board of Muhammadiyah as well as the writings of individuals affiliated with Muhammadiyah published by Adil, this study argues that Muhammadiyah was highly attentive to efforts to protect the civilians in times of war, by basing its thoughts on the interplay between Islamic principles and modern ideas about the rights of non-combatants in battle. Muhammadiyah strongly emphasized that during the war the civilians must be protected by the state. It moreover advised people to build spiritual and mental strength so that they can survive the war and advocated a self-protection of civilians by encouraging every resident of the Indies to help each other during the war. It campaigned for the protection of civilians with various methods and by establishing a special agency to organize the protection efforts. This study elucidates the role of Muhammadiyah in providing information, religious guidance and practical supports to its members and the Indonesian people in general regarding the protection of civilians in a war that finally overthrew European colonial powers in Southeast Asia. Studi-studi tentang Muhammadiyah masih mengabaikan tema persepsi Muhammadiyah tentang perang. Kajian ini mengeksplor pandangan dan tindakan Muhammadiyah terkait perlindungan warga sipil di masa perang, dalam konteks yang selama ini terabaikan, yaitu invasi Jepang ke Hindia Belanda pada 1941-1942. Dengan menggunakan metode penelitian sejarah, studi ini mengkaji sumber-sumber primer yang belum pernah diteliti sebelumnya, yaitu majalah mingguan Adil ...