 Fakih 's father helped him become a trader , although Fakih continued to study independently . When the modernist Islamic organisation Muhammadiyah opened a branch in Gresik in 1922 , Fakih was one of the first to join . Extremely active in the group , he became the Gresik branch 's leader within three years , and under his leadership the group was formally recognised by the central Muhammadiyah administration . Through his work with the Muhammadiyah in Gresik , Fakih became better known . He later transferred to the branch in Surabaya , a much larger city where , in 1929 , he was chosen to sit on the city council . He also remained active in commerce , running a construction material trade and shipbuilding shop . During this period he served on the local chamber of commerce . 
