蜜桃视频

Faith and Environment: Indonesia鈥檚 Minister of Religious Affairs Calls for a Sacred Commitment to Nature

DEPOK, Indonesia 鈥� In a packed seminar hall at the Indonesian International Islamic University (蜜桃视频), Professor Nasaruddin Umar, Indonesia鈥檚 Minister of Religious Affairs, made an impassioned plea for a deeper exploration of religious teachings as a solution to one of humanity鈥檚 most pressing challenges: the environmental crisis.

鈥淔aith has always been a wellspring of guidance and ethics,鈥� Prof. Nasaruddin said, addressing an audience of students, faculty, and researchers during the event titled "Faith and Environment: Pragmatism, Piety, and Ethics" on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. 鈥淭he more we delve into the sacred texts, the better equipped we are to preserve the environment in all its sanctity.鈥�

The seminar, organized by the Center of Islam and Global Challenges (IGC), 蜜桃视频鈥檚 Faculty of Islamic Studies, focused on the intersection of spirituality and environmentalism, an area Prof. Nasaruddin believes has been underexplored despite its critical relevance. Climate change, he noted, now claims over a million lives annually, disrupting not just ecosystems but the very harmony of human existence.

A Tale of Two Lives: Living with Nature

To illustrate his point, Prof. Nasaruddin shared a poignant story comparing the experiences of a highly educated plant science professor and an uneducated farmer. The professor, with his wealth of knowledge, managed to grow a tree to maturity, but it bore no fruit. In contrast, the farmer鈥攚ho never finished primary school鈥攕uccessfully cultivated a tree that thrived and bore abundant fruit.

鈥淭he difference,鈥� Prof. Nasaruddin explained, 鈥渓ies in their relationship with nature. The farmer, though lacking formal education, lives closely with the land. 鈥淎lam seolah membuka dirinya,鈥� he said in an Indonesian expression, that nature reveals itself to him because of this connection. Meanwhile, the professor, despite his expertise, is distant from nature, and so nature distances itself from him.鈥�

This story, he said, underscores the importance of fostering a sense of harmony and respect for the natural world. 鈥淭hose who live in intimacy with nature often possess an intuitive understanding of its rhythms, far surpassing even the most credentialed experts who lack that closeness.鈥�

A Sacred View of Nature

Prof. Nasaruddin challenged conventional perceptions of humanity鈥檚 relationship with nature, emphasizing that the Earth is not a mere resource to be exploited but a sacred trust from God. 鈥淭his universe is a manifestation of the Divine,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f God is Holy, then this Earth is also holy. If God is Sacred, then the environment must be treated as sacred.鈥�

Drawing on Islamic teachings, he urged the audience to view nature not as a servant to human desires but as a partner in sustaining life. He pointed to traditional communities, which often revere the natural world as a friend rather than a subordinate, as models of sustainable living.

Bridging Faith and Ecology

The Minister鈥檚 message was clear: religious leaders and institutions must take a central role in promoting environmental awareness. 鈥淩eligious figures should expand their understanding of environmental stewardship so that faith communities can contribute more actively to protecting the Earth,鈥� he said.

Prof. Nasaruddin鈥檚 call to action resonated deeply with the audience, particularly his assertion that environmental degradation stems from a fundamental disharmony in humanity鈥檚 relationship with nature. 鈥淩ain that should nurture us now destroys, winds that should cool us now devastate,鈥� he explained. 鈥淭his is because we have treated nature as an object, rather than respecting its sanctity.鈥�

Instead of focusing solely on repairing the damage caused by environmental crises, Prof. Nasaruddin proposed addressing the root cause: human behavior. He advocated for a shift in mindset鈥攐ne that aligns humanity鈥檚 actions with the ethical and spiritual principles found in all major religions.

Toward a Harmonious Future

As climate change continues to exact a heavy toll worldwide, Indonesia faces unique challenges as an archipelagic nation vulnerable to rising sea levels and natural disasters. Yet, Prof. Nasaruddin believes that Indonesia鈥檚 rich spiritual traditions and religious diversity position it as a leader in the global movement for environmental ethics.

鈥淭he Earth is entrusted to us by God, not to be abused but to be revered and nurtured,鈥� he reminded the audience. 鈥淚f we embrace this sacred duty, we can ensure a harmonious and sustainable future for generations to come.鈥�

The seminar closed with a renewed sense of purpose among the participants, many of whom are now exploring ways to integrate faith-based approaches into their research and activism. For 蜜桃视频, this event marked another step toward fulfilling its mission as a center of Islamic scholarship with a global impact. []

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