The flash floods that hit Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra some time ago have caused huge losses to the community and the environment. This disaster is a warning for us to care more and protect nature, and avoid mining crimes that can damage the environment.
In the perspective of Islamic Ecotheology, protecting nature is an obligation for mankind. Allah SWT has created this universe very well and perfectly, and we as humans must protect and preserve it. Allah SWT says in the Qur'an:
وَلَا تُفْسِدُوْا فِى الْاَرْضِ بَعْدَ اِصْلَاحِهَا وَادْعُوْهُ خَوْفًا وَّطَمَعًاۗ اِنَّ رَحْمَتَ اللّٰهِ قَرِيْبٌ مِّنَ الْمُحْسِنِيْنَ.
“And do not make corruption in the earth, after (Allah) has made it good.” (QS. A'raf: 56)
The Prophet also said:
عَنْ أَنَسٍ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: إِنْ قَامَتِ السَّاعَةُ وَفِي يَدِ أَحَدِكُمْ فَسِيلَةٌ، فَلْيَغْرِسْهَا. (رَوَاهُ َحْمَدُ في مُسْنَدِهِ، ج 20، ص 251، الرسالة وَالْبَزَّارُ في مسندِهِ أو البحر الزخَّار، ج 14، ص 17، مكتبة العلوم والحكم)
“If the Hour comes and one of you has a date in his hand, plant it.” (HR. Ahmad)
The above verse and hadith show that protecting nature is an obligation for Muslims. We must protect nature from damage and mining crimes that can damage the environment.
Imam Ghazali, a great Islamic scholar, also emphasized the importance of protecting nature in his book, “Ihya ‘Ulumuddin”. He said that the universe is a creation of Allah SWT that must be protected and preserved. We must use natural resources wisely and not destroy them, because it is a mandate from Allah SWT.
In this context, we can learn from Imam Ghazali's thoughts on protecting nature. We must care more about and protect nature, and avoid mining crimes that can damage the environment.
Baduy Community: A Society that Preserves Nature
The Baduy community in Banten is an example of a community that has long protected nature and the environment. They have strong traditions and beliefs to protect nature, such as not cutting trees carelessly, not hunting protected animals, and not using chemicals that can damage the environment.
They also have a sustainable natural resource management system, such as an environmentally friendly agricultural system and a sustainable forest management system. Thus, the Baduy community can protect nature and the environment, and create a prosperous and sustainable life.
Green Campus and No Mining, Prosperous Life Movement
UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten has committed to become a green campus that is environmentally friendly and sustainable. We have developed greening and environmental conservation programs, such as tree planting, waste management, and the use of renewable energy.
In this context, we also appeal to the entire community to join the no-mining, live well movement. We must choose to live prosperously in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way.
We must reject the evils of mining that can destroy the environment and threaten our lives. We must choose to live in a simpler way and care more about the environment.
By doing so, we can protect nature and the environment, and create a more prosperous and sustainable life.
