Rocky Gerung And Ustaz Abdul Somad Emphasize The Importance Of Maintaining Nature

PeKANBARU - The Tribata Hall of the Riau Police Headquarters has again become a meeting room for big ideas in the Scientific Fajr Study, which this time carries the theme 'Alam and Us in the Perspective of Religion and Science'.

Two national figures with different backgrounds, Rocky Gerung as public intellectual and Ustaz Abdul Somad (UAS) as charismatic clerics were presented to unravel the relationship between humans, nature and faith in one unit of value.

Prior to the study, this activity was opened with congregational dawn prayers at the Al Adzim Mosque of the Riau Police together with the Governor, Kapolda, Ustaz Abdul Somad, and congregation.

National Anthem

The study was opened with the national anthem Indonesia Raya which strengthened the nuances of nationalism since the beginning of the event. In his remarks, Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryyawan said this activity was part of the commitment of the Riau Police to make the police institution a center of value, not just a security center.

"We want to protect nature not only because of regulations, but because of faith and culture," said the Kapolda, Saturday (10/5).

Riau Governor Abdul Wahid who was also present also emphasized the importance of Malay cultural values in maintaining harmony with nature. According to him, for Malays, destroying nature is to injure the legacy of their ancestors and betray their grandchildren.

"If people always grow, they teach about nature. People say that the leader is like a tree, it depicts nature. That tree is if the branches are strong where we depend, if the leaves are thick, the trunk is strong, the place is leaning, if the roots are wide where we argue," said Governor Abdul Wahid.

Theology and Ecology

In the first session, Rocky Gerung exposed a modern perspective on nature that often separates science from spiritual values. He said that in environmental philosophy, theology and ecology should unite with each other.

"Alam is not just a background of life, but part of a moral subject. It is like a womb that gives life, and the uterus must not be injured," he said.

He raised a scientific example of how phosphates from the Sahara Desert are carried away by the wind to fertilize the Amazon Forest. "It shows there is extraordinary universal regularity, which is impossible to come without the Creator's design," he explained.

Rocky also criticized modern mentality that changed the need (needs) into greed (wants), which resulted in the destruction of the restoring power of nature. "We are not only facing a climate crisis, but an ethical crisis," he stressed.

In the concept of ethics of care, according to her, women have a key position because they are naturally connected to the rhythm of life and sustainability.

Tree Becomes A Symbol Of Faith

The second session was filled by Ustaz Abdul Somad who brought a deep and deep Islamic perspective. In a straightforward and familiar language, UAS explains that in the Qur'an, trees become a symbol of strong faith.

"The tree has sharp roots, the branches are towering, the fruit is brewing. That's how the believers should be," he said.

He explained, in Islam faith is depicted with a wooden tree. Wood tree is more honest than humans, if we are brothers like a wooden tree alone hit by the wind, it will be broken but if the wooden tree is crowded, he will survive when hit by strong winds, that's the brotherhood of the believers," said Abdul Somad.

He emphasized that planting trees is alms whose rewards continue to flow, even after the perpetrator dies. This is a charity of radius. But on the contrary, destroying forests, burning land, cutting down without permission is a big crime that is often disguised by religious symbols. Even though it is clearly contrary to the value of tauhid,' he added.

UAS also emphasized that the conversion of the perpetrators of natural destruction is not only in the form of words, but a real action. If it's true tobat, let's plant trees. Take care of the river. Clean the environment. That's proof of faith," he said to applause from the audience.

Protecting nature is part of noble Malay faith and culture. "The destruction of nature due to humans is not just an ecological problem, but also a moral and spiritual problem," said UAS.

This warm-packed event was also decorated with Malay rhymes and intelligent humor from the two resource persons. The presence of students, traditional leaders, the Bikers community, to the main officials of the Riau Police made this study cross-generation and background.

Towards the end, the event was closed with a prayer led directly by UAS. He requested that the people of Riau be given the power to be the guardians of the earth who are trustworthy and responsible. "Don't let our earth cry because of our own hands," he said emotionally.

The Riau Police Chief in closing expressed his hope that this study would not stop at the discussion, but to be the beginning of the movement to protect the environment as a form of worship, morals, and civilization.

"I hope that this event can be a momentum, it can be a melting pot for all of us in strengthening our unity and integrity, in increasing unity and integrity," he said.