Affirming Nature Is Not An Exploitation Object, The Minister Of Religion Asks To Understand Using The Right Brain, Not Just A Reason

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar in the International Conference on Islamic Ectheology for the Future of the Earth (ICIEFE) in Jakarta, Tuesday. BETWEEN/HO-Kemenag

Minister of Religion (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar emphasized the importance of reimagining the perspective of Muslims on the environment because nature needs to be positioned not as an object of exploitation but as a partner in life.

"If we think that nature is just an object, then our sense will die," said the Minister of Religion at the International Conference on Islamic Ecotheology for the Future of the Earth (ICIEFE) event in Jakarta, Tuesday, July 15, which was confiscated by Antara.

According to the Minister of Religion, humans need to build emotional and spiritual relationships with nature. For this reason, he encourages the use of the 'right brain' in understanding nature, not just logic and reason.

He gave an example of the people thousands of years ago who were able to survive without the help of modern technology. They rely on closeness and friendship with nature in living their daily lives.

"They do not need advanced laboratories and technology, but can survive. Their way is through their friendship with nature," he said.

Understanding the ecology, he said, cannot be separated from the cosmological study. He referred to the view of sufi Ibnu Arabi which stated that only God really has a true form, while nature is a shadow of Him.

"Likewise, if we look at Hindu traditions in Bali, they really respect big trees. Since the beginning, they have considered nature as a partner. Therefore, they do not dare to cut it down, not because they are afraid, but are considered the same part as themselves," said the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque.

Behavioral changes to nature also cannot occur without changes to theology. According to him, the theology is currently too masculine, even though God is very close to feminine traits that are full of love for His creations.

"For that, we need gentleness in understanding God and nature," he said.*