Muslim Council Of Elders Advocates For Environmental Protection Through Interfaith Cooperation

The Muslim Council of Elders hosted a seminar titled ‘Religion and Environmental Issues: Interfaith Cooperation for Sustainable Development’ at the Indonesia International Islamic Book Fair. The event featured Dr. Fakhruddin Mangunjaya, Head of the Islamic Studies Center at the National University of Indonesia, and Dr. Mukhlis Muhammad Hanafi, Director of the Branch Office of the Muslim Council of Elders in Indonesia.

Dr. Fakhruddin Mangunjaya highlighted three major environmental crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. He stressed that religions can significantly address these issues by fostering moral responsibility and encouraging behavioural changes towards environmental preservation.

Dr. Mangunjaya explained that religion complements education, legislation, and laws in promoting sustainable practices. He noted that religion serves as an ethical guide, holding individuals accountable and promoting mutual respect, curbing excessive consumption, and ensuring fair resource distribution.

Dr. Mukhlis Muhammad Hanafi emphasised that all humans share a common duty to protect Earth regardless of their beliefs. He stated that different religions inherently advocate for environmental care because it is essential for life continuity and part of ethical and religious obligations.

The seminar discussed how religions can guide human behaviour towards better environmental stewardship. It focused on enhancing moral commitment to caring for the environment and protecting natural resources.

Muslim Council's Participation

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special booth for the third consecutive time at the 22nd edition of the Indonesia International Islamic Book Fair 2024, held from August 14 to 18 in Jakarta.

Dr. Mangunjaya pointed out that religion does not work in isolation but supports other factors like education and laws to achieve sustainable change. He believes religion can effectively change individual and community practices by serving as an ethical reference point.

"All humans share a common responsibility to protect the Earth," said Dr. Mukhlis Muhammad Hanafi. "Different religions call for environmental care because it is crucial for life continuity and part of our ethical duties."

The seminar aimed to activate the role of religions in guiding human behaviour towards environmental protection. It also sought to enhance moral commitment towards caring for the environment.

The event underscored that protecting natural resources is not only vital for life continuity but also an ethical duty individuals must adhere to faithfully.

With inputs from WAM