Professor Haedar Nashir, Chair of the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah (PP Muhammadiyah), believes that the most corrupt individuals are excessive and possess abilities beyond those of the average person.
However, these virtues, talents, opportunities, and authority often get misused for personal gain.
“Their minds work, but their hearts are not alive,” Professor Nashir stated during his speech at the commemoration of Nuzulul Qur’an 1446 Hijriah at UGM’s Balairung on Monday (Mar. 17).
According to Professor Nashir, humans have two tendencies when given extraordinary potential: the ability to build peace and become caliphs and the potential to destroy.
To avoid this destructive tendency, humans are asked to ponder the holy scriptures about the meaning of life’s purpose.
He emphasized that whatever we achieve, in the end, we will face the Almighty.
“The Qur’an becomes a source of direction and purpose in life. In Javanese philosophy, it is called Sangkan paraning dumadi, understanding where we come from and where we are headed. What is the purpose of life? In Islam, the goal of human life is to attain the pleasure and blessings of Allah SWT,” he explained.
He urged Muslims to read the Qur’an more often and understand its meanings and messages. He says reading the Qur’an brings peace to the heart, even in times of distress.
“Reading the Qur’an can awaken the heart. Even during moments of anxiety, when we read the Qur’an, we feel a resonance in our hearts,” he added.
In his lecture, Professor Nashir emphasized the importance of making the Qur’an a guide for life in all aspects, both at the micro and macro levels.
At the micro level, he invited attendees to integrate the teachings of the Qur’an into daily routines, starting from waking up to interacting with others.
At the macro level, he reminded the audience of the importance of positioning the Qur’an as a book of civilization, or Kitab Al Hadharah, that can build a knowledgeable and cultured society.
“With the Qur’an, we can create a tradition of knowledge and establish scientific institutions that can support the development of a civilized society,” he remarked.
He further explained that one proof of the Qur’an as a book of civilization is the first universal command: to read.
The command to read is meant to engage deep thinking, which leads to research and becomes part of intellectual activities, broadening knowledge.
According to him, Islamic civilization was built upon religious consciousness that stems from the Qur’an.
“In Islamic civilization, the Qur’an is the source of inspiration for the birth of both religious and general sciences,” he said.
In her remarks, UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia expressed hope that the commemoration of the Nuzulul Qur’an on campus would serve as a moment of reflection for the entire academic community to deepen their connection with the Qur’an.
This is because the Qur’an provides a comprehensive guide to life, covering matters of faith, worship, morality, and laws governing societal life.
“May we all be able to practice and actualize the values of the Qur’an in our daily lives, especially to enhance our faith and piety, while also increasing social concern and solidarity for others,” she said.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Firsto