UIN Bukittinggi Explores Environmental Crisis Through Islamic Ecotheology

UIN Bukittinggi Explores Environmental Crisis Through Islamic Ecotheology

Kamis, Januari 01, 2026

BUKITTINGGI – The ecological crisis gripping Sumatra—marked by devastating flash floods and widespread deforestation along the Bukit Barisan mountain range—can no longer be viewed as mere natural disasters. Sjech M. Djamil Djambek State Islamic University (UIN) Bukittinggi is seeking to address these issues at their spiritual roots through the lens of ecotheology.

At a seminar titled Faith, Ecology, and Social Change held on Wednesday (Dec 31, 2025), Prof. Anne M. Gade, an expert in Islamic Studies and Environmental Ethics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, asserted that environmental degradation reflects a crisis of human reason. She proposed ecotheology as an antidote to "anthropocentrism"—the worldview that treats nature solely as a commodity for human use.

"The ecological crisis in Sumatra cannot be solved by scientific data alone," Prof. Gade stated. "There is a transcendental dimension that must be restored."

Citing the Quran (Surah Al-An’am, verse 165), Gade emphasized that the human role as khalifah (steward of the Earth) is not a "blank check" to exploit nature without limits. She further referenced Surah An-Nur, verse 41, regarding cosmic harmony, which describes how all inhabitants of the natural world are in a constant state of worship. From this perspective, deforestation is not just an environmental crime, but a destructive act against the "pure worship" of the universe.

Religious Instruments as Solutions

As a practical solution, Gade encouraged the use of religious financial instruments, such as waqf (Islamic endowments), for the conservation of protected forests and water sources. Under this model, "ecological piety" is transformed into amal jariyah—a continuous charity that provides eternal public benefits.

The discussion, moderated by the Director of UIN Bukittinggi’s Graduate School, Prof. Nunu Burhanuddin, and translated by Dr. Irwandi Nashir, concluded that a truly sustainable system ensures that today's lifestyles do not "steal" the livelihoods of future generations.

Aligning Faith and Local Philosophy

Responding to these insights, the Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, Prof. Silfia Hanani, expressed deep appreciation for Prof. Gade’s contribution, noting that it provides a new horizon for academics in the Minangkabau region. Silfia noted that ecotheology aligns perfectly with the local philosophy of Adat Basandi Syarak, Syarak Basandi Kitabullah (Custom based on Sharia, Sharia based on the Quran).

"UIN Bukittinggi is committed to making ecological piety a core part of our academic identity," Silfia concluded. "Protecting the Earth is not merely a technical matter; it is an act of prostration (sujud) upon a green and living land." 

Source: IO UIN Bukittinggi

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The Digital Renaissance: UIN Bukittinggi Scholar Asserts Arabic’s Enduring Relevance

The Digital Renaissance: UIN Bukittinggi Scholar Asserts Arabic’s Enduring Relevance

Kamis, Desember 18, 2025

BUKITTINGGI — For centuries, Arabic has been the pulse of liturgy and the lingua franca of the Silk Road. Today, as the world pivots toward an increasingly digital landscape, academics are arguing that the language is not just a relic of the past, but a vital bridge to the future.

This sentiment took center stage at the International Arabic Language Conference, held in collaboration with University of Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor. The gathering, timed to coincide with World Arabic Language Day and the centennial celebrations of the iconic Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor on December 18, 2025, served as a high-level clearinghouse for ideas on the evolution of Arabic as a vehicle for modern science.

Beyond the Ritual

While many view Arabic through the narrow lens of religious ritual, the forum’s discourse pushed for a broader academic horizon. Experts from across the globe tackled a suite of modern challenges: from AI-driven pedagogical innovations to the integration of Islamic values with the hard sciences.

Among the leading voices was Dr. H. Arman Husni, a scholar from Sjech M. Djamil Djambek State Islamic University (UIN) Bukittinggi. Presenting his paper, “From Revelation to Knowledge: Integrating the Qur’an and Science in Arabic Language Education in the Digital Era,” Husni proposed a paradigm shift. He argued that the Qur’an should serve as an "epistemological foundation"—one that remains startlingly relevant to the rapid-fire dynamics of modern technology.

"Arabic is more than a tool for communication or prayer," Husni suggested. "It is an academic medium that bridges the gap between sacred revelation and contemporary scientific discovery."

A Global Academic Footprint

Husni’s integrative approach aims to foster a learning environment that is as critical as it is holistic. In his view, the goal is to produce a generation of speakers who are not just fluent in the language of the past, but adaptive to the digital challenges of the present.

The significance of this contribution was not lost on university leadership. Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, noted that Husni’s presence on the international stage underscores the university’s growing influence in the global scholarly discourse. As the digital era continues to redefine how we process information, UIN Bukittinggi is positioning itself to ensure that Arabic remains at the heart of the conversation.

Source: IO UIN Bukittinggi

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UIN Bukittinggi and Thailand’s YRU Launch International Academic Partnership

UIN Bukittinggi and Thailand’s YRU Launch International Academic Partnership

Senin, November 17, 2025

BUKITTINGGI – Academic ties between Sjech M. Djamil Djambek State Islamic University (UIN) Bukittinggi and Yala Rajabhat University (YRU) in Southern Thailand officially commenced on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. The partnership was solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UIN Bukittinggi’s Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM) and YRU’s Department of Islamic Education. The signing ceremony, held in Thailand, featured Dr. H. Muhiddinur Kamal, M.Pd., Head of LPPM UIN Bukittinggi, and Associate Prof. Dr. Abdul Ramae Sulong, Head of the Department of Islamic Education at YRU. According to Dr. Kamal, the partnership outlines several strategic initiatives, including: 

1. Joint International Research: Collaborative scientific inquiries across various disciplines.
2. Cross-Border Community Service: Programs aimed at social development in both nations.
3. Collaborative Publications: Joint efforts to increase presence in international academic journals. 
4. International Internship Programs: Planning for student community service (KKN) exchanges. 

"This step is a vital milestone in expanding our academic network and strengthening the 'Tridarma' (Three Pillars) of higher education," Kamal stated. Prof. Abdul Ramae Sulong expressed his enthusiasm, noting that the collaboration transcends mere scholarship. He emphasized that the agreement fosters social and cultural synergy between the academic communities of Southern Thailand and West Sumatra. UIN Bukittinggi Rector, Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, M.Si., threw her full weight behind the initiative. She highlighted that this LPPM-level agreement serves as a precursor to a university-wide MoU between the two institutions. "This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision for campus internationalization and boosting the academic competitiveness of UIN Bukittinggi," Rector Hanani remarked. UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi is a premier, "Unggul" (Excellent) accredited state Islamic university in West Sumatra. Yala Rajabhat University, a public institution located in Thailand’s Muslim-majority south, is renowned for its community-based education, preservation of Patani Malay culture, and rural development programs. With this MoU, both institutions have officially moved toward a new era of cross-border opportunity and regional academic integration.

Source: IO UIN Bukittinggi

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Tracing Minangkabau Intellectual Polemics on the Indonesia–Malaysia Stage

Tracing Minangkabau Intellectual Polemics on the Indonesia–Malaysia Stage

Rabu, November 12, 2025

 BUKITTINGGI – The historic intellectual rift between the Old Guard (Kaum Tua) and the Young Reformers (Kaum Muda) of Minangkabau has returned to the spotlight following the launch of a provocative new book, "Polemik Kaum Tua dan Kaum Muda di Minangkabau tentang Rumah Tangga Rasulullah dalam Kitab Al-Bashair" (The Polemics of the Old and Young Generations in Minangkabau regarding the Prophet's Household in the Book of Al-Bashair).

 Based on original manuscripts preserved at the Buya Hamka Museum in Maninjau, the book revisits a classic debate recorded by the legendary cleric Abdul Karim Amrullah. It invites readers to explore the discursive tensions between religious traditionalists and adat-based reformers regarding the specifics of the Prophet’s domestic life—an issue that once defined the socio-religious landscape of West Sumatra.

The launch took place during a Public Lecture celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Buya Hamka Museum, held at UIN Bukittinggi on Tuesday, Nov 12, 2025. Titled "Buya Hamka: Ummatic Spirit, Unity of the Ummah, and Breaking the Borders of Nations and Colonial Legacies," the event was organized by the International Office of UIN Bukittinggi in collaboration with the Association of Malaysian Minang Scholars (PCMM), Wadah Malaysia, and Kolej Dar al-Hikmah Malaysia.

A Legacy of Scholarly Debate 

 Dr. Saiful Amin and Hendri Mistha, MH, emphasized that the work peels back the layers of Minangkabau’s rich intellectual history."The polemics recorded in Al-Bashair demonstrate how our society managed differences of opinion scientifically and with dignity," stated Dr. Saiful Amin. "This is an essential heritage for the study of Islam in the archipelago (Islam Nusantara)."

Dato’ H. Ahmad Azam bin Abdul Rahman, President of Kolej Dar al-Hikmah and Wadah Malaysia, hailed the book as a significant contribution to regional studies. He noted that deep research into the works of Buya Hamka’s father provides fresh insights into Malay-Nusantara Islamic thought."Such depth enriches the future of the Buya Hamka Museum. These findings solidify the museum’s status as a center for intellectual reference," he explained.

Bridging History and Modernity

Dato’ Ismail Ahmad, President of the PCMM, lauded the research as a vital document illustrating the dynamic relationship between adat (customary law) and religion. He argued that the work proves that historical differences need not create divides but can instead serve as a wellspring of knowledge for all of Southeast Asia.

Closing the event, the Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, underscored the necessity of Indonesia–Malaysia academic collaboration in preserving Hamka’s legacy. She highlighted plans to bolster the "Hamka’s Corner" at UIN Bukittinggi as a premier research and documentation hub."This initiative will serve as a strategic space for cross-border and intergenerational research," Prof. Hanani concluded. 

Source: Internation Office of UIN Bukittinggi 

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Kolaborasi Riset Internasional Mahasiswa UIN Bukittinggi dan UTM Malaysia

Kolaborasi Riset Internasional Mahasiswa UIN Bukittinggi dan UTM Malaysia

Senin, Agustus 25, 2025

 Bukittinggi (Humas) – Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi menyelenggarakan International Research Forum bersama Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) sebagai bagian dari upaya memperkuat kerja sama akademik dan riset antarnegara. Acara ini digelar di Gedung S Kampus UIN Bukittinggi pada hari Senin (5/5/2025) dan dihadiri oleh Rektor UIN Bukittinggi, Prof. Silfia Hanani, Wakil Rektor III, Dr. Edi Rosman, Kepala International Office, Dr. Irwandi, Dosen Pembimbing dari UIN dan UTM, serta Mahasiswa dari UIN Bukittinggi dan UTM Malaysia.

Kegiatan ini menjadi wadah bagi mahasiswa dari kedua institusi untuk mempresentasikan hasil penelitian, berdiskusi ilmiah, dan memperkuat jejaring kolaboratif lintas negara. UIN Bukittinggi dan UTM berkomitmen bersama -sama mendorong budaya riset yang inovatif dan kolaboratif.

Rektor UIN Bukittinggi, Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, dalam sambutannya menegaskan pentingnya kolaborasi antar perguruan tinggi dalam menghadapi tantangan pendidikan tinggi di era global.

“Kolaborasi ini sangat penting. Sekarang adalah eranya bersinergi, bukan untuk saling berkompetisi. Semoga kerja sama ini bisa meningkatkan kompetensi dan kualitas akademik, dan semoga kolaborasi ini bisa terus berlanjut,” ujar Prof. Silfia.

Forum riset ini menjadi langkah konkret dalam memperkuat posisi UIN Bukittinggi sebagai kampus yang terbuka terhadap kemitraan internasional dan berorientasi pada peningkatan mutu akademik. Kegiatan ini juga menjadi awal dari sejumlah program kolaboratif yang telah direncanakan, seperti pertukaran mahasiswa, penelitian bersama, serta publikasi ilmiah kolaboratif.

Kerja sama antara UIN Bukittinggi dan UTM diharapkan terus berkembang dan memberikan manfaat nyata bagi civitas akademika di kedua institusi.(*Humas UIN Bukittinggi/YH)

sumber : https://uinbukittinggi.ac.id/kolaborasi-riset-internasional-mahasiswa-uin-bukittinggi-dan-utm-malaysia/

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