Quoting the Prophet's Story, Religious Affairs Minister: Not All Gifts Are Gratuity

Religious Affairs Minister Prof KH Nasaruddin Umar emphasised that not all gifts can be categorised as gratuity. He made this statement while delivering a speech at the Interfaith Harmony and Unity Walking Event at the Jakarta Cathedral Field on Saturday (9/5/2026).

In his speech, the Minister recounted the story of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) receiving a gift of a female deer from a tent owner in the desert. According to him, this story contains an important lesson about sincerity in giving gifts. “This is a lesson for you all; if someone gives you a gift with full sincerity, not all gifts are gratuity. This is sincere, given,” stated the Minister.

He explained that at the time, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had helped a female deer that wanted to nurse her young. Upon returning, the deer owner sincerely offered the animal to the Prophet as a gift. However, the Prophet instead released the deer so it could return to raise its young in the wild.

According to the Minister, the Prophet’s action demonstrates compassion for living creatures as well as respect for others’ gifts. He assessed that a good leader must also appreciate gifts given with sincerity. “The Prophet himself carried the deer, not his companions. That is how a good figure respects others’ gifts; he doesn’t ask for his aides or assistants,” he said.

In his speech, Nasaruddin also invited the public to develop the concept of eco-theology and the “curriculum of love” currently being promoted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. This programme, he said, aims to instil love for the environment, animals, plants, and fellow humans.

“So far, we have only treated them as objects. I urge all educational institutions to develop eco-theology and the curriculum of love. Let us set an example in the international world that love is the best path to solving all existing problems,” he stated.