Reflection on Indonesian Independence: Rahmatan Lil Alamin Versus Serakahnomic

Rahmatan lil ’alamin is a concept and phrase from the word of Allah SWT found in the Qur’an, Surah Al-Anbiya verse 107: “We have not sent you (Prophet Muhammad) except as a mercy to all the worlds.” (QS. Al-Anbiya:107)

The phrase “rahmatan lil alamin” comes from Arabic and consists of two main words: rahmatan, meaning compassion, grace, or goodness, and lil ’alamin, meaning for the entire universe (encompassing humans, animals, plants, and the environment).

Rahmatan lil alamin is a concept that affirms Islam’s teachings are present to bring peace, safety, goodness, tolerance, and justice for all humanity, animals, plants, and the environment.

The tangible manifestation of rahmatan lil alamin behaviour includes mutual respect, mutual assistance, prioritising the common interest, not sacrificing long-term interests for short-term large profits, not harming other parties, and mutual protection and care. These are some of the behaviours of rahmatan lil alamin.

The concept of rahmatan lil alamin in the context of humans as khalifah fil ardh means that humans have the responsibility to spread compassion, peace, justice, protect human rights, promote welfare, and prevent tyranny, oppression, and arbitrary actions on earth regardless of economic background, ethnicity, tribe, race, group, or religion.

Towards the environment, one must preserve nature, prevent damage, and manage the earth’s resources wisely so that they can be enjoyed by all creatures on earth and future generations. Additionally, natural resources must be managed in a balanced manner to avoid disasters and destruction.

Towards animals, one must provide adequate food and drink, give animals or livestock reasonable burdens (not burdening them beyond their capacity). It is also forbidden to torture them or destroy their habitats.

Towards plants, humans are prohibited from cutting down trees arbitrarily, especially in forests or those that provide benefits to humans and animals as food or shelter.

Thus, the concept of rahmatan lil alamin is holistic, encompassing all dimensions of life comprehensively. The compassion taught is not limited to humans but also includes the preservation of nature and the environment. It balances habluminallah (relationship with Allah) and habluminannas (relationship among humans) as well as the relationship with the surrounding nature.

The concept of rahmatan lil alamin is also dynamic and relevant in every era and throughout time. The values of rahmatan lil alamin are timeless. They reside in pure and clean hearts, centred on high and essential moral values, and can be practically implemented in various professions.

If we draw this into professional implementation, the nature of rahmatan lil alamin can be explained and exemplified. If you are a teacher who embodies rahmatan lil alamin, you will educate with patience, sincerity, and without favouritism.

Teaching is not only about transferring knowledge but also shaping the moral character of students so that they will bring benefits to humanity and the universe.

If you are a bureaucrat, politician, judge, or police officer who embodies rahmatan lil alamin, you will carry out your mandate justly, protect the rights of the people, and enforce the law without discrimination. Policies made will be oriented towards the interests of the people.

If you are an entrepreneur or trader, you will run your business honestly, without committing fraud or monopolies that harm others. Profits obtained will be accompanied by social concern and assistance to the weak. You will preserve nature and not engage in exploitation or pollution.

The application of the rahmatan lil alamin concept in facing the already severe environmental crisis is through the principle of compassion for the universe. Stopping all forms of destruction, excessive exploitation, or pollution.

Mobilising all capabilities to restore the balance and harmony of this universe. Using natural resources sparingly, wisely, and efficiently, such as water, energy, and other natural resources.

Taking concrete, consistent, and sustainable actions in environmental preservation such as reforestation (planting trees) and waste management as part of daily worship and making it a habit.

These are some explanations of the concept of rahmatan lil alamin, which serves as the foundation and values for Muslims in carrying out all activities related to the entire universe.

However, there is currently a phenomenon we are familiar with called serakahnomic.

The term serakahnomic is used to describe dishonest and manipulative economic practices that prioritise excessive personal gain to the point of impoverishing the people.

This term is a satire against the behaviour of elites who plunder state resources and exploit the nation’s wealth by power elites and oligarchs who ignore religion, morality, and the environment.

Philosophically, serakahnomic clearly contradicts the concept of rahmatan lil ’alamin. The teachings of rahmatan lil alamin are based on compassion, justice, and welfare for all creation. It strictly forbids the destruction of the earth (fasad fil ardhi).

It manages nature with full responsibility, preserving forests, water, and other living beings so that their benefits can be enjoyed by the entire ecosystem. Conversely, serakahnomic is oriented towards greed, excessive exploitation of nature, environmental destruction, and extreme capitalism that only benefits individuals and a select few.

In fact, serakahnomic contradicts the mandate of our nation’s constitution as stated in Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution: “The economy shall be organised as a common endeavour based upon the principles of the family system, and branches of production which are important for the state and which affect the lives of many people shall be controlled by the state and used for the greatest possible prosperity of the people.”

If the concept of rahmatan lil alamin is made the moral foundation of the Indonesian nation and becomes a value in filling independence, it will provide resistance and be able to defeat serakahnomic.

However, one thing we cannot ignore is the central role of power and political elites. If power and political elites do not side with the concept of rahmatan lil ’alamin, then the practice of serakahnomic will proceed smoothly without hindrance. Then we will simply wait for the disaster that will wipe everything out.