MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA–Ahead of Ramadan, the Department of Environmental Preservation and Disaster Management (Lembaga Lingkungan Hidup dan Penanggulangan Bencana/LLHPB) of ‘Aisyiyah Central Board (PP ‘Aisyiyah) held an online Environmental Sermon (Ngaji Lingkungan) titled “Fasting as an Ethics of Energy Consumption Control” on Saturday (14/2).
The event emphasized that Ramadan is not only a spiritual occasion but also an opportunity to build ecological awareness by controlling consumption and using energy wisely.
Rahmawati Husein, Chairperson of LLHPB PP ‘Aisyiyah, stressed that Ramadan is the right time to restrain desires while strengthening ecological piety.
“Ramadan is a momentum to exercise self-control, increase good deeds, and enhance piety—including ecological piety through waste reduction and energy conservation,” she said.
She noted that waste generation during Ramadan tends to rise by around 20 percent. Therefore, LLHPB PP ‘Aisyiyah called for the Green ‘Aisyiyah movement through concrete actions, such as avoiding excessive provision of takjil (iftar snacks), reducing single-use plastics, and bringing reusable containers when purchasing food for breaking the fast.
The movement also promotes saving water during ablution, reducing electricity use, and choosing environmentally friendly transportation—such as walking, cycling, or using public transport—especially for short-distance activities during Ramadan to reduce energy consumption and emissions.
Fasting as “Jihad Akbar” Through Energy Conservation
On the same occasion, Chairperson of ‘Aisyiyah Central Board, Masyitoh Chusnan, emphasized that fasting carries a deeper meaning as jihad akbar—a great struggle against human greed.
“Fasting is a major struggle against the impulses of human greed. Ramadan is a training ground for self-restraint, including in consumption and energy use,” she stated.
She added that protecting the environment is part of humanity’s responsibility as stewards (khalifah) on earth. “The environment will treat us well if we treat it well,” she affirmed.
Meanwhile, Prof. Mohammad Nurcholis, Chairperson of Community Empowerment at the Environmental Council (MLH) of Pimpinan Pusat Muhammadiyah, highlighted the link between energy consumption, modern lifestyles, and climate change.
He explained that energy is not limited to electricity but includes production processes, transportation, and daily activities.
“Every activity consumes energy, including preparing food for iftar or daily mobility. Therefore, fasting becomes a moral education to use energy efficiently and avoid excess,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of energy justice, noting that many communities still have limited access to energy resources.
Ramadan as a Moment of Transformation
In closing, moderator Prof. Yeni Widowaty, a member of the Environmental Division of LLHPB PP ‘Aisyiyah, stated that Ramadan provides space to reorganize our way of life—not merely through restraint, but by fostering responsibility toward the earth.
“If practiced consistently, these efforts can significantly contribute to building an environmentally friendly culture within families and communities,” she said.
The online Ngaji Lingkungan session was attended by 89 participants, including LLHPB ‘Aisyiyah leaders from the central, provincial, and regional levels across Indonesia.
Translator: Bintang Adrian
