Yogyakarta-Many people know the Islam was originated from Arabic, but most of them haven’t got clear understanding about the goal of Islam itself. History has explained and proven that Islam could be a part of the history of the world until now. Islam even brings people to a new era that emphasizes human values.

That's what was delivered by Prof. James W Morris of the Department of Theology Boston University of United States, when he had a speech at a public lecture of the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FAI) in cooperation with the Research, Publications, and Community Service (LP3M) Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta located in AR. Fachruddin Building on 5th Floor, integrated campus of UMY on Tuesday (17/06).

James said that human values ​​have been stated in the Qur'an. Citing surat Al-Asr, James explained that Islam is a religion that directs its followers to help each other and encourage one another. However, the advice given is not for the good of others, instead of bad things. “By the time of the beloved (Prophet), undoubtedly, man is necessarily in loss. Except those who believed and did good deeds and stressed one another to accept truth and counseled one another to be steadfast." He said.

In addition, according to James, trust and ethics are pieces that cannot be separated each other because they are the guidance to the way how we relate to the social environment and how we communicate with people. "Ethics and trust become the way how we are all interconnected with the social environment around us and also the way we communicate with people, because they are unified and cannot be separated," said this Boston College University of United States (U.S.) lecturer.

In contrast to James, Hilman Latief, S. Ag., MA Ph.D revealed that human values ​​are clearly seen on the role of Non-Government Organization (NGO) as he had done after the tsunami tragedy in Aceh. Many Islamic NGOs went straight to contribute the rebuilding of the infrastructure that had been destroyed by the tsunami. "Let's take a look at an example of when the tsunami occurred in Aceh. Many Islamic NGOs had contributed massively to rebuild infrastructure destroyed by the tsunami. That is an irrefutable proves that Islam is a religion that brings human values" said FAI UMY lecturer. (Shidqi)

Tags: Muhammadiyah, UMY, Hilman Latif, James W Morris, Islam, Humanity