Wukuf at Arafat & Environmental Day: Reflection of Spirituality for Cleaner Earth

This year, Wukuf Day on Arafat which falls on 9 Dzulhijjah 1446 H coincides with World Environment Day, June 5, 2025. A rare momentum that seems to invite us to reflect deeper: how spiritual values ​​can be in line with our responsibilities to protect the earth-especially in the face of a plastic pollution crisis that is increasingly urgent.

Spirituality in Padang Arafat

Wukuf at Arafat is the peak of the entire series of pilgrims. In the vast Padang, millions of worshipers from various parts of the world gathered, standing in simplicity with white ihram wrapped, without worldly attributes.

Everything looks the same – there is no difference in social status, wealth, or position. This is the moment of the peak of surrender and total submission to Allah SWT.

But Wukuf is not just about ritual worship. This is also a reflection of the role of humans on earth. Almighty Allah says:

“The person who made you caliph on earth.” (Surah Al-An’am: 165)

This verse reminds that humans not only have spiritual relations with God (Hablum minallah), but also has moral and social responsibility to the universe (Hablum minal ‘nature). Being a caliph means maintaining, caring for, and not damaging.

Plastic Pollution Crisis: A real threat that cannot be ignored

On the same day, the world commemorates World Environment Day. This year’s theme is very relevant and urgent: “Stop plastic pollution.” This problem is no longer just an environmental issue, but has become a real threat to human life.

Every year, more than 300 million tons of plastic produced globally. Ironically, most end up as a garbage that pollutes the sea, rivers, forests and land. Not only wildlife is affected, but also humans. Microplastic is now found in drinking water, salt kitchen, to seafood – duplicating that plastic has entered the chain of our food.

Plastic pollution is no longer a matter of “later-later”. This is a crisis that occurs NowAnd we all play a role in it.