UIN Jakarta Library News Online - Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in a book review event, Prof. Andi Faisal Bakti, M.A., Ph.D., became the main speaker to discuss Badiuzzaman Said Nursi's work, “Risalah Kebangkitan : Reasoning Toward the Reality of the Hereafter". This book highlights the spiritual and theological aspects of the afterlife through the lens of rationality and philosophical argumentation.

Uncovering Belief in the Supernatural
Prof. Andi (his nickname) opened the discussion by highlighting the human tendency to more easily believe in something that has already happened or been seen. "Belief in the afterlife, a supernatural reality, is challenging for most people. Usually, recounting the experience of someone who has died creates a dilemma between believing or not believing,” Prof. Andi said.

One of the main points raised in this book is the rationality approach to the afterlife. According to Prof. Andi, “Humans will be rewarded according to their good deeds, in contrast to philosophical theories that often focus only on rationality without considering the spiritual dimension.”

Said Nursi's Arguments about the 'Hereafter'
Prof. Andi also explores Said Nursi's arguments that form the basis of this book. According to Said Nursi, the afterlife is the day of retribution for all deeds in the world. "Reward and punishment must exist. The afterlife is a consequence of Allah's love and mercy,” Prof. Andi explained while quoting Nursi's work.

Furthermore, he emphasized that belief in the existence of rewards and punishments in the afterlife is not only based on faith alone, but can also be understood through a rational approach. “This is one way to bring theological concepts closer to modern people who tend to be skeptical of the supernatural,” he added.

The book review event was well attended, ranging from students, education personnel who are interested in the topic of the afterlife. The discussion was interactive, with many questions and responses from the audience who showed high enthusiasm for this topic.

Prof. Andi closed the session by inviting the participants to continue to explore knowledge and deepen their understanding of the reality of the afterlife. “Although the afterlife is something unseen, with a rational approach and strong faith, we can approach a deeper and holistic understanding,” he said.

Book review of “Risalah Kebangkitan: Reasoning Toward the Reality of the Hereafter” provides new insights that combine faith and rationality, opening a space for constructive discussion on one of the most important aspects of religious life. (RMr)