Indonesia
All human beings want to be happy in life, and that is the true purpose of life. Being rich or successful in this world does not guarantee happiness. Many people are surrounded by wealth, yet they constantly feel heartache, and tear-stained eyes are a constant presence every night. So how can we be happy without limits and without pause? Many philosophers offer advice or words of wisdom about the path to happiness, yet people are often disappointed because the happiness they attain is only temporary.
Islam stands as the path to happiness for all humanity and the entire universe. Islam shines as a light within every human being, though this light is not always accepted or felt by everyone, not even by the soul of a Muslim unless that Muslim prepares the vessel of their heart to receive it. In these end times, many people are closed off to the light within their hearts. The allure of the world is increasingly deceiving every soul with ever-greater intensity. Genuine compassion is nearly extinct; what remains is only superficial concern born of a petty desire for praise. People are competing to destroy the vessel of light within themselves by flaunting their own greatness across all social media platforms. Arrogance, which should be avoided and even eradicated, is instead nurtured and allowed to flourish, gradually eroding the vessel of light.
The world today is plagued by natural disasters, and with each disaster comes the chaos of people scrambling to save themselves and aid pouring in from all sides. But is there anyone calling on us to come together in prayer, to repent together, to prostrate ourselves together? For in truth, every disaster is an expression of Allah’s mercy toward humanity, so that those who have forgotten may quickly remember the purpose of their lives. Those with strong faith will become increasingly aware of the greatness and majesty of their Lord. Truly, Allah is Most Merciful and Most Compassionate, yet few people can truly feel and comprehend this. Perhaps there are those who pray together in every corner of Indonesia, but there should be a national collective prayer to make every relief effort easier and to ask that Indonesia remain safe and peaceful.
Sharing is a purifier of the soul, done with the sole intention of seeking His pleasure. Charity cleanses the heart of all its ailments. Meanwhile, zakat is a command from the Most Merciful to ensure we always love every one of His creations. The natural disasters that occur are a tool of the Most Merciful to bring people back together in harmony, to love one another, and to stimulate the sincerity of every person’s heart so that it may emerge and ultimately restore the humanity that is often eroded by time.
Islam is a religion of sharing; Islam is compassion for the entire universe. Therefore, if there is still stinginess in our hearts when it comes to sharing, then our hearts are truly broken and must be healed. There is no other way to heal the heart except through sharing. Sharing is not just about material possessions. A smile is the simplest form of sharing. Because, at its core, sharing is about bringing joy to others. Bringing joy to others can be done in simple yet meaningful ways. A smile, offering greetings, and prayers are simple expressions of sharing.
Once again, by sharing, including through prayer, we bring joy to others regardless of who they are. Living in Indonesia with all its diversity does not prevent us from sharing with anyone. Indonesians must show concern for everyone as an expression of national brotherhood and the Islamic concept of love and compassion for all humanity and all of God’s creatures.
Religion is morality. Morality toward the Creator, toward oneself, toward fellow human beings, and toward all of Allah’s creatures. Morality is a reflection of faith, for faith consists of a firm creed, sincere worship, and good character. Sharing is part of morality. A believer will possess high moral character if they have a firm creed and strong acts of worship. However, if someone claims to have faith but finds it difficult to share, then their faith is not yet perfect and their creed is not yet firm. One of Allah’s Names is Ar-Rahman, the Most Merciful, and it is always followed by another of Allah’s Names, Ar-Rahiim, which means the Most Compassionate. Therefore, when humans share, it must always be done with full compassion and love, so that what is present is sincerity, seeking only the mercy and compassion of the Most Loving.
Indeed, Allah judges the essence of every act of worship, including the act of sharing. The magnitude of the reward and whether an act is rejected or accepted depends on the intention and substance of each act. Therefore, being mindful in every movement and breath we take is an absolute necessity. Do not let charity or sharing, which should purify our deeds, instead become a source of impurity within us. Once again, sincerity is the measure by which Allah judges every act of sharing we perform. Only Allah alone can see the purity of every human heart and deed. Wallahu’alam bi showab.
Author: Sita Acetylena
