By: Samsul Nizar
Professor and Head of STAIN Bengkalis
Even though Allah created a great number of animals, not all of them are mentioned in the Quran. Among those picked as names for the Qur’anic letters are ants, specifically the letter an-Naml (the 27th letter). According to Ibn Kathir, ants are sociable creatures. This animal is exceptional in that it possesses keen senses, a cautious demeanour, and a strong work ethic.
In fact, even though the ant is a little animal, its significance increases since Allah mentions it in the Qur’an. Although there are numerous huge animals, the Qur’an does not mention them. Everything must have a hidden goal and purpose. Allah’s selection of ants has mysteries that must be uncovered, including:
First, the physique of small ants, but Allah has enshrined them as letter names in the Qur’an, destroys elephants and even big, terrifying dinosaurs. Thus, humans must understand that the size of themselves in terms of material, power, and a variety of other degrees is not necessarily large in God’s presence. It may be glorified by terrestrial creatures, but not by celestial entities.
While certain humans may be deemed insignificant by other humans, their munajat is powerful enough to shake the throne and be recognised by all the residents of the heavens. Do not underestimate the small, since their voices may be able to tremble and unlock the gates of heaven. Or don’t be haughty with the greatness that comes from the acclaim of the earth’s creatures, for you may fall into disgrace when God reveals his existing disgrace.
Both little and large creatures represent life. All have pros and disadvantages. When all living things are in harmony, the two parts of the self will complement one another. If not, the powerful will prey on the weak, resulting in “law of the jungle.” However, dominance frequently leads to forgetfulness and arrogance. As a result, he forgot about the flaws that led to his collapse. This is shown by a folktale in which an elephant was vanquished by an ant. Because he was responsible for the elephant’s loss, he felt “arrogant” about his huge size and forgot about his shortcomings. This is what happens to humans because their superiority ends in destruction further down the line.
Second, the pattern of leadership and cohesion of the ants in working together according to their roles and functions and consistently in accordance with a single order (goodness). Ant colonies are split into distinct castes (job desks) consisting of queen ants, male ants, egg-laying ants, soldier ants, and worker ants, each of which has specific functions. Even though they are separated into a variety of castes and tasks, no ant feels superior or inferior in his responsibilities. Everyone respects one another, no one feels superior, everyone works diligently, and nobody is envious of one another’s efforts.
The orders of the leader were followed. The consistency of the work of ants performing their primary responsibilities cannot be separated from the calibre of their leaders. This is because ants recognise that they have a trustworthy, fair, and respected leader. The figure of the “ant queen” as a knowledgeable, intelligent leader who pledges justice for her tribe. The queen lacks the hungry disposition of the existing (owned) money. The figure of the “ant queen” is not merely a command holder, but also possesses the intelligence to ensure the safety of all the people (ants) she leads.
Allah mentions this in His words: “Until they came at the valley of the ants, an ant said, “Dear ants, enter your nests, lest Solomon and his army trample you while you are unaware” (QS. an-Naml : 18).
Imagine that if the “queen ant” possesses “intellectual and spiritual ignorance,” it will produce deceptive orders and annihilate all those who follow them. The “whispers and rotters” around him who take advantage of his ignorance will be able to easily manipulate him. If a problem arises, he will only save himself and his “colleagues” without regard for others. However, the intelligent “ant queen” persona is able to care for her “people,” and all ants obey her directions.
All the ants live in harmony without committing betrayal or becoming “scissors in the fold” because of the queen ant’s knowledge. Therefore, ants-like humans, both leaders and commoners, should live in harmony and justice. Work truly toward a common objective, possess capable intelligence (intellectual, emotional, social, and religious), and be a rahmatanlil ‘alamin community leader.
If all elements carry out their primary responsibilities and are supported by the shrewdness of a just leader, the objective will be attained. If, on the other hand, the destruction is obtained, grudges are imprinted, hypocrisy flourishes (when it is powerful, it is wonderful; when it falls, it is disgusting), sadness is reaped, and so on.
Third, the nature of ants is such that they retain friendship with one another whenever they meet, without looking away, sneering, or harassing others. If an ant dies or becomes ill, the other ants will transport it. All are cleaned and collected so that they do not become others’ “trash.” Even dead ants are not discarded by the colony, let alone sick or still-living ones, in order to protect one another. What ants do in their interactions is God’s word in action.
“Thus, do you believe that if you attain power you will wreak havoc on the planet and destroy familial bonds (silaturrahim)?” (QS. Muhammad: 22)
The Prophet clarified this by saying, “Whoever wishes to increase his nourishment and prolong his life, let him maintain contact.” (Recounted by Bukhari)
Such is the lovely and happy colony of ants. While diverse human societies interact with one another. Sometimes, interests drive interactions. As long as there are shared interests, happy connections appear to exist. Everything smells pleasant, despite the fact that the carcass is overrun with stinging rot. Meanwhile, when the interests have been reached or not achieved, contradictory and insulting communication emerges. If people are viewed as useless, let alone as “opponents,” then communication appears nasty and is avoided. In reality, the opponent’s rhetoric permeates the universe with a pleasant aroma. Such is the enigma of human contact and “silaturrahim” It turned out to be analogous to “a sugar lump surrounded by ants.” When there is still sugar, a swarm of “ants” will approach. However, when the sweetness has vanished, no one comes close, not even insults, insults, dishonour, or those who are rejected.
Fourth, a robust individual who can lift loads that exceed his bodily weight. Despite their diminutive size, ants are among the world’s most powerful animals. A worker ant can lift objects weighing five to ten times its body mass and drag objects weighing twenty to fifty times its body mass. This is due to the relatively large proportion of muscle mass in comparison to other organisms.
Physical health potential is not merely being healthy and strong enough to engage in physical activities; rather, the most important aspect is utilising physical potential for good, both in this world and the next. Thus, human physical potential and spiritual potential must combine for their mutual benefit. The Prophet of Allah reminded him, “Indeed, your body has rights over you” (HR. Bukhari).
The aforementioned hadith advises humans to take care of their bodies for the sake of the world and the hereafter. The cosmos as a whole benefits from the combination of the two entities’ potential. Ants provide a prime illustration. His diminutive stature does not render him idle, nor does his physical power render him hungry or unjust to abuse others. Spiritual fortitude and sincerity in performing his obligations and responsibilities do not make him feel the greatest and most honourable. Everything is done exclusively to fulfil the stated mandate.
They never have resentment or envy for their jobdesk. Everyone is proud of the mission they carry and executes it with integrity and accountability. Humans often feel entitled and envious when they do not receive what they anticipate. Obtaining what is expected by whatever means justifiable, after which the faith is merely “quotes of words” that transform into unmatched greed.
Fifth, an individual who works actively, lives simply and frugally, and is humble. Daily gathering of sustenance with tenacity Ant characters neither stand idly by nor beg for forgiveness. No ant is greedy when acquiring food, much less desirous of betraying the food they have gathered and mastered on their own. Cooperatively pursued and consumed heaps of nourishment. Ant colonies are neither greedy or ostentatious and do not flaunt what they obtain. Rasulullah SAW reminded him of the time he passed Sa’d while he was performing ablution and admonished him, “Why are you wasting water?” Yes, you should not be extravagant even if you perform ablution in a running river, responded the Messenger of Allah (HR. Ibn Majah and Ahmad).
Even though they are little, ants are intelligent and wise enough to anticipate the future. The acquired wealth is savoured judiciously, rather than being frittered away. Everything must be utilised based on necessity, not whim. This is due to the fact that ants remember when a tick needs to be anticipated. With this mentality, ant colonies never starve to death or engage in “killing” one other over food. On the human side, the opposite is true. Humans become hostile (more so than lions) when they lack food, greedy when they want it, wasteful when using it, boastful (particularly on social media) to be deemed great, and attempt to acquire food by growing greed as though there is never enough.
Thus, people must learn from ants due to their simplicity. Because humans must consider carefully whether what is desired is a requirement or a whim. If you require it, satisfy it according to the extent of its human demands. However, if the desire is stronger, avoid it. Because desire is inexhaustible in nature and is fueled by insatiable passion until the earth enters its mouth (dies).
Sixth, never assault, unless to defend oneself when abused. In this instance, Allah states, “And (for) those who defend themselves when they are treated unfairly” (QS. Asy-Shura: 39).
The conduct of the ants is a literal application of Qur’anic passages. Even if the option of defending oneself is the last resort when wronged. If you are still capable of forgiving others, you have made a noble decision. This is also mentioned in His word: “…..They like to change the words (Allah) from their places, and they (deliberately) forget some of what they have been warned about, and you (Muhammad) will always see their betrayal except for a few of them (who are not treacherous), so forgive them and let them be, for Allah loves those who do good (QS. al-Maidah: 13).
Humans often demonstrate the ant behaviour and God’s explanation through His Word in reverse. Some people behave unjustly towards others, despite the fact that they have never been mistreated themselves. Therefore, humans should not be abusive and unjust towards others. Because tyranny will only spawn tyranny regardless. The rights and responsibilities of living beings to protect their dignity.
When self-respect and dignity have been violated, discord will ensue. Although in front of a happy countenance and sweet tongue, it is not necessarily indicative of one’s true character. It is possible that the munajat demanded of Him was the exact reverse. The Messenger of Allah admonished him with his words: “And be wary of the prayers of the wronged, for there is no barrier between Allah and their petitions” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).
Thus, it is evident that the aforementioned verses and hadiths instruct mankind to always spread kindness and never spread hatred. Although self-defense is permissible, it is a measure of last resort. Furthermore, it is a disgusting deed to attack and spread tyranny to others who have never harmed or oppressed you. Self-justification is possible. Accessories of piety, not to mention “coffers,” may be able to captivate through the vocabulary of justification, but they cannot deceive the heart (conscience) and Allah SWT. The stored carcass will eventually appear. Every action is analogous to the growth of plants. Each plant will grow fruit and be harvested without fail. Everything depends on what is sown into life. If goodness is planted, it will yield honour and delight. Nonetheless, if wickedness and tyranny are sown, humiliation and sorrow will be reaped.
Do not assign blame to others in order to serve as a scapegoat. Enhance contemplation of what transpired Even though all phenomena include God’s secret, there is also a reality that is a “movie” that God displays in the world to demonstrate the actions of slaves dressed in arrogance and dishonesty. May Allah conceal all shame, just as He conceals the soul within the body, Amiin.
WaAllahua’lam bi al-Shawwab.
Translated by RiskaSaputra, S.Pd
Alumni of the English Education Study Program of STAIN Bengkalis
Master Student at Graduate Institute of Network Learning Technology in National Central University, Taiwan
