By: Samsul Nizar
Professor and Head of STAIN Bengkalis
A Ulama or scholar (scientist) is a truly knowledgeable and well-informed individual. Although not all those who are learned are considered scholars (scientists), all scholars (scientists) must be knowledgeable. Scholars are knowledgeable, kind, and committed to charity. The priest title is an evaluation of society’s acknowledgement of a person’s quality, not self-recognition or publication as a scholar. Scholars are not represented by a line of titles, a stack of academic honours (much less political awards) that are “forced” (political transactions), or traits that are “purchased” (storefronts), nor by institutional patches and business cards. However, academics (scientists) always rely on entire adherence to Allah’s laws and the Prophet’s manners. The backrest turns into a colour and is visible in the civilization’s artefacts. With this approach, his status as the prophets’ heir will increase in credibility. Allah expresses this in His words: “Allah, the light-giver, illuminates the sky and the earth. The parable of His light resembles a non-transparent hole containing a big lamp ” (QS. AnNur: 35).
It’s unfortunate when the traits of a scholar (science) are worn on an improper body, with arrogance, snatched with a sharp sword, traded in the form of prostitution, and worn as if they were “oversized” clothes, held but not possessed (like holding coals). It appears the rice is full, but it’s simply weeds and such. Beginning with forced incompetence, despair pours through murky waterways of decision-making, creates noise, and leads to perpetual misdirection.
While true scholars (scientists) guard themselves against disgraceful behaviour, arrogance, envy, and slandering each other against opponents with opposing views (religious or political) or others, the scholars of four (four) schools or early Muslim scientists who shaped world civilization are examples of scholars who respect one another. Even though they hold differing viewpoints, they never feel superior and always place the blame on others. They are respectful of one another and do not insult or degrade one another. Always focus on your own faults and the strengths of others, and never the reverse. In fact, the Prophet extolled the status of the Ulama. This is expressed in his remark: “Undoubtedly, the scholars (scientists) are the prophets’ successors. Prophets did not inherit dinars and dirhams. Indeed, they merely pass on information, therefore whoever inherits has taken a substantial portion “(HR. Mutafaq’ Alaih).
The preceding hadith discusses the noble character of scholars. The Prophet has entrusted you with a significant burden. To achieve this, scholars must keep the Prophet’s character. If not, glory will become a dishonour. Consequently, the clergy hold a position of respect. Shaykh ShalihFauzan stated, “We must respect the Ulama (scientists) because they are the descendants of the prophets. Underestimating them diminishes the status and inheritance gained from the Messenger of Allah, as well as the acquired knowledge. Those who take this action will, of course, continue to underestimate Muslims. Ulama must be accorded respect due to their status among the populace and the duties they do for the advancement of Islam and Muslims. Whom do they believe if they do not trust the Ulama? If there is no longer any faith in the ulema, then to whom do Muslims return their concerns and ask to clarify the Shari’a’s laws? At such time, there will be doubts and unrest. Sayyidina Ali bin Abi Talib warned, “There will come a day when Islam is nothing more than a name, the Qur’an is nothing more than a book, mosques are multiplying but are not being used to remember Allah, and there will be diverse falsehoods emanating from scholars (scientists)”.
The age in question is most likely approaching, and the picture is already evident. Therefore, the figure of a scholar must resemble a shady tree with abundant fruit, including:
First, Ulama is comparable to the protective and sheltering leaves of a tree. The branches provide a place for birds to sit and sing delightful tunes, or their fruit is sweet and nutritious. His persona shields attacks on jahiliyyah’s beliefs, and their fatwas are beneficial for all groups. His role is to protect religious truth, not to sell religion. His fatwa is like a lamp that illuminates the darkness without hiding the truth.
Secondly, the figure of a scholar resembles a deep-rooted plant. Once a fatwa has been issued, the truth is unaffected by winds of interest or “deposits.” Even though he was struck by “material and position lightning,” he remained steadfast in his convictions. His persona was assured in the veracity of the religion in which he believed. Unmoved by the dazzle of promises, money, and “status”, steadfast in faith.
Thirdly, Ulama is comparable to trees, which sustain life by absorbing oxygen, and not toxins or tear gas. The figure of the Ulama inspires optimism on the presence of benefits. Each of his words nurtures the mind and inspires altruism. A person’s clergy is not a reflection of the number of literacies they possess and control, the number of world-class accessories they carry, the number of positions they have attained through despicable means, or the number of publishing of worldly accessories full of intrigue interests. Scholars have the humility to constantly rectify themselves so that they might know God better and invite others to be at peace. Even if the earth mistreats him, he will make himself known to God and the “heavens” through his busy lifestyle.
In the meantime, the adjunct scholars are publishing “affordable” books for the world’s people. To earn a person’s regard, he must occupy himself with worldly publications so that he is admired and admired by creatures. The dwellers of the sky, in contrast, know nothing.
Scholars are not worthy of pride. Especially if the status of clergy is coupled by arrogance and the desire to acquire “coffers and chairs.” Those who comprehend will recognise the magnitude of what they possess as a small deposit. As a matter of fact, he observed the power of the Great God in the performance of his duties. Without the exalted word of Allah and the teachings of the Prophet, it is impossible to recognise the figure of a scholar (science). Therefore, scholars should be more appreciative of God’s blessings because God has entrusted them with the responsibility of gaining knowledge of God.
Ulama does not imply a connection to intellectuals or scientists’ descendants. Like a bunch of coconuts, some fruit may be rotting and unable to provide any benefits. Ulama are the servant’s attempts to attain Allah’s potential and favour. In addition, scholars affiliated to the Prophet’s descendants must retain the Prophet’s character in the mirror of his life. True clerics are difficult to locate, but their existence is always present, even if many are unaware. His existence without selling his clerics, let alone self-esteem, causes the populace to disintegrate like froth.
The genuine cleric’s appearance is anxiously anticipated. The image possessed is summarised by at least numerous self-characteristics, including:
First, he is as fresh as dew. The coolness emitted eliminates people’s thirst during increasingly hot and dry conditions. You’ll be able to extinguish the flames of emotion and revenge if you maintain your composure. Conversely, scholars who lack the freshness of dew will only serve as fuel that ignites fires and consumes brotherhood.
Second, he is a beacon in the darkness. The people’s misunderstanding results from their inability to view the issue clearly during a period of darkness. No guide exists in life since there is no light to serve as a guide. This illness causes individuals to lose control.
Thirdly, his speech is a refreshing sip of water for the masses. Every word he utters answers issues, and each guideline dispels confusion; every piece of advice he offers is significant. Never feel the most self-righteous but accept the incorrect opinion with insight that enlightens the situation rather than muddies it.
Fourth, Behave like the sun and a compass that never deceives. His persona is not fabricated (manufactured) but emanates from the holy soul that breaks forth from within. In fact, what emerges originates from the inner self. The greater one’s alignment with the spirit of the true cleric, the more morals will emerge, which will serve as life principles for those who wish to better themselves.
Fifth, the issued fatwa resembles yellowed rice, is devoid of hubris, and possesses a weed-like sense of righteousness. There is not even a speck of dust left to feel the most intelligent or righteous. Fatwa is derived from the spirit of the Quran and Sunnah, notwithstanding the absence of eloquently spoken verses.
Sixth, self-attributes are analogous to the spirit within the body, which is never highlighted, much alone the deceptive attribute. Even though the clergy physical characteristic is not restricted, clergy members are not visible among displayed physical traits. Clerics must focus on the customer side of their surroundings and refrain from forcibly altering its characteristics. Standard reference so long as it does not contradict the Quran or hadith.
The seventh point is that simplicity does not refer to material features, but rather to living patterns and modest mindsets. Scholars can pursue wealth and become prosperous. Obviously, religion justifies wealth. A wealthy scholar can provide greater assistance to others. However, his wealth does not make him feel haughty or cause him to forget his desire for Allah. This desire is what can save him from his illness (over loving the world), which becomes the curtain between his servant and God.
In fact, the figure of an indispensable scholar (scientist) appears crucial. Scholarly is not synonymous with the titles of scholar or scientist, which are given to those who grasp knowledge. Even if there are few arguments or restricted theories, scholars may appear. However, it is possible to acquire the spirit of the scholar (science) as a figure who is rahmatanlil ‘alamin (good in the universe). Therefore, the figure of a scholar can bridge disciplinary boundaries. When you understand the meaning of the Prophet’s message that “scholars are the inheritors (of the prophet’s teachings)”, regardless of your discipline, you will be a scholar (HR. at-Tirmidhi).
Knowledge is not limited to academic and non-academic qualifications and degrees. Nonetheless, if it does not help a genuine educator with the moral character of the Prophet, then all of his ecclesiastical predicaments will be lost. This is due to the fact that a diploma is merely evidence of having gotten an education, a degree is only evidence of having a diploma or been awarded a (honorary) degree, and the attribute of a scholar (scientist) is only a title. While knowledge is demonstrated by the thoughts and deeds that contribute to the development of civilisation through practical concepts.
When the word of God and the words of the Prophet are intelligently grasped, then it is the good fortune of true scholars to inherit (the teachings of) the Prophet Muhammad. Because, in the context of fiqh, an heir is a (near) relative of the inheritor. When this is employed as a steppingstone, it is preferable for a scholar to keep his clergy in order to achieve proximity to the Prophet of Allah’s king and God’s favour. If he possesses this, he will avoid being labelled a “false scholar (scientist)” who merely shows off what he wears but lacks scientific knowledge and works to develop civilization. When the clergy is reduced to selling religious truth (prostitution religion), it will become further from the Prophet and cease to be his heir.
Then, what is the current position of scholars and scientists? Calling oneself a scholar is the only way to determine if a characteristic is important or utopian (scientist).
WaAllahua’lam bi al-Shawaab.
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
