By: SAMSUL NIZAR
Professor and Head of STAIN Bengkalis
Theoretically, the Earth’s rotation refers to the planet’s rotation on its axis. The Earth revolves anticlockwise to the east. It comes out that the earth’s rotation follows the motion of the tawaf around the Kaaba. Due to the earth’s rotation on its axis, every part of the planet experiences day and night, even though their durations vary. The alternation between day and night signifies a change in time. This condition serves as the basis for time calculations. As one of the measures of time, the new year is celebrated by people all around the world. Therefore, the shift in time is caused by the earth’s rotation on its axis. This is a reference to Allah’s word: “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day, there are signs (of Allah’s greatness) for those with discernment” (QS. Ali Imran: 190).
At the conclusion of the preceding verse, Allah emphasizes that only intelligent people may derive meaning from Allah’s signs. When contemplating His creation, it is not the eye but the brain that perceives. The eye is merely a camera that transmits data to the brain. However, the brain cannot process the captured information. His verses can only be interpreted by informed reason. Therefore, although every human has a brain, not all possess a mind that will enhance their glory. Because it is a sign of intelligence when he always considers His verses when constructing rahmatan lil ‘aalamiin. In theory, the reason is the intellectual capacity of the human soul. The reason is the ability described in the Qur’an to attain written and extensive knowledge. When Allah mentions the term ‘aql (sense) 46 times in the Qur’an, it is natural to conclude that it is a significant concept. This repetition enables humans to memorize and use their thoughts for servitude and tyranny. The more a person uses his mind, the more he submits to Allah’s commandments because it is a sign of intelligence when a person thinks and has knowledge that directs him to recognize His magnificence and majesty. On the other hand, one’s distance from religious teachings increases proportionally to the degree to which reason needs to be utilized properly. Allah makes this clear in His words: “And countless signs (of Allah’s power) in the heavens and on earth, which people pass while ignoring it. “And the majority of them do not believe in Allah except in the stage of associating partners with Allah (with other offerings)” (QS. Yusuf: 105-106).
A guide is necessary for a cause to achieve its maximum effect. In Islam, the Qur’an and as-Sunnah serve as a reasoned safety guidance. Without these constraints, rationality becomes “wild” and out of control. Ibn Taimiyah clarified “The mind cannot stand alone. Reason can only work if it possesses instinct and power, just as the sight can only function if there is light. When the mind receives the light of faith and the Qur’an, it might become as bright as the sun to the eyes. Without this illumination, the mind cannot see or comprehend anything.”
The earth’s rotation on its axis teaches at least three (three) lessons: First, the rotation of the Earth reflects the human life cycle. There is day and night, old and young, life and death, up and down, rich and poor, powerful and vulnerable, etc. Life continues to cycle in this manner. For guided servants, every moment is devoted to serving and fulfilling the caliphate’s mandate. But for servants who “forget themselves” all the time, greed and a disregard for religion are utilised. In reality, life will continue to evolve. Second, the Earth’s rotation on its axis represents its order, as it remains on the train (axis) of God’s laws. Imagine if the earth stopped rotating on its axis; not only would the earth and its contents be destroyed, but the solar system would also be thrown into disarray. In the same manner, humans will achieve life safety by following the rules. If you disregard the laws, though, you will surely perish and have a negative impact on the cosmos. Thirdly, the rotation of the earth, which revolves like a tawaf servant, teaches that the entire earth’s contents present themselves to God. Everyone hums Allah’s name and bows before Him. For this reason, only God is worthy of any activity. This is Allah’s command through His words: “Say (Muhammad), “Indeed, my prayer, my worship, my life, and my death are entirely for Allah, the Lord of the universe” (QS. al-An’am: 162)
The momentum of the change of the year (hijriyah or A.D.) must be viewed as His verse for contemplation by those of sound mind, specifically:
First, the new year serves as a self-reflective mirror. Reflect on the quality of one’s altruism, character, morals, and the advantages bestowed upon others. The Prophet expressed this: “Whomever today is better than yesterday can be considered fortunate. Whoever is the same today as they were yesterday is a loser. And whoever is worse today than yesterday is categorized as a miserable person” (Narrated by al-Hakim).
The beginning of a new year indicates that the promise of mankind’s return to the Creator is drawing nearer. Supposedly, tears are shed due to the ignorance that has been committed. Surely, accountability will be demanded of all charities. In light of this, the change of the calendar year is a time to reflect on what has been accomplished and the plans for the upcoming year (assuming Allah prolongs his life). Through his words, the Prophet related the following: Rasulullah SAW further said, as related by Umar bin Khattab, “Account for yourself before you are judged, and adorn yourselves (with good acts) since there is something greater and more expansive, as well as something that simplifies accounting. “On the Day of Resurrection, those who have reflected on themselves while in the world” (HR. Tirmidzi).
It’s a shame if people focus on the flaws of others and never assess themselves, let alone harbor resentment. The Messenger of Allah recalled the words of Rasulullah SAW, attributed to Anas bin Malik RA: “Blessed are those who are consumed with seeking their own humiliation rather than seeking the dishonor of others” (HR. ad-Dailamy). In another hadith, the Prophet is quoted as saying, “A believer is a mirror for another believer” (Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said that in HR. Abu Dawud).
An honest companion who serves as a mirror must identify one’s flaws, as the hadith referenced above implies. How frequently is a person unaware that they have a deficiency? For this, he requires a companion who can serve as a mirror for him. However, those who “have an interest” are not fellow soldiers. As a result of his dishonesty in evaluating, he may even induce shame. When the power is held, he will judge without blemish or laud blasting, despite the absence of self-being gaping and rotting, for all praise is not due to self-quality but rather self-power. A million ways exist to accomplish it, but you must compromise your ideals to appease the powerholder. However, rest assured that when the power is gone, the praise will transform into a sneer, the sense of wonder into a flaw, and the acclaim into a sneer. Without authority, it will be abandoned and even betrayed if approached and respected only occasionally. This type of human no longer had the look of a “two-faced” individual but rather that of a “thousand-faced” person devoid of any guilt.
A thousand-cracked mirror was utilized. Only individuals with similar personalities are readily duped and share similar preferences. Self-attributes such as these are analogous to a verse of sage advice:
The more you are praised, the more you forget yourself,
The closer you approach, the more you expect that the paper will fold,
and the more you are complimented, the more you forget yourself.
As though life never ends.
For humans, though, the year change serves as a mirror through which they can view themselves.
More lauded, then more embarrassed of God,
Getting closer, then wiser the companion,
More complemented and more mindful of the trust carried.
So lucky that the sage servant uses the time to his advantage. Through His words, Allah has recalled mankind: “As of the time. Humans are indeed at a loss, with the exception of those who believe and perform good deeds, obey the truth, and exercise patience “(QS. Al -‘Asr: 1-3).
The preceding verse is incredibly clear. Despite the fact that the verse has been dispersed, the selection is truly tough. Time may have been spent in abundance. There is a missed opportunity to do good. More essential are the desires of the world. As if nothing could block it, tyranny shines brightly. Revenge until the apocalypse. It turns out that feeling noble is contemptible. Getting older turns out to be careless. Busy with the world, at the exclusion of God.
Second, the beginning of a new year is analogous to a rung on the ladder of self-improvement. Humans should do the same if nature moves with certainty and dynamism. Imagine if nature did not move dynamically but instead stalled or regressed; the universe would crash, and all life, including humans, would perish. If you take a position on the road or take a step back, civilization will be annihilated, and you will perish. The revolving nature of the solar system teaches people how to live in a dynamic manner. Vertical and horizontal dimensions of dynamics. The vertical dimension of dynamic indications consists of getting to know Allah, the Creator, and growing closer to him. By being present as caliph rahmatan lil ‘aalamiin, the dynamic has a horizontal dimension. In all human activity, these two aspects must become unified. Because God endows mankind with the capacity to accomplish both, Allah says, “Do not be weak and do not weep, even if you are the people of the highest degree (if you are a believer)” (QS. Ali Imran: 139).
Third, the yearly change as a scale (Mizan). The beginning of a new year should be a time for reflection on one’s actions. Humans will be able to engage in self-defense as a result of objective self-scaling. In contrast, if the scales exhibit arrogance and are completed subjectively, you will be amazed by yourself and make the right decision. God detests a characteristic that is exclusive to Satan. Religious scales will serve as a measuring tool for humans who receive His guidance. If he cannot fulfill a responsibility, he will release it. He is concerned that he would be unable to withstand it and bring mafsadah (damage that leads to disaster) to the cosmos. If he is able, he always prays to God for his ability to carry out his mission. This is the character of a genuine servant. This conforms to the word of God: “…Dear our Lord, do not burden us with a heavy load as You did those who came before us. Do not impose upon us what we cannot bear, our Lord. Have mercy on us and grant us forgiveness. You are our Helper; therefore, assist us against unbelievers” (QS. al-Baqarah: 286). Allah says in a second verse: “And on the Day of Resurrection, We will calibrate the scales so that no one is harmed in the slightest, even if it is only the weight of a mustard seed (reward). And it is enough for Us to perform the calculations ” (QS. Al Anbiya: 47).
The turn of the year signifies advancing age, based on the quality of the mandate carried out, the quality of servitude, and the function of the caliphate, and drawing closer to the end of life’s journey, as He promised (death). For this reason, the new year’s momentum must serve as a mirror and a counterpoint to the vertical acts and horizontal advantages that have been accomplished. However, so that the scale does not experience emptiness, the results to be weighed must be maintained by riya’ and vanish due to arrogance. Let all goodness be a bridge to the Divine’s hidden self. At the same time, all errors serve as a whip to remind you of your need for God’s forgiveness so that you will always pray for it. That is how clear the meaning of the new year is, from both a religious and a rational standpoint. Nonetheless, due to human ignorance, none of them are considered. New Year’s Eve is a joyous occasion that is accompanied by a lively celebration. It’s as if you are pleased and glad to display your own stupidity, proud of your own blunders, and oblivious to the fact that the closer we go to the end of life on earth, the stupider you appear to be. The only variable that changes is the number of years, and the physical condition is deteriorating, but the behavior and customs remain unchanged. The graph itself is worsening. Then, what is the meaning of the new year? Decreasing means disaster, remaining unmoved (stagnant) means losing money, and constantly improving oneself as an expression of gratitude for Allah’s blessings results in good fortune. Nobody could provide a response. It depends entirely on the calibre of each character’s content.
Wa Allahua’lam bi al-Shawwab.
Translated by Riska Saputra, S.Pd
Alumni from the English Education Study Program in STAIN Bengkalis.
Master Student at Graduate Institute of Network Learning Technology in National Central University, Taiwan.
