By: Samsul Nizar
Professor and Head of STAIN Bengkalis
According to legend, a cruel monarch owned a ferocious tiger. His tiger’s ferocity was well-known and feared by all the people. Those who offended or opposed the monarch, or even made a mistake, were sentenced to be eaten by the tiger. No one was willing to commit an offence, much less offend the monarch.
For fifteen years, a trustworthy prime minister has served, served, and assisted the monarch. Numerous accomplishments, the development of the nation, the dissemination of goodness, and the provision of benefits to the people and the nation have aided the monarch in prospering the entire nation. However, because there were “whisperers” around the monarch who were bitter toward the prime minister for his inability to compromise on corruption, he was accused of various slanders in front of the king. The whisperers were offended by the prime minister’s unwavering adherence to the king’s rule. Therefore, the selfish “whisperers” were unable to obtain what they desired. The whisperers attempted to discover faults with the prime minister and lavished the king with compliments using deft rhetoric. Although they were unable to identify the prime minister’s flaws, the whisperers eventually invented defects to attribute to him. The fabricated faults were reported to the monarch, who was then accused of treason by the prime minister. Hearing the “sycophants” report, the monarch became enraged and sentenced the prime minister to be eaten by his tiger.
The prime minister attempted to clarify the allegations against him. The “whisperers” were however more adept at convincing the monarch to reject the prime minister’s explanation. In fact, the value of 15 years of service was deemed to be squandered. As a token of his last devotion to the monarch, the prime minister requested 15 days to care for the king’s tiger, despite being saddened and disappointed by the king’s decision. The request was granted by the monarch. The prime minister was given time to nurture and feed the king’s tiger after the sentence was enacted.
The prime minister fed, watered, scrubbed the cage, and bathed the king’s tiger every day. Even though they only had 15 days together, the prime minister and the tiger developed a close relationship. The time had finally arrived for the punishment to be carried out. The prime minister was caged with tigers.
Typically, everything that is placed in is devoured quickly and voraciously. However, when placed in the tiger’s cage, the prime minister was curiously not devoured. The tiger actually sat down in front of the prime minister. Upon observing the tiger’s behavior, the prime minister affectionately embraced and stroked its body. The monarch and his “sycophants” were stunned by the tiger’s behavior toward the prime minister. The two tigers appeared to get along well and greeted one another in a unique and personal manner.
Several life teachings can be derived from the preceding narrative, including the following:
First, the monarch was conceited and foolish. Accepting information and provocations from “whisperers” without recommending that the information be verified. Allah reminds us in His word, “Dear believers! Do not make outsiders (of the same religion) your closest confidants, as they will continue to cause you trouble. They anticipate your annihilation” (Q. Ali Imran: 118).
In a broader context, it must be understood that the verse “Do not make friends with those outside your circle” is not limited to the realm of religion, but also encompasses nepotism, which lacks professionalism. To be vigilant is to be mindful of the information received in order to make wise and impartial judgments and choices. Consider all decisions with clarity and maturity, particularly in light of the numerous contributions (works) made to build the nation. In contrast, the whisperers are only excellent at talking, but lack ideas, contributions, and are frequently unable to do anything but “stand by.”
The second, tiger is never forgets the prime minister’s generosity. He never forgets the generosity he has received. He reciprocated with compassion. The tiger’s actions were consistent with His words: “If you do good, you have done good for yourself.” If you commit evil, (the loss from evil) will be returned to you. When the time for the second (mischief) comes, (We will rise up your enemies) to make your faces dark, to enter the mosque (Baitulmaqdis) as they did the first time, and to destroy everything they own” (QS. al-Isra’: 7).
The interpretation of the aforementioned verse in the book of Jalalain is as follows: “then We say (if you do good) by obeying (then you are doing good for yourself) because indeed the reward of goodness is for you (and if you do evil) by causing harm (then the evil is for you) as punishment for your evil.” This is the tiger’s gorgeous and noble behavior. Despite being an animal, it is distinct from humans, who are considered intelligent entities. Frequently, a single error seems to wipe out the compassion that has been received for so long. This behavior brings to mind the proverb “a half-day’s rain can wipe out a year’s drought.” The proverb implies that a small amount of wrongdoing can cancel out a great deal of kindness. Even by errors that have never been committed, but are treated as if they have. In actuality, it is the perpetrators who determine the existence of evil.
This is how numerous such occurrences occur. Particularly in the digital age. Through the power of the digital age, which is capable of penetrating dimensions and moving at the speed of light, many previously unknown phenomena are revealed. From the backdrop of a hedonistic lifestyle, glamor, the dark side of justice, extortion (even leading to robbery), and various other offenses emerge. Diverse responses emerged in various ways. Beginning with expressions of mediocrity, tradition, common knowledge, surprise, amazement, and other responses. In fact, perpetrators are frequently those who are unlikely to do so. In the meantime, the sphere of operation is at the center of “security,” which is illogical. Everyone can only say “they are humans, too” However, prior to its revelation, “they” frequently feel the most holy and virtuous. Possibly, if we were not living in the digital age, everything would be preserved in a “vault” Indeed, “the safest place is the most dangerous place,” as the saying goes. The principle of “washing their faces with stones and sleeping in streams” must be applied by cunning criminals. A proverb that is rich in meaning for those who ponder, a slap for those with common sense, and a barometer of human excellence for those with self-respect.
Third, the Tiger never forgets the pleasant experiences it shared with the prime minister. He recalled pleasant memories rather than his “hungry” desire. Tiger applies the words of the Prophet Muhammad: “Repay whoever has done you a favor.” If you are unable to recompense him, pray for him until you are certain that your gratitude has been expressed. Allah is the Most Grateful, and he adores grateful people” (HR. Thabrani).
What an insult to a reasonable person! Some of them occasionally neglect the good that has been acquired, even after a lengthy period of time. When the opportunity to satisfy his desire is lost, all is lost. Everything is forgotten in order to attain the desired result. As the proverb “like a nut forgets its skin” recalls us, nuts often lose their skins. Or, according to an old Malay proverb, “like helping a stuck dog.” After being freed and aided, those who provide assistance will be viciously bitten and digested.
Fourth, Tigers maintain more than just friendships. On the Day of Judgment, Islamic friendship for the sake of Allah will persist. On the Day of Judgment, those who love one another because of Him will be gathered in His paradise. This is a reference to the words of the Prophet Muhammad: “Everyone will be gathered with the person he loves” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).
Likewise, the opposite connotation, as slanderers and similar individuals will also be gathered in hell. Everyone is presented and gathered at the same rate. So unambiguous are the promise of Allah SWT and the teachings of Muhammad. Although humans neglect and deny it frequently.
Fifth, the tiger appreciates the generosity of those who are kind to him and preys on those who do him wrong. The tiger knows how to repay those who have shown it compassion. Although it is a fierce animal, it has the instinct to distinguish between friend and foe. The rest of us humans frequently neglect the vast amount of generosity we have received and only recall the few errors we have made. Especially if the errors under consideration involve the promotion of transitory interests that cannot be obtained. Lost one million instances of kindness and civilization. Everything dissipates and vanishes to the point where it cannot be observed. There is nothing left but a sediment of errors that are always mountainous in order to be perceived as significant errors.
Sixth, the Tiger is a creature of gratitude and reciprocity. He recalls the assistance and consideration he has received. Because of this, he will not prey on humans who have assisted and aided him. Apparently, the tiger applies the words of the Prophet: “It is not said to be grateful to Allah for those who are ungrateful to humans (their neighbors)” (HR. Abu Daud and Tirmidhi).
In fact, sometimes what the tiger displays contradicts what humans display to one another. Although Islam teaches to be selfless when doing good, it is considered barbaric for the recipient of kindness to disregard the kindness received. Occasionally, a few humans will beg and plead for assistance, sing their praises to the heavens in order to obtain what is expected, or pledge their loyalty in order to obtain hope. However, when all hopes are fulfilled, the “nails” begin to grow longer and a multitude of desires emerge. Beginning of attempts to “milk for poisonous water” Although a million acts of kindness and civilizations have been etched in gold ink, and a million accomplishments are neatly written, “a speck of indigo” for personal flaws will “put to sea” the existing virtue. All kindness has been forgotten, leaving only the desire to prey on those who have done good. There is a gathering of individuals “of the same frequency” to collaborate on building avarice. It differs greatly from the monarch of the forest, the tiger. Even though he is a fierce animal, he understands how to express gratitude and reciprocity. Why don’t humans feel regretful of their inferior character when compared to tigers (animals)? In fact, Allah has reminded us through His word: “Indeed, We have created for (the contents of Hell) the majority of jinn and humans; they have hearts, but they do not use them to comprehend (the verses of Allah), they have eyes, but they do not use them to see (the signs of Allah’s power), and they have ears, but they do not use them to hear (the verses of Allah). They resemble livestock but are more errant. They are the ones who are naive” (QS al-A’raf: 179).
This verse was interpreted by Imam Qurthubi to signify that these individuals are not physically deaf or blind. They do have the ability to see and hear. Nevertheless, this typical human does not utilize his five senses appropriately. As a consequence, his intellect can no longer elevate his status, and religious teachings can no longer reveal the truth to him. Humans are so arrogant that they neglect their humanity and deny their servitude to Allah.
In fact, if all five senses and religion are used as a guide, humans can appear to be more compassionate and kind than angels. Humans have the potential to become “the lowest and most despicable figure” on earth if the five senses and religion are reduced to the accessories of all the more, which are denied and toyed with. Every option is up to the individual. The choice between being “wise” or “stepping on and ploughing” others. Allah, who never forgets, errs, or can be deceived, will observe and evaluate every decision.
Wa Allahua’lam bi al-Shawwab.
Translated by Riska Saputra
Alumni from the English Education Study Program at STAIN Bengkalis.
Master Student at Graduate Institute of Network Learning Technology in National Central University, Taiwan.
