By: Samsul Nizar
Professor and Head of STAIN Bengkalis
Humans frequently use mirrors to view and improve their outward aspect. The objective is to bring out the “good” aspect and correct the body’s deficiencies. Although such a function is permissible, the mirror should also be used to protect Allah’s creation while revealing the unseen spiritual side, so that humans can have a direct religion (their natural inclination). Because the promise of Allah is certain. This is in accordance with the words of Allah SWT: “So set your face direct toward the religion (Islam); (according to) Allah’s natural inclination, for He created man in accordance with it (natural inclination). Allah’s creation is unchanging” (QS. ar-Rum: 30).
Although the spiritual aspect is concealed, Allah is all-knowing, and anyone who constantly reflects on Allah’s greatness will be able to see it clearly. It’s just that most people don’t do it and don’t want to do it. As a result, some individuals only see the positive aspects of themselves (inside the waistline) and the negative aspects of others (outside the waistband). It’s as if the glory only belongs to them, and their flaws or failures are always inflicted on all of their opponents. When addressing a group of low-civilization proprietors, he comes across as very astute and competent. But impotent before the possessor of His truth and advanced civilization. Because, in reality, one’s ignorance will be revealed. This type of individual is only capable of acting in accordance with the idiom “throwing stones, hiding hands.” Using the opposing party to find fault with others (opponents) in order to conceal the shame of one’s supposedly sacred self. If this has an effect on the material, wouldn’t it be comparable to consuming a rotting carcass? During the incident of isra’ mi’raj, the Prophet observed the behavior of the inhabitants of hell, who were eager to consume carrion even though there was fresh and healthy meat available. This behavior will turn into flesh and blood, making the self dirtier and resulting in an inability to embrace the truth (Allah’s natural tendency).
In fact, the mirror should be used to assess one’s character by identifying the flaws that need to be closed and treated, and the virtues that must be kept pure so as to avoid becoming arrogant and self-centered. In addition, “cyberspace” activists should be more discerning when selecting and categorizing uploaded information, or “guardians of the truth” (scientists) should sort accepted and rejected information with greater discernment. Because there may be “carrion” among the “healthy meat” that he and others will consume. In the midst of the irrepressible era of cyberspace power, the mirror of nature has multiple meanings, but it can go too far without vertical and horizontal accountability, among others:
Firstly, the mirror reflects the ego. The mirror only views the positive aspects of the self, not the negative ones. The accentuated aspect focuses on the positive side of the self and ignores the negative side. Everyone is preoccupied with examining the perfection of the ego. Meanwhile, the negative aspect is no longer being addressed and is deteriorating. The negative aspect of the ego is no longer recognized, repaired, or even observed. Consequently, the negative aspect of the self is deteriorating, decaying, and gaping.
Strangely, the mirror that reflects the self so plainly reveals the self’s ugliness, but the ugliness is frequently attributed to others. It is comparable to the anecdote of a dog biting a bone while crossing a bridge. When he glanced down, he saw a reflection of himself biting the bone in the water. A manifestation of one’s own avarice inflicted upon another dog. As a result, the bone was removed from its mouth, and it began searching for the reflection of itself that the other dog was conveying. Thus, a small number of contemporary humans see a reflection of their own ugliness but confuse it for the ugliness of others.
The contemporary mirror dimension is created through cyberspace by displaying one’s own grandeur while ignoring the greatness of others. Or the recipient of erroneous information readily takes it as true. As if goodness and grandeur were his alone. While the venom is directed solely at those other than themselves and their representatives. Such is the appearance of modern individuals with a low level of civilization. Diverse publications are produced without “locking the heart” in order to remain modest and discerning in information reception. As a result, the desire for arrogant self-centeredness and evil prejudice escaped unchecked, causing humans to drift further and further from sincerity and righteous conduct. Allah SWT admonishes His servants through His words: “And do not turn your faces away from people (out of conceit) and do not walk arrogantly upon the earth. Allah detests those who are arrogant and boastful” (QS. Lukman 18).
Referring to the preceding verse, the term self-centered has two meanings: (1) to think highly of oneself and take pride in one’s accomplishments. (2) having a sense of one’s own greatness. Self-centered is typically interpreted as admiration for oneself or coworkers based on subjective evaluation (interests), as opposed to veneration for the truth and maintaining sincerity. Its opposite is dzikrul minnah, or remembering Allah’s bounty, justice, and grandeur.
According to Imam al-Ghazali’s book Minhajul ‘Abidin, being self-centered means exalting oneself or focusing on one’s great exploits (achievements). This is evident from phrases such as “I am the most pious, righteous, holy, noble, meritorious, great, capable, deserving, and entitled” There is no one who possesses more than I do.” Self-centered has three aspects in this context: self (pride in self), creatures (community), and possessions. It must be displayed, particularly with the aid of cyberspace, in order for everyone to obtain recognition. This behavior is reprehensible. In light of this, the Prophet issued the following admonition: “Three things destroy: stinginess that is obeyed, lust that is followed, and pride in oneself” (HR at-Thabrani).
Second, the mirror teaches individuals to be truthful about their own reflections. Sincerity fosters the motivation to address one’s deficiencies and cultivate one’s strengths. Allah says, “Fear Allah, you who believe. Let each individual contemplate what he has done for the future. Fear Allah. “Indeed, Allah is the most aware of your actions” (Q. al-Hasyr 18).
Ramadan teaches us to be truthful. The activities of fasting constitute “secret worship” between servants and Allah. Because only you and Allah see your fasting. Horizontal honesty should emanate from vertical honesty.
Thirdly, the mirror is always objective in providing information to each individual, regardless of their social status, especially when “coffers” are utilized. Exemplary is the mirror’s integrity. It will contain accurate information about everything that exists. In contrast, human judgment is frequently influenced by interests and subjectivity. If it will provide advantages, then it will be deemed correct. However, if it will be detrimental, what is correct will be deemed incorrect. Allah has warned against such subjective information through His word: “Verily, those who bring false tidings are also among you. Do not believe that what they are doing to you is harmful; rather, it is beneficial. Everyone will be punished for his own crimes. And whoever takes the largest portion will receive the harshest punishment” (Q. an-Nur 11).
Even though the above verse of Allah is so obviously true and nature tests it, humans frequently deceive about it. Such is the distinction between the objective nature of a mirror and the subjective nature of some individuals who provide or receive information that is laden with personal interests.
Fourth, the mirror is a trusted friend who is privy to all personal secrets. Although everyone utilizes it, the mirror does not reveal any secrets. It only reveals the shadow of the person who wishes to gaze in the mirror and does not reveal the disgrace of each individual who uses it. The mirror actually implements the words of Allah: “Indeed, the most trustworthy and dependable worker is the strongest” (Qur’an al-Qashash: 26).
Such is the nature of a mirror that accurately reflects the merits and flaws of the individual who gazes into it. Meanwhile, humans with the capacity for intelligence do not appear to utilize their thoughts. Good information requires “material encouragement” and is slow to emerge. In the meantime, false information that is sometimes ambiguous about the truth is a delectable dish that is rapidly published. In actuality, bad information (whether true or deceptive) resembles the corpse of its sibling. Obviously, the only creatures that like to graze on a piece of the carcass are “flies and bluebottle” that are filthy and reside in filthy areas.
Fifthly, the mirror symbolizes the purity of the spirit. If the mirror’s surface is regularly polished, the reflection will be more accurate. In contrast, if the surface of the mirror is rarely (or never) cleansed, the mirror will be damaged and the reflection will be less accurate. Or perhaps as in the proverb “mirror (heart) cracked a thousand times.” Rasulullah SAW once remarked, “Remember that the human body contains a mass of flesh. If a chunk of flesh is tasty, then the entire body will be as well. However, if it is damaged, the entire organism will be damaged. This mass of flesh is referred to as the qolbu (heart)” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).
Efforts to purify the mirror of the heart are intended to increase genuine remembrance of Allah and shalawat to the Prophet. Kindness towards Allah and others. There is no betrayal dust corrupting the soul. Only Allah and His Messenger are presented with immaculate gifts.
Sixth, reflect the character of self-esteem. Consider whether you deserve to be a victor (Eid al-Fitr) or whether you are, in fact, a loser. The recitation of the Takbir either magnifies and glorifies Allah or magnifies the more dominant self-glorification. A reflection of the success that can be attained during Ramadan, the success of purifying and constructing a virtuous character or accomplishment without the slightest alteration of good character.
Seventh, the mirror represents integrity. Mirrors are frequently the target of human rage when the truthful information reflected in them fails to satisfy those who gaze in them. It is difficult to be truthful when living a “pretend” existence. Because it reveals a person’s genuine nature, dishonesty is frequently undermined. Allah reminds us in His Book, Surah al-Ahzab, verse 70: “Dear you who believe, fear Allah and speak the truth.”
Although not every human fully comprehends and practices self-reflection, this condition is exacerbated by the use of cyberspace as a place to pour good water into a vessel and as a place to sow poison on others. The benevolence uploaded in the form of arrogance and egotism exudes the good deeds. The uploading of others’ slander and disgrace reveals one’s true vileness and despicability. Surprisingly, nobody appears concerned. Even though we can see Allah’s verses in our lives out of the periphery of our eyes, we do not heed them. Those who are arrogant and self-centered perish when Allah withdraws His favor. The perpetrators of slander and disgrace do not leave themselves and their families forever reviled. Perhaps there is no longer any faith or reason in the owner of the contemptible civilization. Always searching for the faults of others, but never examining their own. The sensation of guilt and mutual forgiveness have vanished. It is fortunate for humans who have access to a mirror to reflect on their flaws, while it is despicable for humans who refuse to gaze in the mirror to examine their flaws.
Idealistically, digital postings should represent the identities of highly civilized educators. This is because this group is constantly focused on self-improvement and extending compassion to others. There is no time for him to observe others’ disgrace. Furthermore, gossip results in slander and collective calamity. Not every action is beneficial. It will only bring about the collapse of civilization and contaminate the sanctity of the soul, making it more despicable than slithering creatures. This is stated explicitly in the Quran by Allah: “Indeed, We have created for Hell the majority of Jinn and men; they have hearts, but they do not use them to comprehend (the verses of Allah), eyes, but they do not use them to see (the signs of Allah’s power), and ears, but they do not use them to hear (the verses of Allah). They resemble livestock and are even more disoriented. They are the ones who are naive” (QS al-A’raf: 179).
Thus, the clear words of Allah and the eloquent words of the Prophet serve as a guide for attaining the true meaning of reality. Natural tendency (the actual) in the context of returning to religious teachings (Eid al-Fitr) as a form of natural agreement promise and self-purity (humanity’s natural tendency) as noble creatures. Not only does Shawwal involve shaking palms, but also forgiving one another. Not attributing blame to one another, but seeking the same point of truth. Not only Takbir, but also engraved bestowal. All decisions are contingent on the degree of purity possessed by each individual. Only a faithful servant can communicate with the Most Holy. In contrast, filthy servants will choose carrion and shun the spirit of the truth. Those who receive His direction will know and be able to provide accurate responses. Please pardon me both physically and psychologically, Minal a’idin wal faidzin.
Wa Allahua’lam bi al-Shawwab.
Translated by Riska Saputra, S.Pd
Alumni from the English Education Study Program at STAIN Bengkalis.
Master Student at Graduate Institute of Network Learning Technology in National Central University, Taiwan.
