By: Samsul Nizar
Professor and Head of STAIN Bengkalis
Scissors and needles are two instruments that can be found in each home. However, not everyone has the time to give attention to the life lessons that they can learn. According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary, a needle is a sewing implement made of metal, round in shape, small, pointed, straight (some are taloned, hooked, or curved at the end), and with a through hole at the base through which the thread is inserted. In contrast, scissors are instruments for cutting fabric (hair, etc.). Both are instruments required by humans. Although its application is limited, it does not serve as a life instruction. In actuality, both are associated with human nature and personality. Among other things, the philosophy of needles and scissors in life:
First, the needle and thread can unite the two isolated and torn sides. Even though the “needle prick” causes agony each time it is stabbed, the intention and purpose is very noble: to reunite and restore harmony to the two poles that were torn apart. Similar to the work of a tailor, who constantly attempts to assemble disparate components to make people appear more graceful. The needle and thread joined the distinct pieces with great care, even attempting to conceal the patches (stitches). Even though it is difficult to eradicate the marks or scars, these stitches have at least prevented someone from being humiliated in a primitive society. Therefore, individuals should avoid embarrassing and isolating others. If a person’s disgrace is inadvertently discovered, it is best not to cut it further so that everyone can see the ulcers of their disgrace. Instead, humans conduct themselves like tailors who use needles and thread to sew fabrics together to conceal each other’s shame. Similarly, if a relationship begins to deteriorate and has the potential to be torn apart, you should make an urgent effort to mend it, as a sewing needle mends torn fabric. This is a commendable trait that Allah commands through His words: “Indeed, the believers are brothers; therefore, make peace between your two brothers (who are at odds) and fear Allah so that you may receive His mercy” (QS al-Hujurat: 10).
Although the end of the needle is sharp, there is a hole behind it where the thread performs its function of connecting the two sides. However, when performing its functions and duties to sew, it frequently causes your digits pain if you’re not careful. The symbol of every effort to accomplish goodness will intersect with interests that cause harm to the displeasure of “connoisseurs of badness and disgrace” and others. The role of the needle and thread involves judicious efforts to “al-ishlaah” (reconcile) and enhance relations between servants. Malay proverb describes such a figure as “like pulling hair in flour; neither the hair nor the flour is broken or scattered.” When there is hostility and hatred, the presence of a human figure resembling “needle and thread” is required in order to reconcile and enhance relations between parties. The more “needle and thread” is able to perform its function, the closer we will come to achieving harmony. In other words, if a breakup between two adversaries is more hazardous, reconciliation between them is emphasized even more. This is because the separation of friendship and hostility will create greater significance.
Second, a pair of scissors for trimming. With the sharpness of the two parts that meet, the integrity of the fabric (or other object) can be divided into several portions. Scissors cleave close-by objects. Scissors cleave close-by objects. If the object is out of reach, scissors cannot be used to cut it. Thus, humans with scissor characteristics typically “cut off” those who are near them. Such is the human risk posed by scissors. Numerous Malay proverbs recall us, “Fishing in pots, cutting in folds” (using opportunities for personal gain without considering the repercussions on one’s friends). The meaning of “folds” (cloth or paper) suggests a concealed and difficult-to-see form. When the blade is in the scissors’ sharpness crease, it can cut without leaving a trace. Those who possess this characteristic frequently engage in deceit and duplicity. Look for the vulnerabilities of others in both solitude and conversation. In praise, slurs and insults are concealed. Injuries are caused by the presence of “scissors”-like individuals. There is also the idiom “like a pair of scissors on the end” (slowly or quietly, unnoticed, but obtaining the desired result). Nearly all proverbs containing the term “scissors” have a negative meaning. Everything is related to and directed against the fundamental human nature. To avoid the “scissors” character trait, ancient proverbs advise humans to always gaze in the mirror. Because the proprietor of the “scissors” nature seeks to divide. The result is the annihilation of the current civilization. There is no reason for the proprietor of “scissors” to feel proud. Nothing but the devastation will result. In fact, this attribute is contrary to Allah’s and the Prophet’s teachings. Allah reminds us of this through His words: “And hold fast to the rope (religion) of Allah, and do not be divided, and remember Allah’s favour upon you when you were enemies (during ignorance), then Allah united your hearts, so that with His gift you became brothers, while you were on the brink of the abyss of hell, then Allah rescued you from there. Thus, Allah explains His verses to you so that you may receive guidance.” (QS. Ali Imran: 103).
Even though the preceding verse is so plain, the owner of the “scissors” nature is often “maintained and created” for specific purposes. Every “scissors” owner originates from within and is near to “the cloth to be cut.” Every proprietor of civilization must work to prevent the division from occurring.
Through the “Medina Charter,” the Prophet’s teachings take the form of a needle and thread. The differences between needle and thread work and knitting are so glaring. People have continued to use this reference until today. It’s just that efforts are still prevalent among adherents of religions, particularly in the majority versus minority position. In the meantime, efforts to “reconcile” minority religions and phenomena with the majority are not yet optimal. In fact, internal religious communities across sectors frequently “friction,” and minorities sometimes exploit their position in an imprudent and civilized manner against the majority. Additionally, there is an ancient proverb that combines the words needle and scissors, such as “We bring a needle, he welcomes it with scissors.” This proverb implies that while others are busy seeking methods to be united and harmonious in order to reach consensus, there are those who are always attempting to thwart consensus and divide it, resulting in disputes that lead to hostility.
There are several figurative applications of the terms’ needle and scissors in relation to human behaviour, including The eye of a needle symbolizes pleasure or difficulties in life that must be endured patiently, while passing the needle, passing the tangle means that when one objective is accomplished, another objective is expected to be accomplished as well. Being pierced by a sharp needle means performing a very difficult task with care so as not to injure or harm it, a fine needle tip woven with silk represents caution against various very subtle tricks, and a needle and thread represent an effort to unite or glue what is separated, among other possible interpretations. Through needles and strands, so many grains of wisdom can be extracted.
As opposed to the purpose of shears. Due to their precision, scissors can cut (cloth, thread, etc.). Through the sharpness of the scissors, something that was once whole can be disassembled into numerous forms. The nature of scissors makes them extremely hazardous for human ownership. It is only natural that the Malay proverb reminds us: “Do not walk like a pair of scissors. Despite being straight, it separates what has been joined. Be like a needle. Even though it is sharp and painful, it can unite what has been divided.” The nature of scissors can be observed in the actions and speech of humans. The words sound as though they are on the side of the truth, but they actually seek to demolish. Especially in the current era of social media, this phenomenon is readily apparent. Frequently, the characteristics of scissors are reflected in the expressions or messages conveyed. The media’s shallow reasoning and lack of tact result in slander and hurtful language. In fact, scissors are frequently chosen to obtain “coffers” to meet requirements. Social media should serve as educational “needles and threads” of media. However, the use of social media as “scissors” promotes division and hostility. The Messenger of Allah has warned people through his words: “Indeed, a servant who speaks without considering the repercussions will fall into a hell whose depth is greater than the distance between the east and the west” (HR. Muslim).
Such is the peril of speech that has the quality of scissors when it exits the human mouth. He spoke without first considering it. When social media in the modern era offer information at the speed of light, whether the character is a needle and thread or a pair of scissors depends entirely on the user. If the word or information is succinct and contains goodness, it will become a needle and thread that can be used to sew one’s own clothes (character) with gorgeous clothing. However, if words or information are “carrion” and contain negative things, they will merely serve as a means to divide and harm others. The personality of the owner of the needle and scissors character reveals one’s genuine character. Sayidina Ali bin Abi Talib emphasized this in his message: “The tongue (of a wise person is behind his heart, and the heart of a fool is behind his tongue.” Ali imparted such profound and unambiguous advice, as well as a reflection of the quality of self that I aspire to reflect. However, humans who have never and do not wish to “reflect in the mirror” should not give advice to others; even the Prophet’s and God’s words appear unable to rouse them.
Needles and scissors exist side by side in reality. Similar to the presence of both a unifier and a separator in life. Choosing the character of the needle and thread is more difficult than choosing the scissors. However, in the hands of a wise human, both can be used for good. The needle will be used to sew the “torn” together, while the scissors will be used to cut the “epiphyte” that is causing the plant damage. When the parasite is removed with shears, the tree is saved and continues to produce the finest fruit. As is the case with social life, a shrewd leader is required to use scissors to cut “weeds and toxic parasites” so that the order of civilization becomes neat, healthy, and prosperous. In his hands, the policy of using a needle and thread only served to bind together what should or must be joined. To construct a civilization, professionalism and quality take precedence.
However, for humans with “civilization ignorance,” a needle and thread are sometimes only used to join “family or colleagues” (nepotism) who are “obnoxious to the eye” and far from adab (civilization). While “scissors” will only be used to “cut” everything outside of his “belt,” all obstacles that obstruct his desire, or every civilization-owning human who is feared to impede his objectives. Everything is done to conceal the “ignorance” of oneself, who is unintelligent and barbaric, in order to maintain the power one has or to attain the power one desires. Although all options and their repercussions are evident, the choice ultimately depends on the character of the individual who will make it. Humanity and civilization will be elevated by prudent choices. Meanwhile, decisions that stand against humanity and justice will only result in the humiliation of dignity.
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.
