By: Samsul Nizar
Professor & Head of STAIN Bengkalis
The word shackles or shackling has a negative meaning. A shackle is a tool made of wood or hollow wood that is fastened to the feet, hands, or neck, according to the language. This tool is used to pin somebody down. In the meantime, shackling is a process, technique, and act of shackling. Shackling can be caused by a variety of circumstances, such as chained individuals suffering from mental problems that result in aggressive behavior, harming themselves or society, or aiding in the healing process. Although this practice is deemed inhumane, it is nevertheless employed in some circumstances.
Regardless of the benefits and drawbacks, shackles or shackles must be evaluated thoroughly and prudently. Shackles are the final option in a list of alternatives. In contrast, the focus of this paper is on the sociological and philosophical aspects of shackles. Several dimensions of shackles or shackling exist on the surface, including the following:
First, shackling is carried out because ideology and “wild conduct” imperil the people or the state’s sovereignty, making shackling essential. This mindset is required and must be acquired. Historiography demonstrates that the Indonesian Communist Party attempted to destabilize the Republic of Indonesia. All sections of the nation therefore decided to “lock up” the party, as well as its doctrine and activities. The historical scars cannot be eradicated under any pretext or with any amount of rhetoric.
In fact, all ideologies and groups that threaten the state (sometimes under the guise of religion or human rights) must be liberated. The term shackling has a good connotation in this context. Both the state’s sovereignty and the stability of the social order are imperiled and threatened by this ideology and movement.
Regarding the commitment to defend the state and maintain public order, it is necessary to repress any hazardous beliefs and movements in order to protect the sovereignty of the state. Sheikh Ismail Haqqi al-Hanafi (d. 1127 H) declared in Tafsir Ruhul Bayan: “In the interpretation of QS. al-Qashash: 85, there is a hint (gesture) that ‘love of the motherland is part of faith.’ On his voyage to Medina, the Prophet of Allah SAW frequently used the terms country and motherland. Then Allah granted his petition (by returning to Mecca). This was imparted by Umar bin Khattab RA, who stated, “If it were not for the love of the motherland, the country that was ugly would have remained ugly” (arid). This nation was founded on a foundation of patriotic fervor.
The explanation above refers to the words from the Messenger of Allah: Ubadah said, “I heard the Prophet Muhammad SAW say: ‘Once the Prophet SAW summoned us, and we pledged bai’at (loyalty) to him in order to carry out his orders. We swear loyalty by praying that he will always listen and obey, whether he likes it or not, whether it is tough or easy, and that he will not retract obedience from those who must be obeyed, unless he witnesses genuine disbelief for which he will be held accountable before Allah (HR. Bukhari).
The above Hadith must be interpreted prudently and constitutionally. Mechanisms must adhere to the governing regulations. If you disobey the agreed-upon rules and methods embodied in applicable legislation, chaos will ensue. For this reason, laws must reflect historical factors rather than merely political ones.
Second, the suppression of the voices of idealistic intellectuals who speak the truth. Even if the advise is true and obligatory, God reminds individuals to provide it in a respectful manner, not with violence. Advice should try to remind individuals of their propensity for “wild” behavior and error so that they return to the path of truth. However, true guidance is often thought dangerous. This is due to the fact that the truth is believed to limit “crazy conduct” in individuals who like deviating from social norms. For this reason, it is believed that scholars who provide counsel on the truth must be “fettered.” This mindset is demonstrated by the negative connotation of the word shackles, which represents the totalitarian legacy of the ancient Roman empire or barbarian culture. Physical and mental shackling is performed in order to retain the posture (power and variants). The consequence of a dictatorship that restricts “intelligence” is the emergence of “hot spots” that “melt the iron hoof.” This is due to the fact that this community will create a snowball and a “time bomb” that will inspire collective bravery. The society waits for the presence of “Queen Justice” and the intellectuals with the istiqomah to let it go and initiate change. This is evidenced throughout history by the Indonesian people’s resistance to all colonizers of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
In Islam, Allah illustrates the aforementioned phenomena with examples such as the narrative of Ashabul Kahf in response to the injustice of King Dikyanus, Prophet Ibrahim in response to the injustice of Namrudz, Prophet Musa in response to the injustice of Pharaoh, and other similar tales. As the story indicates, it begins when true counsel (criticism) is delivered rather than deconstructive criticism motivated by lust (revenge, exposing others’ misery, heartache, etc.). Therefore, constructive criticism based on the veracity of Allah’s instructions and His Messenger must be afforded the freedom of expression. Allah, however, warns us that advise must be offered in a courteous and civilized manner (ahsan). This step was communicated by God, as the prophet Solomon did to Queen Bilqis of Saba’, who worshipped the sun. Using a scientific approach, Prophet Solomon urged him to follow the road of truth (scientific criticism). Prophet Solomon commanded the genie to relocate Queen Bilqis’s palace using the divinely bestowed authority. Prophet Solomon responded to Queen Bilqis’s adoration by stating that Allah’s permission was behind everything. This is Prophet Sulaiman’s tawadhu’. “Even if the power is granted, it is a disgrace to the Almighty’s Substance. That you not be arrogant towards me and instead approach me as a surrendering party” (QS. an-Naml : 130-131).
Prophet Solomon admonished Queen Balqis in such a way that she quickly submitted to Allah and lacked the arrogance of previous monarchs. The sage attitude of the Prophet Solomon made Queen Bilqis aware of the errors she had committed thus far. Prophet Muhammad SAW did the same against the Quraysh unbelievers. Exemplary manners and courtesy are preferred. Even this civilized strategy is implemented on the battlefield. Dissimilarities are not to be met with violence and anger, blasphemy, exposing each other’s disgrace, or similar actions. Differences must be treated judiciously, not trampled, handled graciously, not insulted, approached from the heart, not with personal force, accompanied by prayers, not “witched,” etc. This attitude represents a civilized human manner, maturity in action, and independence from the chains of lust.
Third, conceal the majority’s incapacity or ignorance regarding the “intelligence” of the minority carriers of civilization. In order to prevent the intellectuals’ (minority) intelligence from surfacing, it must be fettered. In the history of Christian rulers, Galileo Galilei was hauled into a Catholic church court. Due to the belief that the earth was the center of the solar system during the Middle Ages (geo-centric). This viewpoint is based on religious beliefs. While Galileo Galilei challenged religious doctrine (hello-centric). As a result of supporting Copernicus’ assertion that the earth circled around the sun, he was accused of heresy. His persistence led to his execution. Galileo Galilei (Italian philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician) was placed in fetters on February 13, 1633, by an illiterate dictator. Deprivation of minority who illuminate society with the truth. In reality, Galileo said Galilei during the development of science, proving that it is accurate. In fact, as science progressed, the Church was eventually unable to refute Galileo’s scientific assertions. In 1758, the church withdrew its prohibition on the majority of Copernican-supporting books. Thus, the history of the world’s most backward civilisation has suffocated intelligence. Everything is done to conceal the ignorance of the monarch.
In light of the historical information presented previously, it is evident that intellectual deprivation must be avoided if civilization is to advance. Thus, the features of a mature civilisation are the provision of intellectual freedom and the availability of space for the pursuit of truth (science). It’s just that the intellectuals’ independence must be cultivated in a civilized and responsible manner, not with absolute liberty. Because if intellectual autonomy lacks etiquette and limitations, it will be detrimental to civilisation. This is mentioned in Allah’s word: “Call (people) to the path of your Lord with knowledge and excellent advice, and contradict them in a good manner. Indeed, your Lord is the one who knows the most about people who wander from His path; He is the most knowledgeable (QS. An -Nahl: 125).
According to Ibn Kathir’s understanding, encourage them to the path of Allah with tact and prudence (hikmah). If you have a different opinion, justify it using the appropriate reasons and evidence. Lack a sense of righteousness and nobility regarding what was spoken. My sole obligation is to warn and deliver the message of truth. While the ultimate truth is exclusive to Allah. Indeed, doing the right thing is crucial, but feeling righteous should be eliminated. In addition, feeling virtuous serves as an excuse to conceal other truths. Personal intellectual detachment hinders intelligent civilisation due to the following three factors:
First, the abandonment of religion in favor of lust. As a result, acquiring power, rank, fortune, status, and titles makes one arrogant. This type of isolation is aggravated when the neighboring community is of poor quality. As a result, the self feels most superior and most deserved. In addition, the presence of a “face seeker” who sows a “drum of praise” causes hubris to thrive even more, while “parasites” around the tree profit. This type of character is frequently unable to escape the cage it has “made” for itself.
Second, being entrapped by (intellectual and theological) self-delusion, which leads to dependence on “belt-friends.” Self-aware, but only to the extent that they “piggyback” on others around them. When he delivers benefits or a round of applause, he will be praised (despite his incompetence) due to his “oddity,” not his intelligence. It will be removed and blasphemed when it no longer possesses “nails” or provides benefits. This is due to the fact that a community with this personality can only produce “peanuts without skin.” In actuality, once the relay has been won, this type of generation will attempt to bury all of the accomplishments and civilizations constructed by the previous generation. To be liberated from shackles or this type of feeling stuck, it is vital to choose quality and “friends” with care. Interacting and communicating with the owners of the truth delivered by Allah is a sensible start to get out of the dependence and connection of “friends around the waistline” which are chameleon characteristics. This is because one’s dependence on the “fixer” increases the longer one is confined.
Third, separation from an anti-intelligence and anti-civilization system. As soon as intelligence is no longer regarded as a yardstick, as soon as work is no longer valued, then idiocy appears in the appearance of a friend, deft at crossing one’s tongue with flattery and increasing one’s interest. If this occurs, civilization will perish and be castrated. The purpose of these restrictions is not to improve the quality of life, but rather to facilitate “transactions” involving trashy accessories. To escape the aforementioned three forms of shackling, you must modify your perspective by activating critical thinking. Introduce yourself to the group of God’s servants who educate (both themselves and others) and “liberate.” This interaction will make you understand how little and weak you are. This mindset will stimulate the birth of an attitude of constantly wanting to learn and improve oneself. Wake awake like a grassy plant blossoming among the towering, lush trees. Learn to be a great individual without ever claiming to be one.
Give up your strongest sense of self. Do not be a tall tree. Because of his height, he is arrogant, forgetting that the plants below also offer food and protect the tree’s roots so that it remains upright. When there is no longer any grass to support the tree’s roots, it will fall and die. Consequently, those who are enslaved by self-importance always feel the most flawless. Remember the community’s “roots” (prior generation) as its source of strength. Don’t forget the “grassroots” (little community) that helped the tree (self) grow tall.
When half standing, all three types of shackles are simple to remove. But when all three are solidified and crystallized within the ego, destruction and grief will be born. Although the first type of shackling is the more popular, the second type is also used. The alienation induced by pride and self-delusion resulting from greed’s thirst. As a result, people will forget themselves type more frequently. In particular when “present and reinforced” by the other two categories. If all three are connected in a whole that is full of worldly aspirations, it will become increasingly difficult for humans to escape the “shackles” that imprison their actual humanity.
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 at National Central University, Taiwan.
