By: Samsul Nizar
Professor of STAIN Bengkalis
Every individual aspires to possess a domicile for habitation. However, some homeowners take the time to meticulously clean and organize their dwellings. His spirit is perpetually uplifted and content when his residence is devoid of any refuse or grime. Individuals possessing this attribute put into practice Allah SWT’s teachings: “…Indeed, Allah adores those who purify themselves and repent” (QS al-Baqarah: 222).
Nonetheless, there are also inhabitants whose pastime is garbage disposal and who seldom keep their dwellings tidy. Because his only activity is to be outside the home, where he generates trash and searches for trash left by others. Consequently, the domicile is untidy due to the lack of time allocated for its cleaning.
Although the desire for a waste-free, immaculate dwelling is inherent to the human species, in contrast, humans disregard the hygiene of their “house” due to their ingrained routines and slothful disposition. In fact, Rasulullah SAW mandated that all beings, including oneself and one’s surroundings, uphold hygiene. This is evident from his words: “Make every effort to clean everything thoroughly. Allah SWT established Islam precisely on the foundation of cleanliness; nothing can access heaven unless every object is spotless (HR. ath-Thabrani).
Although the aforementioned hadith is abundantly clear, there is still a minority of individuals are largely indifferent to environmental and household hygiene. Indeed, they intentionally construct and disperse garbage heaps to cause distress to others. This sort of conduct is strictly forbidden in the Islamic faith. For this reason, Rasulullah SAW conveyed a reminder to humanity through his words: “A man threw away a tree branch that was obstructing the path; he then said, “By Allah, I will remove this branch so as not to disturb and harm the Muslims.” The branch was removed in response, and “Allah sent him to heaven.” (Muslim, HR.).
This represents the practical manifestation of hygiene and environmental and self-care. Even though, on the whole, humans dislike filth and garbage, they have an odd affinity for creating trash and engaging in dirty activities. Although some individuals continue to be concerned about zahir refuse, others are either extremely sensitive or insensitive to the term “trash” used to refer to others. However, he never noticed the accumulation of inner garbage that surrounded him. Subsequently, the refuse present on your person accumulates like mountains and emits a pungent odour. It is not surprising that one million liver diseases reside within this condition. For this reason, the Prophet cautioned us about the perils associated with a soiled conscience, which manifests in the filthy conduct of the servant. The Prophet stated, “Indeed, man consists of a semblance of flesh (mudhghah); if that flesh beholds goodness, then the entirety of the body is good.” Furthermore, should it sustain an injury, it will inevitably destroy all his endeavours and actions (HR. Muslim).
About the aforementioned hadith and phenomenon, the term “house waste” is being used to represent the human personality at this time. Garbage represents the spiritual dirt of the heart, while the physical body of the ego, manifested through behaviour, is the house. In this regard, the following are some common individuals who are acquainted with the term “home waste”:
First, focus on your vulnerabilities while attempting to purge yourself (heart) and your dwelling (behaviour). His hectic schedule causes him to overlook the positive actions he has undertaken. The time has come to focus solely on his deficiencies and errors. The series of prayers for absolution transformed into a motion with each exhalation. Even the tiniest amount of space exists for one to feel wonderful, much less consider oneself noble. The sole contents of his organs and pores are the desires for absolution for the transgressions he has committed.
The fact that humans possess this type is genuinely noble. The actions taken amount to a mere execution of the teachings of Rasulullah SAW: Rasulullah cited Anas bin Malik RA as saying, “A person is truly fortunate if he is so preoccupied with his own disgrace that he disregards the disgrace of others” (HR. Al-Bazzar).
Constant preoccupation with his disgrace as he endeavours to better himself through virtuous conduct. A persistent effort is devoted to this endeavour. He was abashed by Allah because of his errors and deficiencies. Due to his excessive workload, the servant is perpetually oblivious to the vulnerabilities of others.
Second, be occupied demonstrating your own virtue; disregard your negative qualities. Adopting this archetypal human mindset motivates boasting (flexing) about one’s accomplishments and arrogance in pursuing personal success; it also inspires duplicity in pursuing objectives. Such qualities include
Islam strictly prohibits such conduct. In light of this rationale, Allah SWT imparts the following reminder via His words: “Indeed, the hypocrites intended to deceive Allah; however, Allah rewarded their deceit by permitting them to persist in their fallacy and deceit. They stood to pray “lazily and with flexing intentions in the presence of others.” Furthermore, with few exceptions, they bear no recollection of Allah (QS an-Nisa’: 142).
The aforementioned verse is reinforced by the Prophet Muhammad’s elucidation expressed in his words: “Have fear against trivial polytheism.” His associates inquired, “O Messenger of Allah, could you please clarify the meaning of minor shirk?” Rasulullah SAW remarked, “That is the essence of flexing” (promotion). On the Day of Judgment, Allah will disclose the identities of those with the attribute of flexing. Visit the individuals to whom you have previously revealed your good deeds throughout your existence on earth. Examine whether they provide you with any rewards.” (HR. Ahmad)
The aforementioned characteristic feature of humans is progressively manifesting in the contemporary era, as alluded to in the aforementioned Prophetic words. The emergence of self-publication is gathering momentum due to the availability of social media. Disclosure of one’s possessions and activities, even in private, to receive admiration and acclaim. While individual motivations may vary, self-assertion is considered impolite and may incite prejudice in others. To genuinely promote oneself, one should proceed organically while adhering to the principle of causality (emanation), which states that any product obtained (selected) is merely a seed planted by humans beforehand. Everything results from an extensive procedure and the cooperation of numerous stakeholders. Nevertheless, publications frequently treat accomplishments as if they were “plants.” Efforts were undertaken to eradicate the historical record for this purpose. Behaviour akin to “bamboo splitting politics” does occur. By using past historical figures’ causality to justify one’s grandeur. As if the outcome achieved were a solitary triumph. Indeed, this mindset constitutes an arrogant display of character that demonstrates an impolite disposition. In reality, he is attempting to conceal his vulnerabilities and ignorance with this demeanour. Nevertheless, the endeavours were merely concealing the ulcers with a vegetation leaf. Undoubtedly, such conduct demonstrates a lack of self-respect and a primitive level of civilization (character).
Third, they are perpetually preoccupied with evaluating others, exposing disgrace, and searching for the garbage of others. Conversely, he forgets his own shortcomings and never acknowledges his disgrace. In the meantime, not a shred of virtue remains towards adversaries, but not even the slightest bit towards allies. This attribute is exhibited by Jews who encourage others to engage in virtuous deeds while committing injustice and other transgressions themselves (QS al-Baqarah: 44). Allah, therefore, reminds us of this via His words: “Dear you who have faith! Why make claims that you fail to fulfil? “Saying something that you do not do is considered extremely vile in the eyes of Allah” (QS as-Shaff: 2-3).
Certain scholars contend that the aforementioned verse serves as a cautionary tale for companions who boast about deeds they have never performed. Although they assert, “I did this and that,” he never carried out his statements. Allah SWT condemns vehemently their stance toward an action they have not committed. A number of metaphors are used in Malay proverbs to describe the archetype of the human being: “A hero oversleeps, shoots on a horse;” “A buffalo has milk, but a cow can only (desire) a name.”
Regarding the disgrace of others, time is squandered simply searching for their flaws. Every ounce of energy and ammunition is directed at gouging and causing the opponent disgrace or error. In contrast, he was oddly oblivious to the disgrace and errors that befell both himself and his companions. If it becomes apparent that he has made a mistake, he attempts to place the responsibility on another individual (an alibi seeker seeking a scapegoat). Allah SWT has reminded those who hold this view of the following through His words: “Dear you who are believers, abstain from many prejudices; in fact, some prejudices are sins; do not find fault with others; and do not permit any of you to engage in rumours about others.”Who among you enjoys consuming the flesh of his deceased brother? You certainly feel repulsed. “Had faith in Allah, for He is exceedingly receptive to repentance and most merciful” (QS al-Hujurat: 12).
In reference to the aforementioned verse, Imam Dzunnun al-Mishri once counselled, “Before all else, consider your own faults; do not fixate on the flaws of others; for you lack the jurisdiction to assess or supervise them.”
The above advice possesses a profound significance. Wisdom is derived from an academic’s preoccupation with the trajectory of human conduct in the present and the future. Because history continues to revolve and replicate itself, the only distinctions are those of time, subject, object, and actor. In the interim, the substance remains unchanged. Although it is evident that verses, hadith, and ulama’s counsel offer guidance, they appear incapable of enlightening individuals. Diverse forms of human denial persist despite the evident truth and warnings being perceived by individuals.
Human beings, on the whole, are frequently enthralled by the “pleasure” of receiving acclaim and justification for their actions. Actually, he is oblivious to the fact that praise is not reciprocated, as he is regarded as good without having performed any positive deeds. It has been observed that the human psyche tends to assign culpability more readily and to pass judgment on others. Conversely, individuals dislike being held accountable and deemed incorrect, not even by their own selves, much less by others. If this quality is preeminent, then the accumulation of waste within you will persist. If left untreated and without immediate cleanup, the garbage pile will begin to emanate a strong, foul odour due to the breeding of maggots. Thus, both the “home of the self” and the “contents of the self” will progressively sustain harm, rendering them unfit for habitation by beings known as humans.
Undoubtedly, human beings are susceptible to being deceived, misled, contaminated, and polluted by various waste materials. This conduct frequently transpires on an individual level, as well as among members of communities. Internally, deceit and accumulations of “garbage” do indeed transpire. Their thoughts and emotions are misled by desire, which manifests itself through irrational speech and conduct. Physically and spiritually, if you can endure being deceived and defiled, it is inconceivable to endure anything external to yourself. Over time, distinctions in self-satisfaction, such as those between gold and copper, hygiene and filth, right and wrong, gold ink and black ink, and honesty and hypocrisy, become more apparent. The ultimate decision rests with each individual, despite the “household trash” that may be on him. Are you preoccupied with locating and managing the trash of others while abandoning trash accumulations within your residence? Exploitation is an unavoidable consequence of selecting this path; devastation will ensue. Whatever accessories are used to conceal “self-trash” and a million rhetorical justifications are employed, everything will eventually be exposed. The resulting praise is analogous to a fan that fuels the flames of inferno. That is the teaching of Allah and His Messenger, whose word is infallible and cannot be denied to. None of them will undoubtedly be expected to accept responsibility for their actions.
But if every individual is perpetually striving to better themselves to stand before Allah and the Messenger of Allah with dignity and to appear as if they possess a sophisticated civilization, then the universe will be tranquil and joyful in its affluence. Upon making this decision, notwithstanding the apathy of the terrestrial beings, it is certain that every celestial being will eagerly anticipate and greet his arrival in order to partake in the fruits (harvest) of the virtues that have been sown beforehand.
Al-Shawwab, Wa Allahua’lam.
Translated by Riska Saputra, S.Pd., M.Sc
Undergraduate alumni from the English Education Study Program at STAIN Bengkalis.
Master alumni from the Graduate Institute of Network Learning Technology at National Central University, Taiwan.
