By: Samsul Nizar
Professor and Head of STAIN Bengkalis
For a handful of people, used goods will just be a pile of rubbish, sold at low prices, or an option to give to other people for free. For this reason, used goods are always underestimated because their value will be much reduced, or even no longer valuable.
In simple terms, used goods are goods that are no longer used and abandoned. In fact, the item is actually still suitable for use and useful. Even though it is no longer valuable, for some people who are in a limited economy (lower middle class), its existence is an option to fulfill their daily needs, either for direct use or as a source of sustenance for resale. In fact, for a handful of people with high creativity, used goods that are no longer valuable can actually be turned into quality goods with high value. Even though it was initially thrown away in the rubbish bin, “in the hands” of creative and intelligent people, they were able to lift the used goods neatly arranged in a luxurious display case. With your creative mind, used goods turn into luxury goods.
Indeed, used goods are actually a portrait of human self. Its value is high and appreciated when it is in a “luxury display case” or surrounded by diamonds. In fact, the price does not come from the quality itself, but is only valuable because it “rides on a display case” that has value. When the “showcase” it is in is broken or it is outside the display case, it will return to its original value. It will be thrown away and thrown away as “used goods” that are worthless.
On the other hand, there are also a handful of people whose value exceeds that of diamonds, but do not appear valuable because of their position outside a luxury display case. It is mixed with piles of used goods without value or lying in the wall. Its existence is not considered to have value, not because it is used as second-hand goods, but because the people who see it do not have the skills or are unable to see quality goods. However, for people who really understand “quality”, even if they are buried among used goods, they will know which goods are quality and which are imitation goods which only “claim” but are without quality.
There are several meanings related to “used goods” which are attached to human qualities and character, including:
First, the owner has the will to cultivate his own potential with the mind to create. Used goods that have no value will have high value if there is creativity and resourcefulness to make them valuable. Because humans have been given the gift of reason that other creatures do not have. For this reason, people are judged by the quality of their work, not by their style or status. Don’t stand idly by what happens, but change your fate by accepting destiny through reason, prayer and trust. Because, everything that exists must have value. It depends on your ability to find other sides that can increase the value. This was conveyed by Allah through His words: “… Our Lord, You did not create this in vain…” (QS. Ali Imran: 191).
Thus God explains clearly that humans should use their minds to take advantage of the universe. Through a touch of reason and heart, humans are creative to utilize what nature provides to make it valuable. When what nature provides has value, then the benefits of nature will be enjoyed by building qana’ah properties. However, if the dynamism of the potential of reason is not protected by faith, there will be endless greed and arrogance. If the potential of reason “falls asleep”, then ignorance and backwardness will become more fertile. Meanwhile, if potential is without “shame and feeling”, then it only presents a million beautiful words without a piece of work.
Second, at the level of reality, generally goods with high value will raise the dignity of those who use them. In fact, the high rating given is only to the item used, not to the user. If what is worn is “sparkly”, it will dazzle the eyes of everyone who sees it. However, if all you wear is old clothes that are “ragged” and rotting, then no glory remains. Likewise, positions, material, titles, and others that are held by oneself. He is glorified and respected because of his position, material, or title alone, not because of the “quality of his content.” After the luxury goods are used, the position held is no longer owned (abandoned), the material things disappear, the title disappears, the “stage” collapses, and the “lamps no longer shine”, then he is no longer considered a “valuable” and glorified figure. It’s just a “piece of used stuff” that will be thrown away. So clearly, it turns out that it is accessories outside of oneself that have made humans respected or glorified. In fact, ideally it is humans who make “clothes” valuable, not “clothes” that make humans valuable. Because, humans make “clothes”, not “clothes” make humans. Allah reminds us of this in His words: “And indeed We have glorified the children of Adam, We carried them on land and in the sea, We gave them sustenance from the good things and We have favored them with perfect advantages over most creatures that We have created” (QS. al-Isra’: 70).
Third, used goods will have high value if they are used by people in high positions or well-known public figures. Even if what is used is used or worthless goods, everything that is used will be elevated and have high value. Even though, initially it has the same value, but when it is used by different human statuses, the value will be different too. In fact, even though it has become used goods, if it is used by a high status owner, its value remains high. Like famous artists, many people are interested in owning used items that they have used. Although to get it you have to be willing to queue in the hot sun. It doesn’t matter if you are crushed, crushed, hurt, or even hurt others. Everything is done to get the “attention of the status owner”. In fact, there are a handful of them who act up and act out to seek attention. Some of them are willing to “pay a high price” to be near their idol and get the “used goods” they own or just their “magic autograph”. All with the aim of increasing its value, even being invaluable. For a wise human being, personal happiness is only present if the person who gives the “signature of glory” is bestowed with it by Allah the Most Great and His noble Messenger.
Fourth, used goods have high value when their existence is rare and new “goods” appear as comparisons. When rare, it becomes an antique that is always sought after and its value will be high beyond logical limits. Because, through comparison, the quality of used and new goods will be seen. As long as there is nothing new to compare with, used items lose value and will be thrown away.
Such is history and human attitudes. When there is no comparison, then what is in front of the eyes creates “saturation” and boring. Even though it has provided many benefits, the only visible drawbacks are. This attitude leads behavior and judgment to get rid of the old. A barbaric instinct arises to desire the new. In fact, there is not necessarily hope that everything new will be better and more suitable for “use” than the old one. When a new item is obtained, a comparative assessment of the used item that has been thrown away appears. Ideally, new items are better, of better quality and provide comfort. But in reality, it turns out that used goods are much better than new goods. There is regret because you have thrown away the used items you own. However, all the “rice has become porridge” tubs. What a regret that is no longer useful.
The above phenomenon actually occurs in life. Everything happens at the level of life and social strata. Everyone wants to find and bring back “used goods” that have been thrown away and are disappointed by new goods that turn out to be of poor quality. Even though this phenomenon often occurs, people often forget about it and repeat the mistakes of their indiscretions.
Fifth, if used goods can be increased in value by humans, why are humans unable to cultivate their own dynamic potential so that they have high value? Self-potential that is not influenced by external accessories to be appreciated and glorified. The potential that is developed aims to have value or be appreciated by heaven and earth.
Used items can be worth more than new items. In fact, it is only a static object. Meanwhile, humans, as dynamic creatures with all the potential bestowed by Allah, are apparently unable to increase their “value”. It’s really a loss if this happens. However, it is fortunate for humans who are able to develop and cultivate their own potential so that it is of high value. Even though the high value in question is not always highly valued by the people of the earth, it is definitely considered noble by the people of the sky. He will be happy if his values are glorified by the people of these two regions.
Sixth, when oneself becomes used goods. It is a law of nature that anything that has been used for a long time must become used goods. Likewise with humans. When you are young and brave you become an actor in civilization, but when you are old you are only a spectator of civilization. When power in robes of greatness is praised and feared, but when everything is gone there is no one left to say hello. When the “sweet” can still be enjoyed, all the “ants” surround and swallow without a thought. But once the sweetness is gone, everything is thrown away and becomes mere dregs. Voices of praise turned into insults, even though he had achieved a million achievements.
Even though the phenomenon of Allah’s verses is very real, it never changes human behavior. Indeed, every object (including humans) must have value. Positive and negative values embody the human side. It is a mistake to judge others only on their bad side, without ever looking at the good things they have done. Likewise, vice versa, when glory is within your grasp, the high praise is incomparable. Everything is considered good without the slightest flaw. No one dared to criticize. Only flattery and applause echoed. As a result, there is a ta’asub attitude that leads to mounting arrogance and subjectivity. For this reason, it is very wise to always focus on assessing yourself. Because, it could be that the assessment obtained is full of subjective interests and what is considered noble is actually despicable before Allah SWT. Because, the judge is a human being who has imperfections. How could the owner of imperfection be able to judge perfection. Only the Most Perfect has the right to judge creatures.
Although there are still a handful of communities that no longer value quality but rather “agreement”. Because, awards are given only to those who are able to follow their wishes or interests. They are just like “oxen whose noses are poked” and lose their self-esteem. Meanwhile, quality individuals will always be left behind and pushed aside. However, believe that in time there will be an assessment and recognition of the owner of “Divine value”. For those with self-respect, the ideal of truth is above everything. Like the words of wisdom “keep your head high because the floor is not very interesting to look at, except to “see” the greatness of your God”.
But, for those who have lost self-esteem, self-esteem no longer matters. As long as you can achieve high coffers and status. In fact, to do this, you must be willing to “live without a head and face, begging others even though you have sold your self-esteem and what you have.” A million strategies are carried out even though you have to be “an animal”. Allah says this clearly in His Word: “And if We willed, We would indeed elevate (his level) with these verses, but he is inclined towards the world and follows his low desires, then his example is like a dog. If “You stop him from sticking out his tongue and if you allow him he sticks out his tongue (too). That is the parable of those who deny Our verses. So tell (them) these stories so that they think” (QS. al-A ‘raf : 176).
The author is only carrying out His command to tell what He said. Once the verses are clearly conveyed, at the same time the disobedience shown by humans becomes clearer in denying His verses. Not a dusty feeling to patronize. Everyone was drowning in fear of His punishment. Please ask for the door of forgiveness and guidance to be opened to shake the proud hearts so that they feel His majesty and greatness. Maybe writers are just second-hand goods in the eyes of earthlings. However, we hope that there will be no end in sight to the Almighty Divine Robbi, may the inhabitants of the heavens always wait for themselves to always be with the Prophet Muhammad SAW with a “signature” as the chosen people who are loved by the lord of the universe.
Wa Allahua’lam bi al-Shawwab.
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.
