By: Samsul Nizar
Professor of STAIN Bengkalis
Every individual is self-aware and constantly examines themselves in the mirror. Almost everyone looks in the mirror daily; it has become necessary. As defined in the Big Indonesian Dictionary, mirror glass consists of transparent glass with a mercury-coated face, among other coatings, which are utilized to reflect the image of an object positioned before it. It is typically employed to examine the visage (physically) when dressing, etc. When reflecting in a mirror, humans perceive two conceivable aspects of themselves: the aesthetic form of beauty and the unsightliness (ugliness) of their physique. Humans engage in reflection to become aware of their physical attributes. It will be maintained if it succeeds. Nevertheless, any shortcomings will be rectified. Every effort is exerted to ensure that your physical appearance is impeccable, aesthetically pleasing, and refined.
The level of human confidence in mirrors is exceptionally high. Because uncontaminated glass will candidly reveal its composition, it demonstrates the negative aspect so that individuals will strive to enhance it. Appealing in appearance and charisma will inspire benevolence, resulting in individuals defending and caring for it. Costly and time-consuming endeavors are required to restore physical ugliness and preserve its beauty. However, it is of no concern to humans because striving for an ideal physique is the primary objective.
Nevertheless, the sole purpose of mirrors is to reflect physical attributes. The mirror, meanwhile, is not employed to perceive the spiritual aspect. As a result, the proverb illustrates the subjectivity with which individuals view themselves in the mirror. In addition, “look in the mirror first before making someone else’s mirror” . The proverb originated from the observation of individuals who consistently neglect self-reflection. Others are only visible to him through the mirror he constructed. He will present an opaque glass if he has a concealed preference for it. But if the objective fails to be realized, there will be animosity that will ascend like a selected glass, revealing the flaws of others. In truth, the glass is occasionally shattered and marred to the point where others cannot perceive the goodness within. Ordinary human beings such as this continue to exist. He sees nothing negative about himself; he only sees the positive. Consequently, one takes pride in the dust of their good fortune while oblivious to the mountains of their poor fortune. However, mountains of benevolence obscure his vision whenever he sees other individuals, particularly those he despises. He perceived nothing more than a mere accumulation of errors to amend. Failure to identify a blunder that elicits his ire will result in his own error. This person is an archetypal individual who never contemplates his negative attributes.
Concerning the practical role of mirrors, among other aspects:
First, the physical mirror (physical appearance). Human instinct (nature) perpetually appreciates beauty. Humans utilize mirrors as a means to groom and enhance the appearance of their bodies. Because achieving physical attractiveness is the primary objective. Considerable effort was exerted. Regardless of the expenses entailed. Clothing serves a purpose beyond mere body coverage; it contributes to the body projecting an expected air of grace. By means of a mirror, individuals can perceive themselves. Correct the flaws in order to enhance its aesthetic appeal. In Islam, physical perfection is regarded as a virtue, due to the fact that Rasulullah SAW advised it. He expressed this sentiment: “Indeed, Allah appreciates and is beautiful” (HR. Muslim).
The aforementioned hadith signifies that Allah SWT is the Most Beautiful by nature, in His name, and the Most Perfect. In contrast, to love beauty is to love His servants who uphold moral and physical splendor while in His presence in worship. Conversely, if the sole purpose of honing one’s physical appearance is to garner admiration from others and if doing so serves as a means to evil, then selecting a mirror will result in immoral deeds. This appearance will foster the development of arrogance and lead to disobedience.
Second, component is the inner mirror, which serves to align the intentions that manifest in behavior and organize the psyche. The objective is to maintain steadfast adherence to the creation agreement, which mandates perpetual worship of Allah SWT (QS. al-A’raf: 172; QS. az-Zariyat: 56). The domain of the psyche is discernible solely to oneself and God. The likelihood of denunciations disseminating to a broader audience is extremely high. Nevertheless, despite perhaps successfully concealing the unsightliness of one’s inner being, the tranquility that comes with harboring the concealed “carcass” remains elusive. A person with a rotten heart cannot remain concealed for an extended period of time because each individual is founded upon purity (nature), which is incongruous with grime. As a consequence, inner space is incapable of accepting or concealing grime. He will experience this anguish despite Zahir’s denials to the contrary. Over time, the foul odor associated with mental impurities will emanate and become readily apparent. A malevolent disposition will foster the development of malevolent conduct in others. Rasulullah SAW cautioned against the perils associated with hasad by stating, “Remain far away from hasad (envy), for it can devour goodness like fire consumes firewood” (HR. Abu Dawud).
Individuals who consistently engage in introspection regarding their interior qualities will attain a state of ad-din Hanif. The route that leads to Rasulullah’s affection and to his morals. Allah affirms this through His words: “Indeed, Allah adores individuals who purify themselves and repent” (QS al-Baqarah: 222).
One’s own hygiene will reflect in the mirror. However, if one’s heart and ego are soiled, then the mirror is also soiled. This condition prevents him from perceiving himself as filthy. Such is the case; the grime that is present in one’s person will become imperceptible and will further solidify. He presents himself as the most hygienic, despite the fact that he is extremely filthy. His neighbor will become hostile and shun him if he discloses his less-than-pristine nature. In this particular instance, Allah has served as a reminder to us via His words: “Dear you who have faith, fear Allah, and let all others reflect on their deeds for the hereafter; furthermore, fear Allah, for Allah is fully aware of your actions” (QS al-Hasyr: 18).
Third, a pristine mirror symbolizes the integrity of a subordinate who candidly acknowledges his own deficiencies and advantages, devoid of any hidden agendas. In contrast, a filthy mirror symbolizes the inherent animosity of humanity towards being candid about one’s flaws. Consequently, there are “sycophantic” individuals who exalt and conceal their shortcomings with cosmetics that obscure the face. The elimination of makeup exposes the unattractive features of the face that were previously concealed. The transformation of a delicious lick into a bitter and excruciating insult occurs. Rasulullah SAW remarked, “A follower of Islam is a reflection of his community. He will rectify any flaw that he perceives in his brother” (HR. Bukhari).
Regrettably, there is no correspondence between the physical and spiritual mirrors. The appearance of Zahir does not inspire self-improvement consciousness. Indeed, Allah SWT has explicitly delineated the repercussions that befall those with a soiled heart in both written and spoken verses. Some individuals possess the sagacity to examine themselves in the mirror, and those harbor skepticism toward the reflection they present. You shall feel humiliated if you erroneously select a goblet while imitating the possessor of the dishonor. If the origin of the incident makes you feel good, consider the conclusion of Satan’s hubris, which feels the most noble. Reflect upon Fir’aun and Namrudz, who were both demolished and humiliated by Him, if you wish to experience a sense of power. Consider Qorun, a city incinerated by the earth, if you feel affluent with wealth in heaps. Consider the most knowledgeable individual among you, Hamman, who was disgraced.
Opt instead to contemplate the possessor of magnificence. Consider how the Prophet Sulaiman’s influence spanned Masyriq and Maghrib, yet he remained submissive to Allah SWT. This should inspire confidence in your own capabilities. Those who consider themselves knowledgeable in various fields should contemplate the profundity of knowledge the humble Prophet Khaidir possessed. Consider contemplating the utmost perfection exhibited by the Prophet Muhammad SAW, whose moral standards were unparalleled.
An accurate depiction of individuals who possess what they are most prideful of but are infuriated by Allah, as well as the blessed servants who are humble by virtue of Allah’s favor. Due to the fact that he observed that all in attendance recognized lahaula wa la quwwata illa billah. In contrast, the trust placed in servants constitutes a mere deposit that is superfluous to boast about. However, strange to contemporary times, arrogance can be observed in individuals possessing even the tiniest wealth, influence, advantage, or capability. Indeed, the level of hubris exhibited surpasses that of human beings endowed with greater advantages. Arrogance is when one seeks to be present not because he is qualified but because he is “liked” for various reasons. Consequently, its reputation and positioning are predicated on its level of popularity rather than its quality. Undoubtedly, Allah SWT will consolidate all human characteristics and qualities into one of the same kind and caliber. Comparable to how water and oil are gathered together. Oil and water cannot combine; similarly, virtue and evil cannot intersect.
In prior years, the momentum for the turn of 2024 ought to be reflected. By engaging in this process of reflection, one hopes that their perspective and personal integrity will be enhanced. An evaluation of the effort that has been invested and contributed. Be mindful that any advantages that may arise are solely the result of His permission. He merits all commendation for this reason. Recognize and address your personal shortcomings (weaknesses) in order to improve moving forward.
So that you may always maintain your humility, consider those who are superior when you perform virtuous deeds. When you observe the shortcomings of others, consider your own, which may be more numerous. A reminder of sage advice: “A mirror enables one to see not only one’s reflection but also one’s reflection backwards.” It not only examines the front side, but also the rear side, as was done previously. “Those with a rotten heart, on the other hand, only perceive his goodness or greatness in the mirror; they are oblivious to his flaws.” Seeing oneself through an opaque glass introduces subjectivity, which can manifest as a sense of superiority, excellence, meritocracy, and other forms of hubris. He was, in fact, left with an unpleasant-smelling ulcer that he refused to acknowledge.
Breaking the chain of personal characteristics that do not reflect on oneself is necessary. Its existence serves no purpose but to misfire and negatively influence forthcoming generations. Therefore, it is imperative to cultivate within the Z generation the practice of accurately and impartially evaluating their own attributes. Numerous exemplary instances appear in the annals of history. Allah communicates the embodiment of a high-caliber generation in the Koran via the narrative of Ashabul Kahfi. A young man who not only follows but embodies the fortitude of his faith. An adolescent who fails to substantiate his convictions and the truth through an accumulation of evidence and the notoriety of his stance. The knowledge and caliber of youth as reflected in Sayyidina Ali bin Abi Talib’s appearance. His presence reflects his kindness and virtue, not predicated on his lineage or the renown of his progeny. This is an absolute reflection of a generation of high quality. This norm should serve as a self-reflection for subsequent generations. Utilizing this mirror will produce a reliable and reliable continuation generation to receive the development relay. Dark history will, nevertheless, be repeated when the reflection is the character of Qobil, Qorun, Fir’aun, Namrudz, Hamman, Abu Jahal, Abu Lahab, and others. The universe will be annihilated, civilization will vanish, and humanity will cease to exist if this occurs. This individual is responsible for the presence of this character because they never examine themselves in a mirror. One can unearth the significance of mutual respect by examining one’s reflection with an untainted conscience. On the contrary, should an individual gaze solely into a hazy mirror with a soiled conscience, that individual will manifest as self-centered, slanderous, spiteful, arrogant, or negative. Merely perceiving one’s own magnificence and might, without acknowledging the architectural marvels that forebears have laboriously constructed. Indeed, the very existence of everything is a testament and trial from Allah alone. This attitude and conduct have inadvertently exposed long-concealed and unclean aspects of one’s persona. Undoubtedly, this flawed nature has self-deprecated in the presence of fellow beings and abhorred His favor.
A decent image can only be reflected in a pure mirror and a pure soul. A soiled self-perception will be improperly perceived if the heart and the glass are tarnished. Unfortunately, individuals frequently use frosted glass to see themselves and clear glass to observe others. In fact, he will use a convex, concave, or even a magnifying glass to make the dirt of others appear genuine if a clean glass fails to detect it. Subsequently, inquire which mirror you have selected and from which side you have been fixating throughout this duration. Although many are oblivious and indifferent, a few individuals still wish to respond.
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.
