By: Samsul Nizar
Professor & Head of STAIN Bengkalis
There are two poles to life, but its existence is unified by a purpose. As a result of these two poles, judgments are made in the form of likes and hates. Based on these two poles, 3 (three) variants have been produced: praise, criticism, and insults. Even though they contradict God’s judgment, humans praise, criticize, and insult each other. There will only be a temporary effect when this occurs. In spite of the fact that human judgment is contrary to God’s, there are a number of praises and rebukes. In addition to praises, criticisms, and insults (rebukes), God gives praise, criticism, and insults (rebukes) to humans (there are a few people who learn from God). Whenever this happens, it is eternal.
Humans are naturally happy when compliments are given to them. There are very few people who desire criticism, far fewer still who desire humiliation. However, humans often hope, are fascinated, and forget themselves when they get blaring praise. On the other hand, not many humans are ready to be criticized (even those who like to criticize), and no one wants to be insulted. If you are praised, you smile brightly, but if you are criticized, you feel hurt, let alone insulted. As fast as lightning, you will “beat the drums of war” against others. Humans should have a “heart lamp” so that they are not dazzled by praise, are not allergic to criticism, and are darkened by insults.
If every compliment does not make you forget yourself, criticism is used as a tool for self-introspection, and insults do not make you emotional and lose control, humans will appear as wise figures when facing all three in life. Because sometimes, praise is born from an objective assessment and sometimes, it arises because a “subjective goal” dominates. If an objective evaluation of praise arises, then maintain the praise with humility because the only one who deserves to be praised is Allah, the estuary of all praise. However, if a subjective appraisal of praise arises, then guard it with vigilance because maybe that is how Allah conveys His love to reduce the sin of a servant who is considered despicable. Indeed, no one can declare himself noble or judge others lowly. It could be that what is lowly is nobler, or what is thought to be noble with loud praise is more humiliating in front of the Creator. Indeed, the appearance of insulting judgments reflects humans who humiliate themselves.
Nevertheless, whatever the form needs to be addressed wisely. Polite criticism that offers genius only emerges from intelligent figures and owners of high civilizations, so they do not forget themselves. Smart-solution and polite criticism should be grateful. Meanwhile, “spicy without a solution” criticism is faced with wisdom because it arises from a self that does not understand. The task of others is only to convey the truth, although not many are happy and give a proper assessment. This is narrated by the Messenger of Allah through his saying: From Abdillah ibn Amr ibn Ash RA, “Verily the Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “Convey from me even if it is only one verse…” (Narrated by Bukhari).
Although the truth is often underappreciated and defeated by errors that are caught faster than lightning, it is truly a sign of human quality. Because the truth of His messengers alone is always “denied and reproached”, let alone the truth conveyed by others. The task of the caliphate is only to convey, not wait for a response to praise what is conveyed. It all depends on whether or not the heart is open to the truth.Meanwhile, insults actually arise from the degree of humans who have low civilizations and are unable to convey their judgments in a better (civilized) manner. For this reason, criticism without a solution and insults do not always need to be repaid excessively. There are other ways to deal with criticism without a solution and insults that are more polite and civilized for the owner of intelligence. How to respond is emphasized by Allah through His words: “Say (Muhammad), “Dear my people! Act according to your position. I did (so). Later you will know, who gets a humiliating torment and on him eternal punishment inflicted “(QS. .az-Zumar : 39-40).
The verse above is a basis for judging others. This is reinforced through His words in the previous verse: “(Are you polytheists who are luckier) or people who worship at night by prostrating and standing, for fear of the (punishment) of the hereafter and hoping for the mercy of their Lord? Say, “Is it the same those who know and those who do not know?” Actually, only people who have common sense can receive lessons “(QS. Az-Zumar: 9).
If criticism and insults come from an objective assessment, use them as a whip to improve yourself. However, if criticism and insults arise from subjective judgments and evil goals, then return them to the judgment of Allah as the Most Just. On the other hand, be careful with praise, especially if it is beyond reasonableness’s limits (exorbitant). Watch out for thunderous applause because many mosquitoes die because of “applause”. There are several types of “applause” (with various variants), including:
First, applause is a symbol of pride in achievement or self-quality. When this happens, remember yourself because whatever achievements are achieved, they are not obtained independently but from other humans’ participation and the Creator’s permission.
Second, applause is a form of ridicule, like a reckless motorcycle rider who then fell. Public applause is a symbol of hatred for his behaviour. When this happens, make the mirror fix itself, so it does not happen again.
Third, applause because of the position you have (prestige). When this happens, fortify with vigilance. Because this kind of applause often saves “hypocrisy”. There is “something” to which the applause and praise are given. There is a specific purpose that you want to get. If the goal is not obtained, then there will be an attempt to open the disgrace that leads to “insulting”.
Words of wisdom need to be used as guidelines: “praise does not always make you noble. While insults will not make you humiliate”. Because praise and insults given by humans are not always based on objective judgments. There are times when praise and thunderous applause are sometimes present because of the “power” (prestige) they have, not because of their actual quality.
Initially brought moral teachings. However, his “followers on his left and right” always fueled him with various compliments. They say what you do is very noble. You deserve to be a prophet. Praise after praise finally provoked Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, and he felt what his followers said was true. He appeared arrogant and saw that he was worthy of being a prophet. Finally, Mirza was provoked and misguided because he claimed to be a prophet due to excessive flattery by the followers who always surrounded him (about the “belt”). Although sometimes humans are able to “stand firm” when criticized or insulted, they “fall down and become extinct” when worshipped. So dangerous is the “whisper left and right”. If you are wise in accepting the information provided, you can avoid making yourself lulled by false flattery and false praise.
Often, when one is behind oneself or has no more power, various insults appear without realizing it, even without stopping. Surprisingly, “false praisers” often gain trust and position. Even though what was left was “venomous poison” and deadly. Usually, this figure is praised relentlessly with ulterior motives. Thunderous praise appears on the very trivial and mundane. However, if the goal is not achieved, the praise turns into insults and insults even in the midst of “worldwide” achievements but does not affect the hatred.
Indeed, humans often do not accept when they are said to be wrong and insulted. The selfish side of thinking of oneself as perfect often appears before the weak self-wisdom. Because humans always judge themselves to be true and correct, even exceeding the perfection of the Most Perfect. Indeed, a man who thinks he is pious is a mistake (arrogance). In comparison, humans who feel wrong are a form of true piety (improvement). Because no human being can glorify or humiliate others except Allah alone.
Loud applause and soaring praises (limited to when they have power) often make people forget themselves and become “dazed”. Meanwhile, “whispering criticism” is considered insulting, like lightning strikes and a threat that must be destroyed. Praise is like sugar, and criticism is like herbal medicine. The wrong choice causes diabetes to appear. In turn, only amputation is the way out.
There are several ways to deal with praise, criticism, and insults. First, be wise in dealing with praise and insults, mainly when praise is obtained when power is being possessed. More vigilance is needed. When praise is obtained, then the nature of humility is to fortify oneself. Do not let the urge appear to overwhelm you. Do introspection for the praise you get because only Allah is worthy of praise. While humans are only limited to doing what He has given them. Second, be wise on criticism and insults that hit. Make a mirror to improve yourself. Perhaps God “sent men” to convey His love through the rebuke of others. The insult may have some truth to it. However, insults are often without prioritizing politeness in conveying them. Insults do not need to be repaid with humiliation anyway. Because it will prolong hostility and humiliation, return everything to Allah, the Most Appreciative. Let Allah judge with great justice. If you get criticism, make corrections to improve yourself and motivate yourself to do better and achieve. If you look at the energy used, praise does not require energy and can be done by everyone, even without the lowest education and civilization.
However, criticism requires great energy. Especially if constructive criticism requires intelligence above the average human. It is just that when criticism leads to slander, it arises from a lowly person who has humiliated himself. However, when criticism leads to the truth, it emerges from an intelligent person like a neglected pearl. Third, self-consistency (istiqomah) with wisdom for praise, criticism, or insults. Do not be like a “propeller on the hill” limited to theory without realization, most say without work. Be a flexible bamboo figure, but still firmly stab the earth without losing identity. Really, whatever your words and behaviourare is a mirror of the true self, unable to be covered up, which in time bursts to the surface. If the contents are good, then goodness will burst out without having to be opened. If the contents are harmful, bad things will emerge, even if you try to cover them up.
WaAllahua’lam bi al-Shawwab
Translated by RiskaSaputra, S.Pd
Alumni of the English Education Study Program of STAIN Bengkalis
Master Student at Graduate Institute of Network Learning Technology in National Central University, Taiwan
