By : Samsul Nizar
Professor & Head of STAIN Bengkalis
The proverb uses the word “weeds” in its various variants. This word is an allegory of human nature which “seems to be full of content” but is “empty and hollow.” The same thing is quoted in the saying, “tong kosong nyaring bunyinya.” The word “nyaring or loud” actually shows the actual incompetence of oneself.
While the term flexing generally means activities carried out to show off everything one has in the form of material (wealth), position, outstanding achievement, knowledge, worship, family, friends, offspring, or others to gain recognition and admiration for what is displayed. In the economic field, flexing is similar to conspicuous consumption or using money to buy luxurious (sometimes forced) goods and services to show one’s status. The flexing style of the modern era is straightforward to read and floats to the surface, primarily through social media, which is getting out of control. If scientific research is carried out, the content of social media today is in the form of a flexing style. Even though it is not a crime, the flexing style shows that humans are still in a civilization that is not yet high. Flexing style is carried out as a hope to be recognized by society, not recognized by the community for one’s true abilities.
In the Islamic context, the flexing style can be categorized as the loss of self-esteem and opening up space for self-arrogance to emerge. There are several forms of flexing styles, including:
First, the passion for self-publishing aims to make people recognize what they have. Publications on daily activities, showing off abundant wealth, titles, positions, food is eaten, vehicles, accessories, houses, places of recreation, the achievements (albeit personal), together with well-known rulers, and even the activities of family life, which are very private, also published. Daily activities unrelated to what should be known are not spared for publication. Things that should keep secret according to religion are also published so that people evaluate their pious sides, such as vertical worship, almsgiving, and even generosity. Surprisingly, this flexing style is loved and has become a promising “professional space.” Not a few follow talkatively and follow this style. Surprisingly, this style penetrates all ages, cultures, and social classes (status), even across professions. At the ancestral cultural level, this type shows an “empty self” like a tall weed that stands up to be known and seen by people but is empty of what it possesses. The more the frequency goes out of control, the more it reinforces what emptiness should have, and an alluring lipstick replaces the loss of privacy.
Flexing style has consciously dominated the social media space in the globalization era, which is said to be an indicator of modern civilization. However, if you look at the contents, there are not many that provide enlightenment and enlightenment. It is because such a typical lifestyle shows that modern civilization has not yet been achieved in its true sense. A heartbreaking era to watch for generations to come.
Second, it is needed if the flexing style aims to provide information to educate society. However, the frequency is, of course, on urgent matters. This type is rare and gets less attention from the public. Intelligent information and jolt intellectual power are not in much demand. The strange thing is the flexing style of this model is often bullied if there is even the slightest mistake. Surprisingly, quality ideas are considered normal even though they are brilliant and improve civilization. Even though the “residents of the sky” will be proud of the presented truth, it is a pity that the “residents of the earth” consider it normal and far from appreciated. Moreover, when it comes to the interests of policymakers, not a few are castrated and disliked.
If the lower middle class does not own the attention of the second type above, it can still be considered normal. However, when it happens to intellectuals who claim to be “upper class,” it becomes regrettable and raises strange questions. It is questionable the quality of a true “high-end confessor.”
Referring to the explanation above, when viewed from a sociological science, flexing style with the showing off its various variants shows the kind of human being just learning about high civilization. Look at the possessors of high society. They try to hide what they have. When referring to the khalifaurrasyidin, Abu Bakar Sidiq is a figure of worship but does not want people to know if he worships. The figure of Umar bin Khattab as a figure with “strength and power” precisely abandoned the attribute of being with the people. Usman bin Affan is a wealthy merchant figure, but he displays simplicity and sharing of the sustenance that God has given to others. Ali bin Abi Talib, an intelligent scientist who is capable but humble about his knowledge, does not even want to be known. They never say they are the greatest and publish their “greatness.” They fear the emergence of self-conceit that will thicken the veil between the servant and Allah. Everything shown shows the quality of “full rice.” They are spared from flexing style, which presents itself as “empty weeds” without content.
The flexing style must be directed at positive things without losing the side of truth and morality. The flexing style covers deficiencies to obtain the desired “social position.” Because if this is what appears, hypocrisy and destruction will occur. Flexing styles display the publication upside down on what is said. Where are we? Of course, only a heart constantly ashamed of al-Khaliq can answer that.
Wa Allahua’lam bi al-Shawwab
Translated by: Ruzaini, M.Pd (Alumni of English Education Study Program of STAIN Bengkalis)
