By: Samsul Nizar
Professor and Head of STAIN Bengkalis
Everyone is extremely familiar with a device known as a lock and key. Locks and keys are used to keep anything valuable, secure, and protected from various criminal acts. For homeowners, the padlock must be opened using the key so that neither the padlock nor the padlocked media is damaged. In the meantime, even though criminals are secured with a sturdy padlock, attempts to open the padlock are made by force or by breaking the padlock’s order. Everything that is secured is certainly something of great value. The higher the quality of the lock and key utilized, the more valuable and expensive the item to be protected. And vice way, the less precious an item is, the lesser the quality of the lock employed; in fact, it may not even be locked.
Such is the story of each individual. If everyone has a high sense of self-worth, a quality “lock” of faith will be employed so that it cannot be unlocked by factors that are destructive and capable of destroying it. However, suppose everyone has no remaining self-respect. In that case, they will choose inexpensive “locks” that are easy to open or broken locks that are solely employed as decorative embellishments to make the door appear locked. If so, the “thief” will be able to enter easily or may choose not to enter because there is nothing of value inside. Perhaps it is simply a heap of filthy garbage surrounded by flies and maggots. Locks and keys in human life have multiple connotations beyond their function, including:
First, Padlock is a metaphor for the existence of several difficulties in life. Sometimes there is no obvious answer to the problem’s root cause as if it were securely sealed. In fact, God prepared a “key” as a solution to the situation that arose. Allah declared this in several of His verses, including: “We said, ‘All of you, descend from heaven. Then, if My instructions truly come to you, there is no fear and no sorrow for those who obey My instructions (Surah al-Baqarah: 38).”
Despite being a little object, the key determines the settlement and future of humanity. The defining characteristic of a Muslim is his or her unwavering, eternally yearning for the Creator. Problems are frequently resolved in an impolite and barbaric manner by persons who lack wisdom. As with opening a “lock” by prying, slicing, or breaking it, problems are resolved by abandoning courtesy. The problem-solving behavior of a thief (robber) consists of breaking the padlock or working around it. Or one can take the easy way out by leaving the lock secured and then attempting to discover the “scapegoat” for the imposed fault since the padlock is not open (locked). This phenomenon frequently occurs in the midst of so-called civilized human life.
Problems can also be solved by “breaking the law,” enlisting the aid of “powerful people,” or fabricating circumstances to place responsibility on others. Consequently, problems are never remedied and continue to collect as “derived” errors. Although the issue appears to be resolved, it has never been resolved. Humans who seek to inflict suffering on others (as a result of being unable to open the lock) are truly dishonorable and vile. In addition, difficulties are engineered by producing and selling “engineering keys” to attain specific coffers or objectives. In reality, Allah condemns this behavior, saying, “Dear you who believe, refrain from excessive prejudice (suspicion), for a portion of prejudice is a sin.” And do not search for faults in others nor engage in malicious talk. Does anyone among you enjoy eating the flesh of his deceased brother? Consequently, you are naturally disgusted with him. And respect Allah. Indeed, Allah is the Most Repentant and Most Merciful (QS. Al-Hujurat: 11).”
Meanwhile, intelligent humans settle difficulties in a polite manner. They look for the source of the issue and use a non-destructive wisdom padlock to unlock it (law order and truth). The possessor of knowledge will unravel tangled ropes by searching for knots so that the ropes do not break, and the tangles can be untangled. Civilized humans should be present as a key figures in solving problems, not adding to problems or being the caretaker in the presence of devious engineering.
Second, Padlocks are frequently exposed to dangerous situations. Because padlocks are typically placed outside, threats can be caused by rain and scorching sun, which cause them to corrode, by cold night dew, or by someone with malicious purpose. However, the key is always concealed, stored in a secure location, and constantly guarded. Such is the nature of man. Typically, the figure guarding the trust is positioned outside and is a bumper. While the intellectual figure serves as the key so that the guardian figure (the lock) can fulfill his responsibilities, it is frequently inconspicuous. Its existence is unwilling to reveal itself. Key is concerned that his “sincerity” would be compromised or perhaps stolen by unreliable individuals. Thus, the possessor of a trustworthy character should be sturdy like a lock to protect self-respect and keep the key to trust with the same degree of sincerity as self-respect. However, if a large amount of material is used as collateral for the key, he will be willing to sell himself to be cloned. When a duplicate key unlocks the door, he will concoct an alibi to avoid accountability. It is of the utmost importance that the key has the self-respect to prevent “thieves” who are always pursuing the contents of what is locked from opening the lock; this is a very strategic and vital key function. Evidently, many proverbs and proverbs employ the term “key” as the primary instrument to achieve or fail to achieve the intended result. A ” padlock ” can only be opened with the appropriate key. It is difficult to discover and acquire the desired truth without the proper procedure.
Third, choose and use the proper key to unlock the door. If you choose the incorrect key, the padlock will not only not open but also be damaged. Such is the nature of human existence. When a padlock represents a problem, search for the correct and wise person to discover a solution, not a fool who is just capable of making faces and crossing his tongue as a reference. If the lock represents protecting something precious, then remind the key (person or team) to be trustworthy and not to open the lock in the presence of a pile of diamonds, as the stored item is constantly accessible and generally known by treacherous individuals (keys and locks). If the padlock has a problem, look for an expert key (person) to resolve it. The padlock will be damaged if you do not possess the correct key. The Prophet of Allah admonished, “Be prepared to face the Day of Judgment (destruction) if you entrust a matter (task) to a novice.” (HR. Bukhari).
Fourth, padlocks and keys are analogous to the body and soul (physical and spiritual). Both can fulfill their responsibilities if they operate harmoniously, undamaged, and not rusted. However, they can only fulfill their role if the lock and key are protected and corroded. This holds for the human body and spirit. Humans can perform caliphate and servile responsibilities when both are always healthy and uninjured. Rasulullah SAW reminded mankind of this through his words, quoting Anas bin Malik RA: “Verily, there are keys to righteousness and locks to cover evil among humans. There are locks to conceal goodness and keys to unlock evil among humans. “Blessed are those in whose hands Allah has placed the keys to unlocking goodness, and woe to those in whose hands Allah has placed the keys to unlocking evil” (Narrated by Ibn Majah).
Referring to the hadith above, Ibn Qayyim Al-Gauziyah, stated that the secret to all righteousness is the prospect of meeting Allah and entering His paradise. At the same time, the key to evil is when humans love the world excessively and desire to control it for their vanity. Therefore, humans must understand the secret to gaining goodness and avoiding evil. For the door of God’s love to open, humankind is commanded to always remain in the presence of the holder of the keys to goodness. However, if the chosen one resides in a culture that owns and manufactures the keys to evil, it will self-destruct and be blocked from His path like a virulent virus. Only those who consistently follow His guidance will achieve everything. In the meantime, to receive His instruction, humanity must develop a spiritual connection with God (key). Move the body (lock) so that Allah is always in mind. The Prophet of Allah delivered this message: “Remember that the human body contains a mass of flesh. If a clump of the flesh is healthy, the entire body will be healthy. However, the entire body will be affected if the body is harmed. A mass of flesh is known as the heart.” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).
Thus, humans often appear to be lovely locks, durable and strong, or expensive, but this does not guarantee that they will be able to fulfill their responsibilities and tasks if the “lock” of their heart is rusty and does not lead to noble character. Be wary of applause and compliments that are overly effusive. Because applause kills numerous mosquitoes, the breeze causes weasels to fall to the ground. External flattery exists so long as a “padlock and key” is deemed capable of rescuing it. Everyone will search for a replacement padlock and key when the padlocks and keys are rusty or deemed unusable. Such attitudes exist only when no aspect of oneself is valuable and merits being “get padlocked or locked.” Because they are maybe more worthless than repulsive creatures (QS Al-A’raf: 179)
Ideally, the exterior appearance of a “lock” is a visible manifestation of its quality. However, the lock and key frequently fail to operate. This happens to humans, especially when one or both of them are rusty and have not worked together for a noble aim in a long time. The exterior is elegant, but the within is corroded and imprisoned by lust. This is a reminder of Allah’s words: “Allah has sealed their hearts and hearing, blinded them, and they will receive a harsh punishment” (QS. al-Baqarah: 7).
According to Jalalain’s reading of the preceding passage, Allah locks and seals the rusty hearts, ears, and eyes of humanity so that they cannot be opened to accept kindness and truth. In actuality, what is delivered are Allah’s verses, yet they are reluctantly accepted. Everything is deemed worthless and tastes nasty. All dissipate with a gaudy radiance that dazzles the eyes into accepting the truth. Thus, Allah clearly exposes His verses, yet they are all rejected because the organs that detect the truth have rusted and deteriorated. Possibly this is what Allah is referring to when He says, “Those who disbelieve and deny Our verses are the residents of hell.” They shall dwell there ever” (QS. Al-Baqarah: 39).
Thus, padlocks and keys provide us with valuable lessons. Indeed, “then which of your Lord’s graces (verses) do you deny?” (QS A r-Rahman) elaborates on His truth. Do humans continue to assert that they are superior and perfect? No one can answer but Allah and ourselves, who can appear as complementary keys and padlocks to communicate harmony. May Allah always strengthen the padlocks and keys that protect our faith and self-respect and grant us the opportunity to testify to the veracity of His verses as a means of longing for God, Amien.
Wa Allahua’lam bi al-Shawwab.
Translated by RiskaSaputra, S.Pd.
Alumni of the English Education Study Program from STAIN Bengkalis.
Master Student at Graduate Institute of Network Learning Technology in National Central University, Taiwan.
