By: Samsul Nizar
Professor and Head of STAIN Bengkalis
Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio is classified as an instructive work of fiction. In the interim, Pinocchio’s illustration was produced in 1883 by Enrico Mazzanti. Geppeto, a solitary carpenter residing in a modest dwelling, is the protagonist of the narrative. A man had a hallucination one evening in which he was accompanied by his son. For this reason, he fashioned a humanoid-appearing wooden puppet using the wood he had obtained from Mr. Cherry and his own abilities. The outcomes of his labour appear ultra-real. The name of the wooden puppet was Pinocchio. He fantasizes that if the wooden Pinocchio puppet could come to life, it would be his adopted son, thanks to his labour.
The wish of Grandpa Geppeto was acknowledged by the blue fairy. He then granted Pinocchio existence in accordance with his desires. Nonetheless, the Blue Fairy and Pinocchio had reached an “agreement” prior to his revival. He requested that Pinocchio be truthful and refrain from lying. As requested by the blue faerie, Pinocchio acquiesced. In fulfillment of his assurance, the blue fairy transformed the wooden Pinocchio puppet into a humanoid with the ability to speak. This operation took place while Geppeto was sound slumber. Upon awakening, he discovered that the wooden puppet he had crafted was capable of human-like speech. He was extraordinarily delighted. Since that time, they have never experienced solitude; rather, they have spent every moment together. However, as time passed, Pinocchio transformed into a naughty wooden puppet who enjoyed telling lies. Unlike any other character, Pinocchio’s nose elongates with each fib. When he speaks and conducts himself honestly, however, his nose will return to normal.
Every time Pinocchio’s nose grew longer, he was humiliated and exposed to deceit. However, he finds it difficult not to deceive. This condition is subject to the influence of environmental interactions. Geppeto, recognizing this detrimental conduct, patiently instructs Pinocchio to be truthful and abstain from lying. Finally, these efforts have paid off. Pinocchio matures into a decent child who is truthful, sincere, compassionate toward others, and obedient to his parents.
Despite its extant status, longstanding circulation, and widespread recognition, the narrative of Pinocchio remains confined to the realm of humour. Indeed, the author’s discourse encompasses moral and educational principles that are notably absent in practical application to the human condition. Numerous lessons can be gleaned from the tale of Pinocchio, such as the following:
First, the message of ambition is to continue working despite her advanced age. The paternal figure Geppeto represents existence. Despite his advanced age, Pinocchio admires his efforts to instil integrity and a commitment to always doing good deeds, striving, and having aspirations. However, occasionally despite concerted efforts, outcomes fail to live up to initial expectations. At least Geppeto is a perpetually active and optimistic figure. He acts, works, and maintains optimism despite the fact that he is elderly and has unusual expectations. A few individuals, meanwhile, continue to do nothing more than harbour aspirations without taking action or engage in actions solely to accomplish concealed objectives. Getting older is not a positive example for youth, and collaboration only serves to exacerbate the situation.
Second, the message emphasizes honesty, reliability, and commitment to one’s word. Pinocchio breached this agreement despite having promised and consented to the blue fairy’s request that he not deceive. It appears that Pinocchio made solemn assurances of obtaining his desired outcome. Once his objective was accomplished, he neglected his commitment. This is a hypothetical occurrence within the human species. Whatever assurances are expressed and consented to. Objectives rather than assurances should guide one’s pursuits. If this is the prevailing mindset, then promises become meaningless and ultimately culminate in betrayal once the desired outcome is attained. Logically speaking, Pinocchio’s group of companions lied prior to his own deceit. The individual’s deceitful ways are exposed when his personal integrity collides with the harsh truth of the external community, which is replete with deceit in its pursuit of success. This phenomenon captivated Pinocchio, who desired to emulate its behavior. Pinocchio came to understand that his errors could be concealed by the consequences of his deceit. Simply put, he neglected to honor his promise to the blue sprite not to tell lies. Similarly, the human condition exhibits a forgetfulness and betrayal of their covenant with their Creator to recognize and venerate Allah (QS. al-A’raf: 172). However, they consistently and unequivocally reject Him.
Third, the repercussions of a threat message if you deceive. When Pinocchio tells an untruth, his nose expands. This condition will return to normal once he discloses the truth. Despite the veracity of the event, Pinocchio frequently recounted it. If the extension of Pinocchio’s nose, symbolizing his propensity for deceit, represented a reality in the past, present, and future of human existence, then the perpetrator of the falsehood would be readily identifiable. Physical changes: with each untruth, his nose grows longer. This condition of transformation will yield favorable results: (1) individuals will feel disinclined to express and conduct themselves in deceit. (2) awaken to an entirely honest existence. (3) diminishing the authority of law enforcement in addressing falsehoods that lead to a multitude of infractions. By renouncement of the human tendency to lie, global civilization can usher in an era of peace and kindness.
Fourth, convey the essence of integrity. Honesty perfects humanity in His sight. In contrast, deceitful conduct, including the fabrication of falsehoods (hoaxes), is considered immoral and is despised by both Allah and His Messenger. In the absence of integrity, betrayal increases. It commenced with the dissemination of falsehoods, progressed to the creation of hoaxes (slander), and culminated in discord. Allah serves as a reminder of this via His words: “If there is a disease within their hearts, Allah will exacerbate it; and those who have lied will endure a severe punishment” (QS al-Baqarah: 10).
Fifth, the importance of early inculcation of moral values. The altercations and deceit that have characterized Pinocchio since his youth can be remedied by providing him with observable role models and tangible examples from his community. Pinocchio experiences embarrassment due to the protrusion of his snout during every lie. Even though he had lied, his humiliation persisted. The situation changes when the emotion of humiliation has vanished; in such cases, lying becomes customary and is even regarded as an essential necessity. In actuality, this phenomenon signifies that individuals who possess honesty will be met with hostility, criticism, and social exclusion.
Sixth, explicit recompense and enjoyment in the message. Utilizing Mantiq logic results in a life syllogism reminiscent of Pinocchio. Because of its integrity, a wooden figurine is endowed with grace and elevated to human status. Nevertheless, a human who delights in deceit will be reduced to the status of a wooden puppet. If this logic were implemented and events transpired in the manner reminiscent of Pinocchio’s fantasies, then human civilization would be distinct and superior. Despite the fact that the fable of Pinocchio is so well-known and transparent, people frequently choose to tell lies. Not only being coerced into lying, but also engineering scenarios to deceive on purpose, and even turning lying into a profession for financial gain and “livelihood” Unknowingly spreading lies as a profession deceives others and conceals the truth that they hold in their souls. In light of this rationale, Allah SWT has issued the following admonition to humanity: “Allah has blinded their vision and hearts; they shall endure a severe punishment” (QS al-Baqarah: 7).
The Word of God is so explicit that it is bountiful at the level of reading but deficient in practical application. Rasulullah reflected on this phenomenon in the following way: “As Abu Hurairah stated, so Rasulullah observed: ‘Indeed, years of deceit will indeed befall humanity, during which individuals who tell lies shall be entrusted, and those who advocate honesty shall be deceived; individuals who betray shall be esteemed, yet those who inspire confidence shall betrayed; and within them shall also be al-ruwaibidhah.” “What is al-ruwaibidhah, O Messenger of Allah?” was the question that was posed to him. “A fool speaks (issues fatwas) concerning human affairs,” he declared (HR. Ahmad).
Evident from the aforementioned hadith is that there will come a time when deceit and lying become customary. During this time period, hypocrites and liars (sycophants with serpentine tongues) were more trusted or gained it. In fact, this typical proprietor is frequently consulted and guided by. This condition is exacerbated by the presence of a liked figure who lacks the expertise to address issues that are not comprehended. Imagine the repercussions that will ensue should this occur. They fail to remember that their actions will ultimately be judged and punished by Allah SWT. Owners of honesty and trust, meanwhile, are frequently marginalized. Diverse schemes of slander and premeditated betrayal were executed. The only way to make things run smoothly is to tell falsehoods.
Several human behaviors are consistently confirmed by what Rasulullah SAW recalled above: (a) cautioning against the perils and consequences of speaking without a foundation in knowledge (see QS. al-Baqarah: 168-169 and QS. al-Isra’: 36). (b) the mandate to cultivate integrity and a severe admonishment towards traitors and hypocrites. This is further supported by his words: “Being honest is essential, as it contributes to one’s goodness, which in turn leads to heavenly rewards.” An individual who maintains integrity and makes a sincere effort to do so will be documented in Allah’s book as an honest person (siddiq). Ignore falsehoods at all costs, as they are the source of evil, and evil ultimately culminates in damnation. “He will be recorded as a liar in Allah’s book if he persists in telling lies and maintains them” (HR. Muslim).
The era described by Rasulullah SAW above consistently transpires. The only distinctions are in form, time, individual, and media. In contrast, the “Pinocchio-style” falsehoods that transpire exhibit a consistent substance that transcends generations and temporal boundaries. Indeed, it is not uncommon for the falsehoods propagated and perpetrated during the end of time to become more egregious and cruel as the world ages and approaches its conclusion. It is as if the human species has neglected its human nature. Everything transcends degree and status. This results in an illusory grandeur that is challenging to direct. It appears that the influence of religious and ethical teachings that ought to be maintained has diminished. As the capacity to choose to act in a “Pinocchio-style” manner grows stronger and stronger, nearly every aspect of existence becomes as mottled.
Unfortunately, the tangible consequences of Pinocchio’s deception are fictitious and do not exist in the real world. When they occur in the physical world, falsehoods are incapable of being concealed or minimized. Failing that, the Pinocchio persona will persist in recurrence and significance across different historical periods, potentially transforming into a commercial trend. In fact, despite the obvious occurrence of errors, falsehoods continue to be told to obscure even greater deceit. Consequently, the practice of lying resembles a snowball that continues to expand and roll. Everything is merely perceptible and tangible in the context of routine; it cannot be manipulated. Having evolved from an initially aberrant behavior, lying is now regarded as a customary practice that is deemed essential and commonplace. Conversely, those possessing qualities of integrity and reliability will have them eradicated. He will be regarded as an impediment and will not be aligned with the requirements of the chaotic era.
The aforementioned explanation posits that the “Pinocchio-style civilization” is accustomed to lying for a variety of reasons, including deceit as a hobby and profession, deception to accomplish and strengthen oneself, or deception due to prevailing circumstances.
The manifestation of Pinocchio’s physical influence could potentially reduce the number of “sellers and buyers” who associate the Pinocchio character with deceit and hoax-spreading. Sadly, everything exists solely in the realm of fiction. In contrast, wisdom is actually present in the real world, where lying is accepted as the norm, sycophants are regarded as honourable, colleagues rule while hypocrites are fortunate, traitors exist without defects, and the arrogant appear dashing.
Undoubtedly, Allah SWT consistently communicates His message to servants via qauniyah verses in order to rouse and caution them to return to His teachings. Nevertheless, regrettably, numerous incidents transpire and pleas for the truth are frequently disregarded. Such an outcome would preclude the possibility of an honest individual with the capacity to emerge within this civilization. As a result, disregard the accessories; they merely obscure the scabrous character. Avoid being hypnotized by thunderous acclaim, as it induces a state of mental and emotional paralysis. Beware of that which will slit you, and do not place your trust in sweet-mouthed deceit. Avoid blushing in response to every resounding compliment; blushing will cease to exist once the power is removed. I pray that a civilization modelled after Pinocchio does not exist in the real world, but rather in the realm of fantasy.
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.
