MAFAHIM ISLAM

Created by: Azhari
Translated by: Asrini Marcelewicz

After the 7,6 SR earthquake that crippled West Sumatera on 30 September 2009, recent disaster happened in Haiti on 12 January 2010. The seismic activity which was 7.0 SR lasted for 35 seconds and resulted in a mass destruction of hundreds buildings and killed more than thousand lives.

Earthquake can destroy high story buildings and that shows how powerful Allah Almighty is. When we compare with human’s power then we can see how weak we are, even lifting up 100 kg goods and destroying buildings appear to be impossible.

If we are on an airplane or stand on top of high building then we can see how small human are and look like a tiny dot on this earth. This is nothing in compare to the entire planets in our universe.

Human also does not know what will happen to him/her. When is his/her death and what will happen to her/him on the next day, we do not even know what will occur in one minute from now.

From the assumptions above, therefore, it is not proper for human to brag. Our power is too weak, it is just like a spot of dust in our cosmos and we will never know what will happen to us.

However, human are arrogance and often brag about wealth, occupation and descent (family) and it is not appropriate to show off about those subjects.

Wealth and property that are often bragged mainly are just what human wear and eat; most of it will be left behind and enjoyed by their heirs. Even worst, wealth can cause us trouble in afterlife. The more wealthy we are means more questions we will have to answer (hisab), “Where did we get it and what is it used for?”, unless those wealth are utilized in the way of Allah swt.

Occupation we have is just temporarily. How many officials are glorified at the beginning and later are humiliated. How many generals were feared but insulted when they are retired. High position can disappear in a second when we are dismissed with disrespect only because of corruption or love affair. It is easy for God to present occupation, as easy as to take it back.

What is the benefit of bragging our family just because they have graduated from reputable university or working in a respectable company but they are not pious? Family can be an enemy in afterlife, they are able to stipulate us for not being educated well in religion matter and thus it has caused them ignorance and violations of Allah’s command.

O you who have believed, indeed, among your wives and your children are enemies to you, so beware of them. But if you pardon and overlook and forgive - then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful (Surah At – Taghabun : 14).

In the end, there is nothing human should brag. Everything that we own today including wealth, occupation and family are just temporary goods from Allah swt and it can be taken at any time, only good deeds will last in the life after.

Wallahua’lam (only God knows)

Bahasa Indonesia version:
http://mafahim-azhari.blogspot.com/2010/01/lemah-tapi-sombong.html