For the second year running, our 56th Merdeka day this weekend will coincide with the ongoing celebrations of Syawwal. Within the contexts of nationhood and victory—in battling personal desires of every kind, both occasions provide us opportunities to reflect meaningfully on our duties and responsibilities as citizens of this nation as well as Muslims.
The ultimate aim in the creation of the humankind is the mortal’s sole devotion to his creator—Allah the Almighty—through worship and sincere good deeds. Encompassed within it is the trust accorded to man in doing good deeds to prosper the earth, in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by the Syariah.
Fundamentally, Muslims need to fulfil both the demands of Allah and their fellow men in any undertakings, such as politics, law, education, and economics, amongst others. Depending on how sincere one is in carrying out the undertaking, the benefits, rewards or profits derived are not accorded for Allah, but instead, shall be returned to men themselves. This is recorded in the Quran as Allah declares: “I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me. No Sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed Me. For Allah is He Who gives (all) Sustenance, Lord of Power, Steadfast (for ever).” (The Quran, 51: 56-58). Thus, Islam enjoins that any undertakings shall be regarded as a meritorious act of worship as long as they conform to the Syariah. As such, not only do we seek benefits or rewards alone, but simultaneously, and most importantly, the pleasure of Allah. Hence, Islam strongly forbids acts of mediocrity, irresponsibility, laziness, untrustworthiness or tardiness in any undertakings.
Emphasis on high-quality physical and spiritual attributes is imperative to obtain the pleasure of Allah, as well as to reap the benefits of our endeavour with fellow human beings. Physical attributes may cover hidden personal qualities such as possessing skills and expertise, ability to communicate well, and professional conduct. Other skills include interpersonal for example, getting along and interacting with members of the organisation. Spiritual aspects include moral principles, knowledge, intelligence, analytical ability, and being sensitive to community needs. It helps if one has vision and be able to anticipate future needs, as well as being highly confident in producing excellent results in any undertakings. Furthermore, in keeping abreast with the demands of prevailing conditions, Islam also enjoins one in being proactive in making positive changes in one’s life.
Imperatively, obtaining the pleasure of Allah and deriving benefits from one’s undertakings ensure that one adheres to the requirements outlined by the Syariah. This will enable us to be more focussed and restrain ourselves from any thoughts of committing evil deeds, such as fraud, corruption, amongst others. At no time should we even contemplate on getting income or accumulating wealth by means other than that sanctioned by the Syariah, or to the extent of depriving a fellow human being. Being constantly mindful that income and wealth acquired through such means will only earn the wrath from Allah and that they do not bring pleasure and happiness both in this world and the hereafter are indeed laudable.
Even though Ramadan has passed, the spiritual momentum of increasing faith, piety and seeking the pleasure of Allah should remain flourished in the soul of every Muslim. Such spirituality should not only be confined in performing the prescribed worship, but should also be translated in all our undertakings and responsibilities. In conjunction with Malaysia’s 56th Merdeka celebration, let us strive towards enhancing our faiths, and conduct ourselves according to the teachings of Islam, so that the nation will continue to be in peace and harmony.