When Time Becomes a Pearl

Reflection of the Literacy Convert who is on his Birthday

Wahyudin,NS. Mualaf Literasi

The past is just a memory, it will never happen again. Today is actually put to good use. The momentum of tomorrow or the day after tomorrow is hope, no one can predict whether we will feel it? Those are three moments of time that continue to flow swiftly. Hope, can be empowered to the maximum.

Especially a special day that happened to someone. Like the Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad SAW every 12 Rabiul Awwal, of course, deep benefits can be learned. Where, the presence of Rasulullah SAW is like a light that illuminates the earth. From the jahiliyah era to the uluhiyah era. Even when commemorating the Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day on August 17, 1945, of course, it brought a lot of life education. As a reflection, that independence is very valuable so that we can enjoy a better and more meaningful life. Freedom in thinking, freedom to create with humanist values, bound by spiritual values.

Personally too, of course, has a special day and date each year, namely the personal anniversary printed on a diploma. Strengthening muhasabah when someone's birthday arrives. At least there are some valuable lessons to be learned:

First, remind everyone that time acceleration will never happen again. Last year has passed, as a reflection and lesson, are the 365 days beautifully arranged? All time is useful for collecting goodness. Is this the basic principle of a person, carve out good or bad?

Second, when birthdays take place in nominal terms, the number of ages increases, whereas in actual fact, everyone's age ration essentially decreases. Because all humans, their age is in the hands of Allah SWT. One day will return to Divine Rabbi. Allah SWT reminds:

كُلُّ نَفۡسٍ ذَآٮِٕقَةُ الۡمَوۡتِ ۖ ثُمَّ اِلَيۡنَا تُرۡجَعُوۡنَ‏

“Every soul shall taste death. Then only to Us you will be returned” (QS. Al-Ankabut [29]: 57).

Third, this important moment is an attempt by life to present Allah SWT in life. Feeling controlled by Allah SWT in any condition and in any activity, the key to achieving true happiness.

Happiness is the provision of life in this world and the hereafter. Yusuf Qardhawi (2000) states that happiness can be achieved when peace, hope, and feelings of satisfaction, feelings of love and compassion. The happiness of life that Allah calls life thayyibah. In accordance with the Word of Allah SWT:

مَنْ عَمِلَ صَٰلِحًا مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُۥ حَيَوٰةً طَيِّبَةً

"Whoever does good deeds, both men and women in a state of faith, then verily We will give him a good life (hayatan thayyibah)". (QS. An-Nahl [16]: 97).

Fourth, every flow of time from seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, to years in totality is worth goodness. This relatively short time must continue to strive to build the Islamic faith. M. Quraish Shihab (2018) emphasized that true faith produces inherent supervision and encouragement to do work in the best form, as well as high responsibility. Awareness of the things above fortifies people from the temptations of lust and Satan. Because of that all Islamic religious guidance has a social aspect. After all, indeed the teachings of Islam are instructions for the happiness of worldly and spiritual life. This is the idealism that always crystallizes in every human being's heart so that time is like a pearl. Wallahu 'Alam.

Calendarwak, 03 June 2023 / 14 Zulqo'dah 1444 H.

When Birthday in Momentum 03 June 1970-Revelation of the Literacy Convert

God willing, blessings. Amen.