By: K.H. Miftachul Akhyar
Chairman of the Central MUI
Become the best people. The title of “best” is not merely flattery. Nor is it utopia. It’s a challenge. In fact, it “becomes” not “owned”. That is, being the best people must be actively pursued with the struggle and sacrifices that continue to be made, without stopping. If it is just waiting passively, not being fought for, the opportunity will undoubtedly be lost to the times and changes. Prof. Quraish Shihab in Tafsir al- Misbah mentions three conditions that must be met in order to achieve the best position of the people, namely amar makruf, nahi mungkar, and sticking to the teachings of Allah.
Buya Hamka in Tafsir al- Azhar asserts, the verse should be read and understood from below, that is, faith in Allah, that is the beginning of the freedom of the soul. Dare to forbid the unfortunate, that is the first consequence of faith in God. Dare to tell people to the ma’ruf, that is the duty of life. If you can’t afford it for the whole world, start in your own country. If you can’t afford it for the country, start in your hometown. If you can’t afford it in the household, start with yourself. The obligation of proselytizing is recorded in the message of the Prophet saw. “Whoever among you sees impossibility should he prevent with his hands. If incapable, should prevent it verbally. If he is not able to do so, let him prevent it with his heart. That’s the weakestness of faith.” (HR. Imam Muslim).
And to achieve that position, it must also be with the power of collective and qualified proselytizing (QS. Ali Imran, 3: 104). So together we carry out some of this proselytizing mandate, with the LPPOM MUI institution, carrying out and fighting for halal, gradual and sustainable, and comprehensive. To the maximum extent, to the limit of your ability, in order to be lucky and happy, the world of the end, with the grace and gift of God: “Then be devoted to God according to your ability and listen and obey and provide a good living for yourself to the limit of your ability. And whoever is kept from his stinginess, then they are the lucky ones.” (QS. At-Taghabun, 64: 16).
Furthermore, the main task of implementing the meaning of “amar ma’ruf nahi mungkar” in the verse includes: “yuhillu lahumut-thoyyibaat wa yuharrimu ‘alayhimul-khobaits” as mentioned in the verse meaning: “… who told them to do the ma’ruf and forbade them from doing the poor and justifying for them all that was good and forbidding for them all that was bad and throwing out of them the burdens and shackles that were on them. So the people who believed in him. glorifying him, helping him and following the bright light handed down to him (the Quran), they are the lucky ones.” (QS. Al-A’raaf, 7: 157).
Halal Has a Broad Meaning
The definition of halal itself is everything that is allowed in sharia. Shaikh Dr. Yusuf Qaradhawi in his book “Halal-Haram in Islam” defines: Halal is everything by which the harmful buhul is decomposed, and Allah allows it to be done. So this expression of the word halal does not only apply or is intended in the field of food and beverages. But it has a very broad meaning, as wide as the life that man lives. In accordance with the popularized slogan: Halal is my life. Among these as mentioned in the verse with the meaning, “It is justified for you on the eve of the fasting month mixed with your wives; they are clothes for you, and you are clothes for them.” (QS. Al-Baqarah, 2: 187).
Furthermore, linguists say: “The origin of the word (Al-Khobits/Al-Khubts, and his jama’nya Al-Khobaits) in Arabic is something despicable, hated, and bad; whether in the form of speech, or deeds or property or food or drink or a person or circumstance. (See Tahdzib Asma’ wal Lughot, 2/87) So its nature is more general. And God forbids everything that khobits, including food that khobits. For example, because of the wrong way to get it, such as food obtained in a way that is not justified according to sharia or by forbidden contracts such as usury and gambling. (See Majmu’ Fatawa Shaikh Fauzan, 20/344 or Al-Ath’immah, P: 83)
Justifying all that thoyyib for humanity as a whole; kaaffatan lin-ill-fated, and forbids for them all that is bad and harmful. Because everything that is halal undoubtedly brings benefits, while the illegitimate must have a mudharat, bad and harmful impact. Threatened with wretchedness, the world let alone the afterlife. “Any flesh that grows out of the illegitimate then Hell is more worthy of him.” (H.R Ath-Thabrani in Al-Kabir, 19/136; Shahihul Jami’, 3594.)
This is a very noble task that is mandated and we carry out together. Because it will save humanity universally. At the same time, it is also a battlefield full of challenges.In one verse expression it is mentioned: Wa kullu man wafaqo syar’ana wa syukir, wa kullu man kholafa syar’ana nukir. (Whoever does, acts and behaves in accordance with our (Allah’s) sharia, will undoubtedly be thanked, accepted by Allah. On the contrary, anyone who also does something contrary to Our shari’a, will undoubtedly be denied, removed). The rules contained in this verse are jagadiyah, valid in a comprehensive manner, globally and universally.
It must also be understood, fighting for the lawful and eliminating the illegitimate, is done not out of worldly interests. But it must be with knowledge, based on Qaiman bil-qisthi, to establish justice in order to attain the pleasure of Allah alone: “And they are not commanded except to worship Allah by purifying obedience to Him in (practicing) a righteous religion.” (QS. Al-Bayyinah, 98: 5).
And they are also a test for us, whether we can fulfill the mandate of this commanded struggle, or even complete it. “O people of faith, you shall not betray Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad) and (also) do not betray the mandates entrusted to you, while ye know.” (QS. Al-Anfal, 8:27). If we pass this test, we can fulfill the mandate of this halal struggle, by obeying the guidance of Allah and His Messenger, undoubtedly, God willing, will be able to obtain a great gift of Allah (QS intended. Al-Anfal, 8:27). Hopefully. (USM)
(Quoted and summarized by Usman Effendi AS, from Taushiyyah/Remarks delivered by K.H. Miftachul Akhyar, Chairman of MUI, at the Sertijab Director and 32nd Milad lppom MUI).
