There’s a phrase often uttered, but not always deeply felt: Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God). Yet, behind that simple word lies a great power to bring serenity, happiness, and sincerity. Dr. H. Amirsyah Tambunan, M.A., Secretary General of the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI), invites us to delve into the deeper meaning of gratitude—not just a word, but a way of life.
Have we ever sat for a moment amidst the hustle and bustle of the world and asked ourselves: “What really makes me happy?” Many of us are busy pursuing more wealth, a higher position, more followers, a grander home. Yet, often beneath all of this, our hearts still feel empty. Yet, perhaps we’ve simply forgotten one small but profoundly meaningful thing that can fill that void: gratitude.
Gratitude isn’t just a word uttered after receiving good news; it’s a genuine feeling that transcends words. It’s an attitude, a perspective, and a serenity that grows from within. Gratitude can transform feelings of lack into a sense of sufficiency, turn worry into hope, and transform anxiety into serenity. However, in this fast-paced and competitive world, gratitude can feel like an unattainable luxury.
Dr. H. Amirsyah Tambunan, M.A., Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), invites us to reflect on the true meaning of gratitude, not through complicated theories, but through real-life experiences and down-to-earth simplicity. He offers a refreshing perspective, while also raising awareness that happiness isn’t about how much we have, but rather how deeply we can experience the joy of what we already have.
“For me, there are two tips: it can be simple or complex, depending on whether we seek the simple or the complex,” explained the man often called Buya. According to him, a simple life begins with sincerity. He encourages us to enjoy the small things in life: the joy of having friends, gratitude for still being able to eat and drink, and the fulfillment of basic needs like clothing and food.
He cites the advice of our elders: “Don’t always look up, look down.” The point is, if we constantly compare our lives to those above us, we can stumble. Conversely, when we look down on those who live in limitations, we find it easier to be grateful and tread carefully.
Reflecting on the Trash Collector
Buya Amirsyah shared his personal experience. Once, on a trip to the Pamulang area, he saw a family living among piles of garbage, living in a cardboard house. The children were fed from a garbage cart. “Oh my God. I can’t imagine,” he said, moved.
But surprisingly, when asked, the family was happy. “It turns out their lives have classes too,” he said with a chuckle. “There are trash collectors who walk, some ride motorbikes, and some even have cars. It depends on their class.”
Happiness, he said, returns to the heart. And the heart is mysterious—difficult to understand. What seems sad to us can seem sufficient and fulfilling to others.
To cultivate gratitude, Buya Amirsyah suggests expanding your relationships. “Knowing someone isn’t just about their name, but also their mind and heart.” Understanding another person’s character opens the way to understanding life and strengthening gratitude. In Islam, the command to get to know one another (ta’aruf) is emphasized in the Quran, Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13.
“O humanity, indeed We created you from a single seed, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most honorable among you in the sight of Allah is the most pious. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.”
“So how do we find gratitude?” he asked rhetorically. “It depends on ourselves. How we guard and organize our hearts and minds.”
Buya Amirsyah’s message is clear. Gratitude is not about how much we have, but how we interpret and enjoy what we have. Blessings don’t just come in the form of money or material things, but also in forms we often overlook—free time, health, family warmth, and inner peace.
If we can guard our hearts against envy and disappointment, we will more easily experience the joys of life, no matter how small. So, let’s start today by simplifying our lives, delving into the meaning of our blessings, and saying one meaningful sentence: Alhamdulillah. (YN)
