Life is not about how long we live, but about the legacy we leave behind. The Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Council of Ulama, KH. Marsudi Syuhud, reminded that the best among people are those who are most beneficial to others, because such benefit becomes an enduring trace in both this world and the hereafter.
Every person is born, grows, and eventually will depart from this world. The real question is: what will remain after we are gone? Will it only be a name slowly forgotten, or works, deeds, and traces of goodness that continue to live even after the body has passed away? This question was raised by the Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Council of Ulama, KH. Marsudi Syuhud.
Marsudi explained that every human being has their own specification, just like a vehicle. From these specifications, there are things that are fixed, things that can change, and others that depend on cause and effect. It is at this point that humans are required to strive, seize opportunities, and produce something meaningful.
As an example, KH. Marsudi Syuhud referred to Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam. The Messenger of Allah is not only remembered after his passing; even before his birth, he had already been mentioned in earlier scriptures. The name Ahmad was known long before his birth. In contrast, ordinary humans are remembered only through their works, deeds, and legacies. “What makes people remembered, what makes others recall them, are our creations, our deeds, and our legacy,” he emphasized.
Therefore, the Messenger of Allah guided his people step by step so that they would leave behind something beneficial. Life should not simply pass without leaving a legacy. Wherever a person stands and whatever their circumstances, the intention of life should be to leave a meaningful trace.
Allah says, “Thumma awratsnal kitaaballadziinashthofainaa min ‘ibaadinaa.” From this verse, KH. Marsudi Syuhud explained that the chosen people are divided into three groups. The first is dhoolimun linafsih, those who speak enthusiastically before being entrusted with a position, promising to accomplish many things, but once given the responsibility they disappear without producing any work. “They only print business cards, then disappear. In organizations, there are people like this,” he said.
The second is muqtashid, people whose lives are ordinary. Sometimes they attend, sometimes they do not. Sometimes they work, sometimes they are lazy. Their life simply goes on. The third is saabiqun bil khairaat, those who constantly compete in doing good. These are people who are creative, full of initiative, and strive to provide the greatest possible benefit. According to him, only this last group truly leaves a legacy.
Religion itself encourages people to build a legacy of goodness. KH. Marsudi Syuhud cited the words of Allah, “Innal mushoddiqiina wal mushoddiqoot wa aqradoo Allaha qardhon hasanan yudho’afu lahum walahum ajrun kariim.” This means that those who give charity with their thoughts, energy, and time for the sake of Allah will receive multiplied rewards. Even in working, if the intention is for Allah, it can also become qardhon hasanan.
The Messenger of Allah himself left behind a great legacy in the form of mosques, markets, the Qur’an, hadith, knowledge, and deeds that continue to live to this day. The scholars are also remembered because they left behind Islamic boarding schools, knowledge, and beneficial deeds. “Do not only leave behind a septic tank. Live to leave benefits,” he advised.
To illustrate this, he told a story about three stone breakers. The first said, “This is exhausting. The work is hard, the salary is small, and it is hot.” This is the type of dhoolimun linafsih. The second said, “Well, I am grateful to still have a job. Even though it is hard, at least my family can eat.” This is the muqtashid type.
Meanwhile, the third answered enthusiastically, “I am building a skyscraper. One day I will tell my children and grandchildren: I helped build that building.” This is the saabiqun bil khairaat type. From this simple story, KH. Marsudi Syuhud invited the audience to reflect: which category do we belong to more often—the first, the second, or the third?
Marsudi Syuhud also reminded the saying of the Messenger of Allah that when a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three things: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them. Therefore, time, energy, and thought should be used for things that bring benefit.
History has proven that the kiai who established Islamic boarding schools left a great legacy that eventually gave birth to organizations. From various organizations and institutions emerged figures who played important roles in the history of the nation, even contributing to the establishment of the Republic of Indonesia. This is clear evidence that good deeds can have a broad impact far beyond the human lifespan.
Closing his message, KH. Marsudi Syuhud reminded the importance of gratitude. The body, mind, eyes, and ears are blessings that must be used to create meaningful works. Good deeds will be witnessed by Allah, His Messenger, and the believers. Therefore, what matters most is not speaking much, but working sincerely and creatively. “Just think simply, like the third stone worker: work creatively, creatively, creatively. Leave behind real works,” he said.
In the end, life is an opportunity that will never be repeated. No one knows when it will end. However, everyone can choose whether they want to be remembered merely by name, or truly remembered because of the benefits they leave behind.
Every step, every drop of sweat, and every piece of work can become a legacy if it is intended for the sake of Allah. Therefore, do not wait until tomorrow to do good, because tomorrow may not belong to us. Start today, give your best, and leave behind an enduring trace of goodness, accompanied by the prayers of descendants and rewards from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. (YN)
Source: Jurnal Halal 176
https://halalmui.org/jurnal-halal/176/
