The Santri Ideal
A word Santri is derived from the Arabic
language "Santaro" meaning people who study Islam, or somebody who
worships in earnest, or a godly man. Indeed, all of us who study the Islamic religion
and always keep Allah's commandments can also be called as santri. Yet, the
real santri is a Muslim who is in their daily behavior will frequently strives
to be a representation or embodies the ideal of Islamic teachings. As written in
the Al-Quran, وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يَشْرِي نَفْسَهُ ابْتِغَاءَ مَرْضَاتِ
اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ رَءُوفٌ بِالْعِبَادِ (“And
Among men is he who sells himself to seek the pleasure of Allah; and Allah is
affectionate to the Servants.”)
So, what is the Islamic ideal? There are five
basic elements of behavior that must be undertaken by santri. Those are personal
level, the leadership attitude, science or knowledge, tolerance, and high
etical standard.
Ladies and gentlemen. First concerning
about personal level, It is maintaining
yourself to always comply the islamic orders and prohibitions. The Islamnic
Scientist said "Man arafa nafsahu fa qad 'arafa Rabbahu,"
which means, "Who knows himself, he will know his God." Knowing
ourselves is very exalted. Why.....? This is due to the fact that those who
understand himself will know the pros and cons. They are also able to dispose
their potential for success in the world life and in the next live. Then, let’s
continue grasping ourselves to recognize the advantages and shortcomings by
always drawing closer to Allah.
Secondly, the leadership attitude. It means to position ourselves as a leader and
pioneer goodness by caring each other. In Islam a good leader is that who has
at least four characteristics, namely:
(1) Siddiq means honest.
(2) Tabligh is delivered.
(3) Amanah is responsible.
(4) fathanah is intelegence.
Through these four qualities, santri will gain the character of great
leadership.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, The third
basic element of santri’s behavior is science or knowledge. Santri
should be expert knowledge and gradually own a great curiosity towards science.
Messenger of Allah said: tholabul ‘ilmi..... "Seeking knowledge
is compulsory for every male and female Muslim". In this case, Allah
will bestow on virtue and glory to person who possess knowledge and will be
eased his way into heaven and continually prayed by the angels. Through
knowledge, we can comprehend the true and essential meaning of life.
The fourth element is tolerance. We should respect and tolerate other faiths
while they don’t bother us. Moreover, we should protect their rights as being demonstrated
by Prophet Muhammad to non-Muslim in Medina. The consequences of mutual
tolerance will rise the spirit of religious piety. Concerning to tolerence, the
hadith of the Prophet stated, (cherish the person who is in the earth, so
they who is in the heaven would be a pity to you). Tolerance is not only
requires a willingness to accept differences, but also need sacrifice such as
materially and spiritually, physically and mentally.
Well, we are going to decipher The last
element of Islamic ideal, it is to put on high ethical standards. A
person who positioned himself as good santri should apply high ethical
standards, both Islam and social ethics. In the Islam, high ethical standards
are called as iffah which is characterized by a strong will to avoid the worst
behavior and unfavorable attitudes based on Islam and social ethics. It can
also mean always try to maintain the dignity, honor, and self-esteem by always
being consistent between words and actions; discipline in overseeing the self-sanctity,
and strong-willed uphold the reputation.
Ladies and gentlemen, Those are five elements
that will make a credible santri who claims theirselves as representative of
the true Muslim and are able to provide for the nation's progress. All in all,
let start to be an ideal santri by implementing those five above-mentioned
elements from ourselves. Hopefully, this short speech is beneficial for you and
me. Finally may Allah frequently guide us to do good deeds. Ameeen.
Ladies and gentlement, thank you and....
Wassalamu ‘alaikum.......
