Muhammadiyah founder KH. Ahmad Dahlan once asked his students, "Do you understand and internalize the meaning of Surah Al-Maun?" All the students answered yes, proving this by memorizing it fluently and seamlessly.
"That's called memorizing. It doesn't necessarily mean understanding and internalizing it. Understanding and memorizing are very different," said the great Kiai. He then explained to his students. The sign that the spirit of the letter is in our hands is when we have realized its main message.
“The meaning is”
"Provide homes for the homeless. Feed the hungry. Give them an education. In short, establish orphanages for the homeless."
Abandoned children also have the right to live. Street children have the right to an education. A compassionate heart and a responsible soul will understand that some people have the right to a decent life, the right to own a home, the right to go to school, and the right to eat delicious soto.
They are children who have nothing. Parents, aunts, uncles, relatives. Nothing! Everything is our responsibility, especially the government's. That's the reality.
Currently, the phenomenon of street children exists because: First, demographic phenomena. Second, This is a sign of social justice being violated. And perhaps state shareholders are the cause. Why? Because state wealth is not distributed fairly and equitably.
The Constitution already stipulates social justice. The message of religion speaks clearly and loudly. Sometimes, the government even eloquently explains that within this wealth, there's something for others. However, it's never imagined that the government would give without hassle, without complaint.
The government and state officials enrich themselves extravagantly, while everyone else, the people themselves, are in abject poverty. They suffer and suffer. Officials own large houses, abundant wealth, and display luxury cars. Families enjoy themselves, eating well every day.
However, the poor are left stranded. Street children are hurting. Everyone is poor, as if forced to accept their fate. No one cares. No one is aware. The shacks they live in are a temporary labor that will soon be confiscated by the state.
Oh leaders and officials, don't forget, your big houses and your poor little huts are essentially the same: just temporary shelters.[1] Everything will return to its rightful owner. Don't be lulled into luxury, don't laugh at suffering, remember where you'll return!
Mother Earth is currently in dire straits. Demands are exploding everywhere. The masses are losing patience, and the people are angry with policies. In a critical situation, officials are cheerfully singing and dancing. The national debt continues to skyrocket. Meanwhile, the poor are being robbed of their income and forced to struggle for odd jobs.
Where did the 5th precept disappear to? Do you still remember it? Do you still memorize it? Do you understand the content and message? Remember the message of KH. Ahmad Dahlan, memorizing and understanding are different. But unfortunately, a thousand times more unfortunately, you neither memorize nor understand. Truly naive and regret is useless.
The founding fathers of this nation had great figures and heroes. Some of them were officials, yet they remained close to the people. Read the story of Bung Hatta, the Vice President. KH. Agus Salim, the brilliant diplomat. Hear the simplicity of Police Chief Hoegeng Imam Santoso. Learn from the example of Pak Muhammad Natsir.
O officials! It's from their figure that you reflect!
Indonesia is a very rich country. Land of paradise. The earth is fertile and prosperous. However, none of the people were prosperous. Sleeping on a bed of gold and nickel, covered in coal. But, once again, the people suffered, poor people.
Hopefully, one day, this country will be led by good officials, officials and leaders who love their people, love justice, love honesty. Amîînyâ rabbal âlamîîn.
Wallhua'lam bish shawa Ab
[1] In a cultural essay by Kang Muhammad Sobary, the author then developed it.
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