By: Ustadzjauhar Ridloni Marzuq, Lc., MA.
The benefits of studying history
"History is the science of predicting the future." That's what some historians say. Although history is the science of an event that has passed, because history will repeat itself, knowing the history of mankind enables us to predict what will happen in the future. The proclaimer of Indonesian independence, Ir Soekarno, once said: "Never forget history." Another proverb says: "A great nation is a nation that has not forgotten its history."
Apart from being the science of predicting the future, for Muslims, studying history — history in general — also has many other benefits.
First, the holy book of the Koran is no less than a third about history. The stories of the Prophets, the stories of the righteous people, the stories of the enemies of Allah and the wicked, and other stories fill every page of this last holy book.
Such a large portion in the Qur'an shows nothing but historical importance for Muslims. It is impossible for this last scripture to contain something with such a large portion if it was of no use. Even in some verses Allah clearly commands us to study history: Say: go on a journey across the earth and notice what the previous people were like. Most of them are people who associate (Allah). " (Surah Ar-Rum: 42).
From here, learning history is a form of worship, because by learning history we have carried out one of the commands of Allah SWT.
Secondly,, by teaching history we can instill values without being weighed down by the object we are telling. If Imam Ghazali ever said: "Taking advice is hard, so pay attention to how you convey it," so one of the best ways to convey that advice is to tell a story.
When we invite someone to be grateful by conveying verses and hadiths, maybe some of the objects of our speech feel heavy. But when we invite them to hear the story of Qarun, the story of the owner of two gardens in QS Al-Kahfi, the story of Prophet Solomon, they will be able to accept it more easily without feeling patronized.
Third, with history we can know sunnatullah. In regulating this universe, Allah has established a law or auran called sunnatullah. The law will not change, and all creatures will not be able to escape from its stipulation.
Allah says: "As a sunnatullah that has been in effect for a long time, you will never find a change for that sunnatullah." (Surah Al-Fath: 23).
Allah SWT does not only set rules or sunnatullah for inanimate beings, such as planets, plants and animals. He also applied laws to humans. The reality of life that becomes sunnatullah is intended as a valuable lesson for humans in living their lives. Humans should not fall into the same hole because Allah SWT has given an example from the journey of human life.
By studying history, we can travel by imitating the successful paths of life in the past. Hearing and studying the history of previous nations will certainly lead us to self-awareness, fostering motivation and soul strength to always obey and obey the commands of Allah mandated by the Apostles. History is a mirror of past life in order to be a lesson and role model for the generations after it.
Allah says:
"So tell (O Prophet) this story to your people so that they think. " (Surah Al-A'raf: 176).
The benefits of studying the Prophet's life history
If studying history in general is so important, then studying the history of the life journey of the Prophet Muhammadi SAW is certainly much more important. Not only for Muslims, but also for all humans, considering that the Prophet was not only a special figure for Muslims, but also a great figure for the history of mankind's journey. That is the reason Michael Hart puts the name of the Prophet Muhammad SAW in the first rank of the 100 most influential figures in human history.
Hart said: “The reason I chose Muhammad to be the most influential figure in history may surprise some readers and raise a question mark for others. The choice was none other than because Muhammad was the only human — in history — who had tremendous success in two very good sides: religion and the world. "
From here, there are at least some points that make our study of the Prophet Muhamamd SAW very important.
First, Rasulullah SAW is a great figure who stands out in all aspects of life. We are often motivated to study the life journey of a particular figure who stands out in a certain field. For example, we study the great biography of Napoleon on war strategy. Or BJ Habibie who is great in science and science. Or, Nelson Mandela who fought for peace and equality of human rights.
If this is the case, then studying the life journey of the Prophet Muhammad should be more interesting because he is a prominent figure in all areas of life. In leadership, he is a great commander. In trade, he is an accomplished businessman. In the field of education, he is a model teacher. In domestic life, he is the head of the ideal family. And in the area of spiritual life, he is a role model.
Second, the Prophet Muhammad is our lord and role model, Muslims. We can never become perfect Muslims without knowing the life of the Prophet SAW. We must know how he prays, so that our prayers are correct and perfect. We must know how he fasted, so that our fast is accepted. We also have to know how he did the pilgrimage, so that our hajj will be rewarded. And so forth. The life and actions of the Prophet are none other than the Shari'a for us.
Allah SWT said: "Whoever expects an encounter with his Lord, then he should do good deeds and he should not associate anyone in worshiping his Lord." (Surat al-Kahf: 110). The mufassir said that what is meant by good deeds is the practice according to the Shari'a, which follows the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad.
Third, studying the sirah of the Prophet is one form and proof of our love for Rasulullah SAW. It has become the nature of a person who loves, he will be motivated to know all the movements of the person he loves. If we claim to love Rasulullah SAW, then surely we will be motivated to know all sides of his life. If you confess love but are not motivated to know the life of the person you love, then love is a lie.
Imam al-Qadhi 'Iyadh al-Yahshubi said, "Know that whoever loves something, he will put it first and try to imitate it. If not, it means that he is not considered right in his love and only confesses (without real evidence). So the person who is right in (confessing) loving the Prophet sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam is if there is a sign (evidence) of this love for him. The main sign (proof) of love for the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam is (by) imitating him sallallahu' alaihi wa sallam, practicing his sunnah, following all his words and deeds, carrying out all orders and keeping away from his prohibitions, and adorning oneself with adab-adab ( ethics) which he (exemplifies), in difficult or happy situations and in the field and the narrow. "
From here, studying the history of the Prophet is not only nutrition for reason in the sense of additional insight, but also nutrition for the heart as a form of overflow of love. Studying the history of the Prophet's life journey will make the heart calm, the soul soft, motivated, and always grateful to Allah.
When we feel the burden of life is so heavy, then look at how the Prophet (PBUH) received trials that were hundreds of times heavier than us. When we feel discouraged by Allah's promises, by studying the history of the Prophet we can revive hope because the end result is always given to those who believe.
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Ustadz Jauhar Ridloni Marzuq, Lc., MA has delivered this tausiyah material. while providing online religious studies for Hong Kong expatriates on Friday night, 4 September 2020. [DDHK. ORG]
