KAJIAN 29 RAMADHAN JSIT INDONESIA | Klasifikasi, Fungsi dan Kedudukan Harta dalam Perspektif Islam

Ustazah Nur Hidayati asks about preventing small-scale corruption in schools, such as unauthorized use of school facilities or dishonest reporting. The speaker highlights that such seemingly minor actions can gradually erode ethical boundaries. He warns that neglecting these small transgressions can lead to insensitivity towards larger ethical issues. He advises implementing clear standard operating procedures, promoting transparency, and fostering an environment where colleagues can gently remind each other of ethical conduct. This collective commitment, he stresses, is vital to maintaining integrity within the educational institution.

Ustaz Jahuan asks about the permissibility of receiving honorariums for speaking engagements or teaching. The speaker confirms it is permissible if there's a prior agreement, clear allocation of funds, and mutual consent, especially since such services are a form of 'jasa' (service) with value. He emphasizes transparency and communication to avoid misunderstandings or coercion. The second question from Ustazah Nuris queries how to discern between genuine needs and excessive consumption, especially when initial minor transgressions become habits. The speaker states that this distinction largely depends on one's inner faith and conscience, stressing the importance of self-assessment based on the principle of beneficial use (kemanfaatan) and avoiding extravagance while maintaining modesty.

The session concludes with final remarks, reiterating that wealth is a trust from Allah and should be managed in a way that brings blessings. The speaker expresses gratitude to all participants and apologizes for any shortcomings in his presentation. The session is closed with the recitation of Hamdalah and a closing prayer (doa kafaratul majlis), fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Ustaz Audah asks how to ensure children internalize the concept of wealth as an amanah (trust) from Allah, making it a consistent awareness rather than a temporary behavior. The speaker suggests systematic efforts by schools, including projects that expose children to less fortunate communities to foster empathy. He emphasizes diverse educational approaches, including storytelling about the generosity of the Prophet's companions, embedding values through everyday activities, and fostering discussions with parents. The goal is to teach children not to avoid wealth but to manage it responsibly, remembering that true benefit comes from sharing.

The session begins with an opening prayer and greetings, offering gratitude to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and salutations to Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam. The topic for the Ramadan study is 'Classification, Function, and Position of Wealth in the Perspective of Islam'. Before starting the main discussion, the session is opened with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah.

The speaker, Ustaz Asari Khalil S.Pd, M.M., Secretary General of JSIT Indonesia, is introduced. He is 53 years old and also leads the Darul Keduah Lampung Foundation and Fitrah Insani Lampung Foundation, and is the principal of SMP IT Citra Insani, Bandar Lampung. The topic is 'Navigating the Ocean of Wealth: Understanding the Classification and Position of Wealth in the Perspective of Islam'.

Ustaz Asari Khalil discusses wealth as a significant trial and a means of jihad in the path of Allah. He quotes Surah As-Saff, verse 11, which emphasizes striving with wealth and lives. He explains that wealth is crucial for supporting struggles, including education, highlighting how financial resources enable facilities and infrastructure. He calls for striving to acquire wealth through halal means to benefit oneself, family, community, and the nation. He stresses that not all struggles involve physical battle, but can also be through intellect, energy, and wealth. He cites Imam Al-Ghazali's analogy: 'Wealth is like water for a boat. If it stays outside, it saves; if it enters, it sinks.'

The discussion delves into the definition of wealth according to three prominent imams. Imam Asy-Syafi'i defines wealth by its value and reparability. Imam Abu Hanifah limits wealth to tangible possessions. Ibn Qudamah strengthens this view, stating that wealth must be both valuable and lawfully permissible for use, emphasizing the element of 'halal'. Funds acquired through unlawful means, even if donated, are not considered good deeds in the sight of Allah, highlighting the utmost importance of a halal source.

Wealth is classified based on ownership (personal, public, or state), legality (halal or haram, with a warning against doubtful matters), and utility (perishable or durable goods). Key considerations within this ecosystem include the halal source and use of wealth, the importance of barakah (blessings) beyond mere quantity, the role of justice in distribution, and accountability in the hereafter. The speaker emphasizes that true wealth lies in what is given away, not accumulated.

The speaker contrasts halal wealth, acquired through legitimate means like trade, salary, agriculture, and inheritance, with haram wealth. He states that halal wealth brings blessings and is encouraged for all Muslims to seek. Conversely, haram wealth has severe consequences, leading to rejection of good deeds and unanswered prayers. He urges caution against acquiring haram wealth, as its negative impact extends to future generations.

The discussion elaborates on the position of wealth, citing Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, which describes wealth and children as worldly adornments, but good deeds as superior and more hopeful in God's eyes. Wealth also serves as essential support for human life, as mentioned in Surah An-Nisa, verse 5, which advises against entrusting wealth to the foolish and emphasizes its role as a basic necessity. Thus, wealth must be managed responsibly by trustworthy individuals, with portions distributed to those in need, without arrogance or disparagement.

Wealth is presented as an amanah (trust) from Allah, not an absolute possession of humans. This means that individuals are merely custodians and must manage it according to divine guidance. Quoting Surah An-Nur, verse 33, it is underlined that part of Allah's wealth should be given to those in need, emphasizing the responsibility of sharing and preventing misuse or exploitation.

The three pillars of wealth are: a tool for worship (through zakat, sadaqah, waqf), a means for social benefit (aiding the poor, education), and a test of life (assessing faith, tranquility, and generosity). A 'management compass' ensures proper handling of wealth, guided by tawhid (not letting wealth distract from Allah), balance (avoiding extravagance or stinginess), justice (preventing monopoly), and benefit (ensuring wide social impact). Contentment (qana'ah) is highlighted as being satisfied with what one has while continuing to strive for more, for noble purposes.

The speaker warns against contemporary economic challenges like corruption, greed, and usury (riba), which deviate from Islamic principles. He acknowledges that while these issues are prevalent, there are increasing sharia-compliant alternatives in banking, leasing, and other financial services. He emphasizes the importance of preserving one’s commitment to Islamic values, even when faced with subtle differences in financial practices, to avoid compromising faith.

Concluding the discussion, the speaker reminds listeners that wealth is ultimately a trust that will be accounted for on the Day of Judgment. Citing a hadith from At-Tirmidzi, he states that a person's feet will not move until questioned about their wealth: where it was acquired from, and how it was spent. This highlights the double responsibility of ensuring both the halal source of wealth and its righteous use, reinforcing the idea that wealth serves as a means of worship and social good, leading to blessings in the hereafter.

Ustaz Haris asks about the changing perception of wealth among children, who now often equate it with material possessions rather than value and benefit. He notes that this societal shift, influenced by social media and 'flexing' culture, is also affecting adults. The speaker suggests strengthening the paradigm of teachers and parents to be role models, showcasing responsible wealth management. He emphasizes that the education system needs to embed values of responsible wealth management, not just as a curriculum but as a hidden curriculum where teachers instill these values in everyday interactions.

Ustaz Haris also raises concerns about teachers' financial struggles, noting that many are entangled in online loans. The speaker states that teachers should aspire to be financially independent and have the means to contribute more to society rather than being recipients of charity. He encourages teachers to seek other permissible income streams without compromising their primary duties, emphasizing that with the right perspective and effort, financial challenges can be overcome. He suggests that educational institutions should collaborate with parents to promote responsible financial literacy among children.