The Spirit That Never Fades...

A person’s value can be seen from their spirit. Allah SWT has entrusted various potentials to human beings as provisions for living their lives. With all their strength, both body and soul, humans strive to achieve what they aspire to.

The question is: what is the true essence of spirit? There are times when humans feel weak, tired, and even powerless.

Spirit is like water that continuously flows without stopping. When we observe the flow of river water running through steep cliffs and hard rocks, we see that it keeps flowing, as if it cannot be shaken by whatever it encounters.

Day after day, month after month, year after year passes. Have we ever reflected on where we stand during those times? Do we remain spirited so that each passing day, month, and year gives meaning to our lives?

If we imagine ourselves like a stream of water that never stops flowing with goodness, then surely many benefits can be left behind for life.

So what is the connection with spirit?

It turns out that spirit is the driving force that keeps the flow going endlessly, becoming a current of energy that radiates light for life.

Another meaningful lesson is that the flow of water follows His guidance wherever it is directed. Therefore, the flow can break through many currents, even steep ones, by His power. Likewise, humans who are endowed with spirit by Him—so long as that spirit remains under the shelter of obedience to Him—will be able to overcome the many challenges of life.

Nothing is difficult, nothing is impossible, because Allah SWT becomes their protector. Their lives are guaranteed by Allah SWT. Even when humans feel weak, exhausted, or weary, the Creator immediately strengthens them. Their souls and spirits become firmer, and the more benefits they can contribute to life.

The spirit of doing good deeds and bringing benefit, as well as inviting others to do good without ever becoming tired, carries extraordinary rewards, mashaAllah.

A hadith narrated from Jarir states that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) once delivered a sermon and said:

“Whoever initiates a good practice will have its reward and the reward of those who practice it afterward without their reward being reduced in the slightest. And whoever initiates a bad practice will bear its burden and the burden of those who practice it afterward without their burden being reduced in the slightest.”
(Narrated by Imam Muslim)

Regarding spirit and courage, there is also a beautiful reminder:

A brave person is someone who can achieve their dreams earlier. Courage is a quality that elevates a person, just like nobility and lineage. A brave person is someone who can avoid being trapped in the mud along with others. Be brave, because life is not meant for cowards. True courage lies in the mind, not the body. Courage does not mean the absence of fear, but perseverance and determination until the end. A brave person not only defends themselves but also the world.

As we welcome the year 2025, may the mercy and blessings of Allah SWT always surround us, so that our lives are filled with happiness, meaning, and benefits for both this world and the hereafter. Aamiin.

To be continued…

Author: Hj. Fitriana, M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D. (Lecturer, Faculty of Ushuluddin)

Image Source: https://ajaib.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/gambar-kata-motivasi.jpg

This article has been published on Kompasiana.com with the title “The Spirit That Never Fades (Part 1)”.
https://www.kompasiana.com/fitriana99/677503bec925c430b17c1923/semangat-yang-tak-pernah-pudar-bag-1?page=all#goog_rewarded