Back to Stable Normal, Back to FITRAH - Ustadz Harry Santosa

Summary

The speaker discusses the ongoing multi-crisis facing society, emphasizing spiritual, humanitarian, and intellectual crises. They highlight the disconnect between religious practices and true faith, the loss of human nature and family values, and the confusion in knowledge and concepts like happiness. The importance of returning to the true nature of life, family, and spirituality is emphasized, advocating for a shift away from societal pressures and the global crisis. The speaker encourages a return to 'Fitrah' (natural state) for a healthier, more fulfilling existence, with a focus on sustainable living, especially in rural settings.

Takeaways

• 😀 The world is currently facing multiple crises, with the pandemic being a peak of these ongoing challenges.
• 😀 Spiritual crisis is evident as many people practice religion without true faith, often engaging in rituals without understanding or internalizing the values of their faith.
• 😀 True faith (aqidah) should come from within, focusing on intrinsic motivation rather than just external rituals like prayer and fasting.
• 😀 It's important to believe in Allah, not just the rituals of Ramadan; true faith strengthens actions even after Ramadan ends.
• 😀 Human nature is at risk as people stray from their natural roles and behaviors, particularly in family dynamics, due to the influence of flawed educational systems and societal pressures.
• 😀 There's a widespread confusion in knowledge, with people often applying Western concepts of happiness and love instead of Islamic teachings, leading to a loss of proper moral understanding.
• 😀 Education today is often narrowly focused on economic improvement, neglecting broader concepts of life and true happiness, especially as defined by Islam.
• 😀 Family crises are prevalent, with divorce rates in Indonesia reaching 395,000 per year, which translates to significant social disruption and impacts on communities.
• 😀 The strength of a family is directly tied to the success of broader societal movements, including the revival of Islam and other causes; a disintegrating family system undermines efforts to create a thriving civilization.
• 😀 The idea of returning to a stable and natural life, reconnecting with one's roots and family values, is crucial in addressing these crises and reclaiming one's true humanity.
• 😀 There is a growing trend of young families returning to rural areas, embracing a more natural and sustainable lifestyle, free from the pressures of industrialism and capitalism, as part of the 'Back to Fitrah' movement.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean by 'multi-crisis'?

The speaker refers to the concept of 'multi-crisis' as a combination of various crises affecting society, including spiritual, human nature, educational, and social crises, with the pandemic being a major catalyst that highlighted these issues.

What is the difference between religious practice and belief according to the speaker?

The speaker highlights that many people are religiously active but lack strong belief ('aqidah'). They may engage in rituals like prayer or pilgrimage but still commit sins, pointing out a disconnect between religious actions and internal faith.

How does the speaker define 'aqidah' (faith) and its importance?

The speaker defines 'aqidah' as intrinsic belief and motivation that comes from within, which cannot be reduced to mere outward practices or checklists. True faith should transform a person's actions and mindset, not just follow routine religious observances.

Why does the speaker emphasize not just 'believing in Ramadan'?

The speaker uses Ramadan as an example, stressing that one should not only believe in Ramadan but also in Allah. The point is that if one’s faith is rooted in Allah, their actions will continue even after Ramadan, whereas if it’s tied only to the ritual, once Ramadan ends, the person's devotion may wane.

What is the speaker's view on the 'nature crisis' or 'fitrah'?

The speaker discusses the concept of 'fitrah' as the natural state of humanity, which includes roles like being a parent or family member. However, modern education and societal pressures are distorting these roles, leading to a loss of natural instincts and behaviors.

How does the speaker explain the crisis in knowledge ('krisis ilmu')?

The speaker points out that the problem today is not a lack of knowledge but confusion about it. Many people are confused or misled by incorrect teachings, leading to a distorted understanding of fundamental concepts like happiness and love, often influenced by secular and Western ideas.

How does the speaker link the crisis in knowledge to societal issues?

The confusion in knowledge leads to the loss of essential values like proper etiquette ('adab') and a distorted understanding of key life concepts. This confusion is reflected in the way people approach happiness, love, and education, which often conflict with Islamic principles.

What is the speaker's perspective on the current state of education?

The speaker criticizes the modern education system for focusing too much on economic advancement rather than teaching the true essence of life. The speaker argues that education should focus on deeper philosophical and spiritual principles, including the real meaning of happiness, rather than just material success.

What is the speaker's view on family issues, especially divorce rates?

The speaker highlights the alarming divorce rate in Indonesia, pointing out that approximately 395,000 families divorce each year. This statistic underscores the fragility of families, which are seen as the foundation of society. A strong family unit is essential for establishing a solid civilization and upholding Islamic values.

What does 'Back to Fitrah' mean in the context of the speaker's message?

The phrase 'Back to Fitrah' refers to returning to the natural state of being, including embracing true roles as parents, families, and individuals. The speaker encourages society to reconnect with their intrinsic values, moving away from the industrial and capitalist pressures that distort these roles. It also involves adopting a simpler lifestyle, like living in rural areas, which supports healthier and more sustainable living.