by: Bey Abdullah
As a Muslim, understanding the purpose of human creation is the first step in loving and spreading goodness. The word Muslim comes from salama, meaning safety or peace; thus, a Muslim is someone who is safe and encourages others toward safety. Allah created humans as khalifah fil ardhi, stewards, protectors and leaders whom entrusted with the responsibility to preserve and improve life on Earth. This role is not merely a privilege but a great responsibility to care for nature, maintain harmonious human relationships, and uphold justice. By realizing that we are created to bring goodness, we understand that every action should aim for collective well-being, not just personal benefit.
The presence of evil in the world does not mean that Allah deliberately created wickedness. Rather, evil often arises as a consequence of human choices that stray from the values of goodness. In this context, humans must continually improve themselves, always striving toward goodness and minimizing harm. Allah endowed humans with the ability to choose, making each individual responsible for selecting the path of righteousness, avoiding harmful deeds, and correcting any mistakes. Being a khalifah means being ready to offer solutions that bring goodness to the world.
In today’s modern and digital era, we have greater opportunities to spread goodness. Technology allows us to share knowledge, promote positive values, and help those in need more quickly and effectively. Through social media, we can give advice, share beneficial information, and set an example of positive behavior. However, the digital world also demands wisdom, as the abundance of information does not always guarantee truth. A Muslim who loves goodness must be discerning in selecting information and actively filtering out negativity that could be harmful.
As protectors and stewards on Earth, Muslims should take an active role in pioneering goodness in society. Goodness is not limited to grand gestures but also includes small acts that have a positive impact on the surrounding environment. Showing respect to others, maintaining cleanliness, keeping promises, and helping those in need are examples of daily goodness. By displaying attentiveness and compassion, a Muslim becomes a role model and inspiration for others to do good. Leading in goodness also means having the courage to stand for truth and defend the weak.
Beyond doing good, a Muslim is also responsible for avoiding the crookedness present in society. We live in an environment influenced by both positive and negative forces. Harmful elements such as slander, injustice, and harmful behaviors must be avoided to prevent falling into wrongdoing. Loving goodness means being conscious of guarding oneself against harmful acts and protecting one’s family and community from all forms of wrongdoing that could damage social and human relationships.
In addition to being a role model, a Muslim can invite others to love goodness. Spreading goodness in society does not always require formal speeches or sermons but can be done through consistent daily actions. Every action that reflects Islamic values, such as honesty, patience, and justice, becomes a form of dakwah that inspires others to follow. In Islam, goodness is contagious. When one person does good, others are inspired to do the same, and goodness continues to spread.
In daily life, we play various roles that require responsibility. Whether as individuals, family members, or part of society, we always have opportunities to express our love for goodness. As parents, for example, we can set an example for our children by being kind and truthful. As friends, we can support and remind each other to stay on the right path. Each role we undertake provides a chance to spread goodness and protect ourselves and others from harm.
Loving goodness is a reflection of true faith. The good deeds we perform in this world are acts of worship that will be rewarded in the hereafter. By loving goodness and striving to be pioneers of virtue, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to creating a peaceful and prosperous environment. Ultimately, our duty as khalifah on Earth will leave a meaningful legacy, bringing blessings to this world and the hereafter.