The Meaning of Effort According to Islamic Religion, Practice and Understand Examples in Daily Life

Kapanlagi.com - The term effort is certainly not unfamiliar to Muslim people. This is because effort is a recommended attitude for devout Muslims to have. The recommendation to always make an effort is not only found in religious teachings. This recommendation also comes directly from Allah SWT through a verse in the Quran. So, what is the true meaning of effort?

In general, effort is seen as an attitude in which a Muslim puts forth all of their efforts. This means that with the attitude of effort, a Muslim will avoid feelings of surrender and despair. When making an effort, a Muslim also has a greater chance of achieving everything they desire. This is not only about worldly desires, but also desires for the afterlife.

Understanding what effort is certainly is not enough. Therefore, to truly understand the meaning of effort, let's take a look at the following explanation.

1. The Meaning of Ikhtiar in Indonesian Language

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The word ikhtiar actually comes from Arabic language which means 'to choose'. However, the word has been absorbed into Indonesian language and is commonly used in daily life.

In the Great Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), the meaning of ikhtiar is a tool or requirement to achieve a goal. In addition, ikhtiar is closely related to freedom in making choices, considerations, wills, and opinions. In other words, ikhtiar is the freedom that a person has in determining choices and living their life to achieve their goals.

2. The Meaning of Ikhtiar in Islamic Teachings

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The word ikhtiar is closely identified with Islamic teachings. In Islam, ikhtiar is considered a praiseworthy attitude that is highly recommended. The meaning of ikhtiar in Islam includes freedom and independence of humans in choosing and determining their actions.

In addition, ikhtiar is also seen as the best effort in living life. In essence, those who make an effort are choosing. This is as contained in a verse from the Quran, Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 11 which means:

"For each one are successive [angels] before and behind him who protect him by the decree of Allah. Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron." (Ar-Ra'd verse 11)

Clearly, the verse explains that the meaning of ikhtiar is closely related to human effort in living their life to the fullest. In practice, ikhtiar is manifested in human efforts to fulfill their needs, both material, spiritual, and health-related. Therefore, the attitude of ikhtiar is not only anchored in worldly needs and goals, but also in the hereafter. That is why, the attitude of ikhtiar is said to show a person's faith.

3. Characteristics of Someone Who Practices Effort

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Based on the explanation of the meaning of effort above, we can conclude that making an effort in life is a necessity. However, it cannot be denied that being someone who always makes an effort is not an easy thing. It takes time and process to become someone who lives life with full effort.

In general, someone who makes an effort shows several characteristics. Here are the characteristics of people who make an effort in their lives.

1) Hardworking

Someone who makes an effort will continue to work hard to achieve a dream. They will continue to try by exerting all their abilities and energy to realize their dreams or aspirations.

2) Always Determined

Not only working hard, someone who makes an effort will also live their life with determination. They have a strong intention and heart in establishing and striving to achieve their goals.

3) Not Easily Discouraged

As mentioned earlier, the attitude of effort will keep someone away from feeling discouraged. They believe that every effort made, by the power of Allah SWT, will be rewarded by satisfying results.

4. Examples of Effort in Daily Life

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In general, it can be concluded that the meaning of effort is to try one's best in life. Therefore, every human being without exception is encouraged to always make an effort. Regardless of children, teenagers, or adults, effort will bring them to a more enthusiastic life and far from despair.

So, what are some examples of actual effort? Here are some examples of effort in daily life.

1. When someone is sick, they seek treatment hoping for healing from Allah SWT.

2. A student studies hard because they want to achieve good grades.

3. Someone works hard to achieve success.

5. Benefits of Effort

Effort in life is a necessity, especially for those who are Muslims. As previously explained, effort means trying one's best. Therefore, only by making an effort can a Muslim achieve the best results in life, both in this world and in the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Islam, effort also brings many benefits to those who do it. Some of the benefits of making an effort are as follows.

1. People who make an effort have a resilient, persevering, and not easily discouraged spirit.

2. People who make an effort tend to be independent because they do not rely on the help of others.

3. Because they have tried their best and have devoted their abilities, those who succeed after making an effort will get extraordinary satisfaction.

4. Appreciate the hard work, effort, and process that have been passed through, both by oneself and others. Therefore, they will not easily look down on others.

5. People who make an effort will also be considered special by Allah SWT and others.

6. The Difference between Effort and Trust in Allah

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Effort means trying one's best to achieve a goal. In addition to effort, Islam also recognizes the term of trust in Allah. In general, the term of trust in Allah also has a meaning that is closely related to a person's efforts to achieve their goals. Nevertheless, there are still differences in meaning between effort and trust in Allah.

If effort means trying one's best, then the meaning of trust in Allah refers more to entrusting the results of our efforts to Allah SWT. That means, effort and trust in Allah should be done together. In doing something, a Muslim is obliged to make an effort and then trust in Allah.

Making an effort will make a Muslim work their best, devote their abilities. Meanwhile, trusting in Allah will make a Muslim more calm and sincere, because they have entrusted the results of their hard work to Allah SWT.

7. Benefits and Virtues of Trusting in Allah

Just like striving, trusting in Allah also has several benefits and virtues for those who practice it. Here are some benefits and virtues of trusting in Allah in Islam.

1. Becoming more sincere because one feels that they have obtained sufficiency from Allah SWT. This virtue is mentioned in Surah At-Talaq verse 6 which says:

"And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things."

2. Increasing the faith of a Muslim. This is mentioned in Surah Al-Maidah verse 23 which says:

"Two men among those who feared (Allah) whom Allah had favored said: 'Enter upon them through the gate, for when you do so, you will be victorious. And put your trust in Allah if you are believers.'"

3. Obtaining goodness in both this world and the hereafter. This is mentioned by Allah SWT in Surah An-Nahl verses 41-42 which mean:

"And whoever emigrates for the cause of Allah after he has been wronged - We will surely give him a good life in this world; and indeed, the reward of the Hereafter is greater, if only they could know. (They are) those who endured patiently and upon their Lord relied."

4. More protected from the temptation of Satan. As explained in Surah An Nahl verse 99 which means:

"Indeed, Satan has no influence over those who believe and rely upon their Lord."

That is among the explanations of the meaning of effort according to the teachings of Islam. Hopefully useful and can increase your faith as a Muslim. Amen.

(kpl/gen/psp)