The importance of collective spirit/intention

11th of Ramadhan 1441 Hijriah (4th May 2020)

When we want to start a project, we usually gather people for the endeavor. Especially if it’s a big one, more people will be involved. The success of the project will depend on how these people work together within the project. 

One of the most important aspects that will determine whether the project will succeed or not is the collective spirit toward the project. The more people who buy into the goal of the project, the higher the possibility of success is, and vice versa, the less people who are committed to it, the higher the possibility of failure. Of course if the project is a commercial one, you can hire professionals, in which the collective spirit/intention becomes the money that is given.

It’s a whole different story if you start a social or spiritual project. You will need people who are genuinely concerned or at least interested in the goal of the project. If there are people who are involved for a different reason from the goal, they might become a problem in the long run.

In the Islamic tradition, one of the stories that mention the importance of collective spirit/intention can be found in the 11th part. Where the Prophet is warned about people who are not true in their intention to help him. This particular part specifically talks about the time when the Muslims were commanded to go to war. At this time, many people made excuses to not go to war. Among these people, some were genuinely in difficulty and could not go to war, while some just didn’t want to go and made excuses.

When we are in a project, there are often people who do not do their part of the job properly. And when asked about the reason, some will give excuses to it. In a project, the leader needs to identify who is genuinely having difficulties, and who is just making excuses for the sake of it. The people with the same spirit/intention toward the project will want to do their best, despite their shortcomings. And thus, can be excused. But for those who have other vested interests, they might jeopardize the long term success of the project. 

In life, we are blessed to meet with genuine people and not. We can benefit from both kinds of people, but of course in different ways. When we want to start a spiritual or social project or endeavor, it would be best to find genuine people with the same intention as ourselves. 

-Fendrri-

#Hypocrisy #Islam #Juz11 #Reflection #spiritualitas #Quran #AlAnfal #CeritaKamiRefleksi