Independence, Corruption, and the Message of Surah Al-Ma'un
Independence is one of the most important milestones in the journey of the Indonesian nation. It was achieved through sacrifice, blood, and tears. Therefore, commemorating independence should not merely be a ceremonial activity, but also an opportunity to reflect on how we are filling that independence.
Amid the independence celebrations, the public is still presented with news of officials implicated in corruption cases. Some appear on television screens wearing orange detainee vests after previously being entrusted with public office and the management of public interests.
This contrast should not only cause concern. It also invites us to ask: what is the relationship between independence and corruption, and what can religion teach us about this issue?
One answer can be found in the message of Surah Al-Ma’un.
Allah says:
أَرَأَيْتَ الَّذِي يُكَذِّبُ بِالدِّينِ فَذَٰلِكَ الَّذِي يَدُعُّ الْيَتِيمَ وَلَا يَحُضُّ عَلَىٰ طَعَامِ الْمِسْكِينِ
“Have you seen the one who denies the religion? That is the one who drives away the orphan and does not encourage the feeding of the poor.” (QS. Al-Ma’un: 1–3)
The message of Al-Ma’un is simple yet profound. Religiosity does not stop at personal belief and worship. There is a social measure that accompanies it: how one treats those who are weak and in need.
This message is relevant when we speak about corruption.
Independence gave the Indonesian nation the opportunity to manage its own affairs and resources for the benefit of the people. Therefore, public office and state wealth should be used to bring about the common good.
Corruption moves in the opposite direction.
When public money is misused, the impact does not stop at the figure of state losses. Society loses its rights. Education and health budgets can be diminished in their benefit, development is disrupted, and the economic opportunities of the community can be hindered.
From the perspective of Al-Ma’un, the matter becomes more serious. When resources that should be used for the public interest are taken for personal or group gain, those who are weakest are often the most harmed.
Therefore, corruption is not only a legal issue. It is also a matter of trust (amanah).
Allah says:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَنْ تُؤَدُّوا الْأَمَانَاتِ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due.” (QS. An-Nisa’: 58)
Public office is a trust. When someone is given the authority to manage budgets or make policies, the interests of the community are embedded within it.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
كُلُّكُمْ رَاعٍ وَكُلُّكُمْ مَسْئُولٌ عَنْ رَعِيَّتِهِ
“Every one of you is a shepherd and every one of you will be asked about his flock.” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim)
A leader, therefore, is not sufficient merely to have good intentions. The public does not know what is in a person’s heart. What can be seen is their actions and track record.
In Islamic tradition, there is a principle known as “nahnu nahkumu bidh-dhawāhir, wallāhu ya’lamu bis-sarā’ir”—we judge based on what is apparent, while Allah knows what is hidden.
This principle teaches us not to judge the heart. However, in public life, what is apparent remains important. Leaders must demonstrate integrity through action, transparency, and a willingness to be scrutinised.
Public trust is not built merely through statements, but through behaviour that can be seen and held to account.
It is here that the message of Al-Ma’un has relevance to national life. Muhammadiyah has from the beginning translated the understanding of Al-Ma’un through education, health, social services, and community empowerment. Religion does not stop at doctrine, but is realised in deeds that provide benefit.
That spirit is important in the management of the state. Power should be a means of expanding benefit, not an opportunity to take profit.
For the younger generation, an anti-corruption culture also needs to be built from now. Not cheating, not taking the rights of others, not manipulating data, and having the courage to reject dishonesty are small exercises in building integrity.
Thus, commemorating independence is not enough by remembering the struggle of the heroes. We also need to see whether independence has brought about a better life for society, especially for those most in need.
The Red and White will continue to fly. Our challenge is to ensure that the values of independence also live in our behaviour.
If independence is a trust, corruption is a form of betrayal of that trust. And if Al-Ma’un teaches concern for the weak, safeguarding power and public resources from misuse is part of that concern.
Independence, in the end, is not only about being free from colonialism, but also about using freedom and power to bring about justice and the common good for one another.