Understanding the Concept of Insan Kamil in Sufism: The Beauty of Human Perfection
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Kepoen.com-Understanding
the Concept of Insan Kamil in Sufism: The Beauty of Human Perfection-Definition
of Insan Kamil, derived from Arabic, consists of the word "insan"
meaning human, and "kamil" meaning perfect. In Sufism, the term Insan
Kamil has various definitions that vary.
One of them is a person
who has reached the highest level of spirituality, where they have achieved
self-annihilation (fana' fillah). Insan Kamil also refers to a
perfect human as a representative of Allah to actualize oneself, contemplate,
and contemplate perfection derived from His own name.
The Concept of Insan
Kamil in Sufism
According to Ibn 'Arabi,
Insan Kamil has two aspects of perfection. The first is the perfection of dzati
(essential), which relates to the essence's reality as the "form" of
God. In this case, the perfect human becomes similar and united with God as one
reality.
The second aspect is the
perfection of aradl (accidental), which relates to the embodiment of qualities
and qualities reflected in a special role that creates its own uniqueness.
The Concept of Insan
Kamil in the Context of Sufi History
The term Insan Kamil
technically emerged in the 7th century Hijri/13th century CE based on Ibn
'Arabi's ideas developed by Abdul Karim al-Jili. However, similar concepts to
the concept of Insan Kamil existed earlier, both within Islam and outside of
Islam.
Nevertheless, the origin
of the concept of Insan Kamil is believed to purely stem from Islam. Previous
concepts that bear similarities to Insan Kamil include hermetic doctrines as
expressed by Jabir ibn Hayyan in Arabic manuscripts about the "tablet of
pearls," implying that the microcosmic world (humans) reflects the larger
macrocosmic world.
The Concept of Insan
Kamil in Nusantara Islam
The concept of Insan
Kamil that emerged in the world of Sufism in the 7th century Hijri/13th century
CE also developed in Islamic thought in Nusantara (the Indonesian archipelago).
In the context of Nusantara Islam, the concept of Insan Kamil is specifically
discussed in Sufi books.
However, varying levels
of understanding have resulted in diverse assumptions among different books.
Therefore, in-depth studies are needed to explain and provide a proper
understanding of the concept of Insan Kamil in Sufi books.
The Importance of
Self-Development towards Insan Kamil
The personal development
of individuals is inseparable from the transcendental role of God in achieving
perfection as Insan Kamil. This applies to both social relationships with
society and the interconnectedness with the universe.
Islam teaches individuals
to constantly process and adventure in overcoming all falsehoods. Humans are
blessed with the potential to perfect themselves because God has given them
intellect, heart, senses, and memory.
In the Qur'an, humans are
provided with knowledge about the importance of recognizing perfection through
knowledge. The concept of a perfect human, namely Insan Kamil, is the
foundation of the birth of a perfect human. Throughout their life journey,
humans will recognize their true existence. Iqbal's thoughts on the highest
degree of human existence are worth discussing as they have their own value and
uniqueness.
Prophet Muhammad SAW is
the prime example of Insan Kamil according to Iqbal's perspective. He carried
out and established the word of God with enthusiasm and creativity throughout
his life. Despite reaching the highest spiritual experience in his mi'raj,
Prophet Muhammad SAW returned to the world to oversee the course of history and
create a normal world.
Insan Kamil,
as an ideal human and the highest level of selfhood, is embodied in the person
of Prophet Muhammad SAW and may potentially be achieved by every individual as
their responsibility as Allah's caliph.
In Sufism, Insan Kamil,
also referred to as the true believer, does not treat their religion as passive
dogma. Their entire life is lived with spirit, creativity, and in accordance
with the will of God. The secret behind their success lies in the expression
"La ilaha illallah" which enables them to master the world.
Conclusion
Insan Kamil is a concept
in Sufism that refers to a human who attains the highest level of perfection in
spirituality. This concept originates from Islam and has developed within
Islamic thought, extending to Nusantara. The personal development of
individuals towards Insan Kamil is inseparable from the transcendental role of
God. Islam teaches individuals to continuously strive and explore in order to
overcome falsehood.
Prophet Muhammad SAW
serves as the primary example of Insan Kamil in Iqbal's perspective, embodying
a life dedicated to actualizing the word of God with enthusiasm and creativity.
Understanding the concept of Insan Kamil can provide a better comprehension of
human efforts in achieving self-perfection.
Refence
Abuddin Nata, Akhlak
Tasawuf (Jakarta: Raja Grafindo Persada, 2009), 257
Asmaran AS, Pengantar
Studi Tasawuf (Jakarta: Raja Grafindo Persada, 1994), 345.
William C. Chittick, The
Sufi Path of Knowledge Pengetahuan Spiritual, terj. Achmad Nidjam, M. Sadat
Ismail, dan Ruslani (Yogyakarta: Penerbit Qalam, 2001), 342-343.
Rodiah, “Insan Kamil
dalam Pemikiran Muhammad Nafis Al-Banjari dan Abdush-Shamad Al-Falimbani Dalam
Kitab Ad-Durr An-Nafis dan Siyar As-Salikin (Sebuah Studi Perbandingan), Studi
Insania, Vol. 3, No. 2, 2015, 97-110.
Tri Astutik, “Manusia
dalam Perspektif Soren Kierkegaard dan Muhammad Iqbal”, Jurnal Penelitian, Vol.
9, No. 1, 2012, 88-113