Suaramuslim.net – The news and information circulating today, whether in electronic, print, or online media, often carries issues that inflame feelings. Not only do they inflame feelings, but they also foster hostility and division. It seems we still need to learn from the ant that made King Solomon and Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him) smile. Let's consider the short story from Surah An-Naml: 17–19 below:

"And he gathered for Sulaiman an army of jinn, humans and birds and arranged them in an orderly manner (in rows). Until when they reached the valley of the ants an ant said: O ants, go into your nests, so that you will not be stepped on by Sulaiman and his soldiers, while they are not aware" so he smiled and laughed because (heard) the ant's words. And he prayed: "O my Lord, give me inspiration to remain grateful for Your blessings that You have bestowed on me and my two parents and to do righteous deeds that You approve of; and enter me by Your grace into the group of Your righteous servants."  (Qs. An Naml: 17–19).

The (leader) of the ants in the story was heard by the Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him) and gave a command and reassuring information, that if an ant was stepped on, it was not intentional and there was no need for revenge. The lesson learned from this story is:

1. The ant leader believed in the leadership of Prophet Sulaiman (AS), that he was a king who was not cruel
2. If there is a nation of ants who are oppressed (trampled) it must be because of an accident by the troops of Prophet Sulaiman (AS), so the ants must be able to forgive this accidental activity.
3. There's no need for anger and revenge against the elephant army, although the ants might be able to do so, as in the fable of the ant and the elephant. The ants were able to bring the arrogant elephant to its knees by biting the inside of its ear.

The ants' activities embody the concept of "tranquilizing people," meaning those who are calm and able to calm their followers. This made Prophet Sulaiman upon him) smile and express gratitude for the knowledge he had acquired (QS An-Naml: 19). Can we do it? 

Author: Dr. Gancar C. Premananto*

*Coordinator of the Master of Management Study Program, FEB, Universitas Airlangga Surabaya

Source: https://suaramuslim.net/berjiwa-tenang-dan-mampu-menenangkan/

http://mm.feb.unair.ac.id/id/kemahasiswaan/artikel/artikel-populer/853-berjiwa-tenang-dan-mampu-menenangkan.html