Introduction to the Incident

In recent days, social media has been abuzz with a public debate following the circulation of a video that appears to show the Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, seemingly ignoring an outstretched hand of a staff member at an airport. This brief incident, captured on camera, has sparked a torrent of comments across various digital platforms. While some members of the public view this as a misunderstanding or a momentary lapse, others perceive it as a reflection of an exclusive attitude by a public official towards their subordinates. Regardless of the validity of public assumptions or the actual context behind the incident, this phenomenon opens a highly relevant space for discussion from the perspective of Islamic ethics.

Islamic Ethics and Social Interaction

Islam is not merely a system of beliefs that governs ritual worship in a vertical relationship with Allah; it is a comprehensive guide that regulates social ethics and how humans interact with each other, regardless of social status or position. In Islamic scholarship, particularly among students and teachers of Islamic schools (santri and pesantren), the place of etiquette (adab) is often considered superior to knowledge itself. A well-known adage among scholars states, "Al-Adabu fauqal ‘ilmi," which translates to "Etiquette is above knowledge." This principle emphasizes that having a prestigious position, long list of academic titles, or broad social influence is meaningless if not accompanied by humility. This is especially true for leaders, whose sociological and theological position is that of servants to the community (khadimul ummah), not rulers to be constantly served and glorified.

The Prohibition of Arrogance in Islam

Islam strictly prohibits arrogant behavior (takabur) and actions that demean others, no matter how small. The Quran states, "And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] towards people and do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful" (Quran 31:18). In his interpretation, the companion of the Prophet, Ibn Abbas, explains that the phrase "do not turn your cheek towards people" not only refers to physically turning away but also encompasses attitudes of disdain, neglect, and treating others with superior attitudes. Therefore, any bodily gesture that makes others feel unvalued, ignored, or dismissed should be avoided by Muslims, especially by those in leadership positions who are observed by many.

The Importance of Humility

The Prophet Muhammad’s warning against arrogance is severe. He said, "No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise" (Muslim). This hadith serves as a reminder to every individual that one’s nobility in the eyes of Allah is not determined by social status, wealth, or position, but by the level of one’s piety and humility before the Creator and in the face of fellow humans.

The Significance of Shaking Hands

Examining the law of shaking hands (mushafahah) in Islamic jurisprudence, this act is considered a highly recommended practice when Muslims meet. Shaking hands is not merely a cultural practice or social courtesy; it is part of the Islamic brotherhood’s manifesto that has spiritual dimensions. The Prophet Muhammad said, "When two Muslims meet and shake hands, their sins are forgiven before they part" (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi). In another narration by Imam Thabrani, it is said, "Indeed, when a believer meets another believer and they shake hands, their sins fall like leaves falling from a tree." These hadiths reinforce that shaking hands is a means to erase sins, strengthen bonds of brotherhood, and demolish walls of hatred or prejudice that may be hidden in the heart.

Leadership and Humility

Imam Malik, in one of his renowned sayings, stressed the importance of warm physical interaction, "Shake hands with each other, and rancor will disappear. Give gifts to each other, and love will grow, and hostility will disappear." From this, we understand that rejecting an outstretched hand without a clear, shariah-compliant reason may not be haram in the absolute sense, as the basic rule of shaking hands is sunnah (recommended). However, such rejection can become reprehensible from an ethical standpoint if it is based on feelings of arrogance, disdain for others, or showing reluctance because one feels superior to the person offering the handshake.

Ethical Considerations in Islam

In Islamic ethical guidelines, an act that is fundamentally permissible or a neglect of a recommended practice can become sinful if accompanied by a bad intention or an attitude that belittles others. Therefore, the substance of the problem does not lie in the act of refusing a handshake itself but in the sense of disrespect and superiority that arises from such an action. This is a critical point regarding the importance of leadership by example.

The Example of the Prophet Muhammad

The Prophet Muhammad, the most noble being on earth, was known for his hospitality and did not differentiate between the rich or the poor, leaders or common people. Many narrations describe how he would always initiate greetings, warmly welcome anyone who offered to shake hands, and never withdraw his hand first. If the Prophet Muhammad, whose nobility was guaranteed by Allah, was so humble, then there is no reason for any official or leader in modern times to feel burdened by shaking hands with their people. Positions are merely trusts that will be accounted for in the just court of Allah.

Response to the Incident

Regarding the viral video of the Minister of Public Works, Muslims should be wise and not rush to judgment. There could be contexts, health conditions, or specific situations not captured by the camera and unknown to the public. However, this incident serves as a mirror for all of us that leaders must always maintain etiquette, hospitality, and humility. Sometimes, what will be remembered by the people is not the macro policies or grand physical developments but how a leader treats their people as equals and with dignity.

Conclusion

As the scholars advise, "Man tawadha’a lillah rafa’ahullah," which means, "Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will exalt him." Conversely, those who elevate themselves will appear diminutive in the eyes of others. Therefore, responding to greetings, returning salutations, and accepting outstretched hands with a smile are behaviors aligned with the spirit of Islamic teachings. Rejecting them without a clear reason, especially due to arrogance, is contrary to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, which emphasize humility.

Implications for Public Officials

This incident should be a moment for public officials in Indonesia to reflect on their behavior. Leadership is not about how high one’s position is in government but about how deeply one can touch the hearts of the people with respectful and humble attitudes. Maintaining the dignity of a leader is not done by isolating oneself from society but by honoring every person one meets. In the end, it is humility that will preserve a person’s dignity in the eyes of both humans and Allah. This reflection calls for a deeper understanding and application of Islamic values in daily interactions, especially for those in positions of leadership, to foster a society where respect, humility, and kindness are the hallmarks of public service.