A Stoic remains unfazed by chaos and focuses on living their life, recognizing that the thoughts and actions of others are part of the universe’s order beyond their control (Yosef Bilyarto, 2022: 69-71). This seems contrary to the preaching verses in QS. Ali Imran [3]:104, QS. An-Nahl [16]:125, and others.
This contrast stems from differing life orientations. A Stoic pursues virtue until death, concerned with the final impression of their life (Henry Manampiring, 2019: 276). Conversely, a Muslim pursues virtue both for life and the afterlife, including a sense of responsibility for their fellow Muslims’ ultimate fate.
What we should focus on is how Stoicism fosters positive behavior without mutual correction. For example, in the dichotomy of control, there is an awareness of what one can and cannot do. Therefore, the second step is to stop overexerting oneself by recognizing one’s limitations.
Radicalism and extremism often stem from the hurried desire to establish Islam as the universal truth, seemingly disregarding the divine power’s logical and orderly principle. Like Stoics who firmly believe in the cosmos (universal order) as a logical framework, living ethically within nature’s bounds is crucial.