From various accounts of notable scholars found in works such as Qimatuz Zaman Indal Ulama by Abdul Fattah Abu Ghuddah and Uluwul Himmah by Sheikh Muhammad Al-Muqaddam, we can pose a fundamental question: What are the strategies and secrets behind their fervor for creation?
Why were scholars in the past able to be so productive, despite the lack of advanced writing facilities? There were no tools like Microsoft Word for storing or editing text, nor photocopiers to reproduce their works. They had only paper, pens, and ink—often with limited access to these resources. If they wished to replicate their writings, they had to dictate or transcribe manually.
It is crucial to emphasize this point. In answering this question, several factors come to light. First and foremost, scholars wrote and created out of sincerity, viewing it as an investment for good deeds in the hereafter. Each piece of writing produced is intended to be a source of ongoing benefit, generating rewards in proportion to the benefits experienced by its readers.
Moreover, writing represents an intellectual endeavor by scholars of the past aimed at transmitting knowledge to future generations. Writing served as a means for scholars to disseminate knowledge, transcending mere hobby, as they were the heirs to the legacy of the Prophets.
A Hadith states that scholars are the heirs of the Prophets.* Every written work that is read, studied, and analyzed becomes a form of continuous charity for its author, akin to passive income for those who desire ongoing rewards, even after death. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: إِذَا مَاتَ الْإِنْسَانُ انْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ عَمَلُهُ إِلَّا مِنْ ثَلَاثَةٍ:
صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ، أَوْ عِلْمٍ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ، أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالِحٍ يَدْعُو لَهُ
“When a person dies, their deeds cease except for three: a continuous charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.” (HR. Muslim)
According to scholars, the understanding of this Hadith extends beyond these three aspects, as there are numerous acts that yield ongoing rewards. Imam as-Sayuti lists ten such acts, including the dissemination of knowledge through teaching and writing.
Habib Zein bin Ibrahim Smith interprets the beneficial knowledge mentioned in the Hadith as encompassing three activities: writing, teaching, and issuing fatwas. Writing, in particular, holds greater significance, as its benefits are more widely felt than those of other activities. Imam as-Subki asserts that no matter how learned a person may be, their knowledge is only useful during their lifetime unless they leave behind a legacy of written works or have students who continue to share their knowledge.**
Additionally, another secret to their productivity lies in effective time management. A well-structured approach to time is key to the success of these scholars. They understood that time is the essence of life and divided it proportionally, ensuring that personal matters, such as family time, and community responsibilities, such as reading, teaching, and writing, received appropriate attention. Making the most of their time allowed them to feel a sense of longevity and positively impact their surroundings.
The essence of human productivity often begins in youth. In our younger years, we can work at optimal levels, supported by physical strength and enthusiasm. As we age, responsibilities grow, time becomes scarce, physical stamina wanes, and fervor diminishes, all while commitments increase. Thus, there is no reason not to seize the opportunity to utilize time wisely, especially for creative pursuits.
So, why do we often feel lethargic in our creative endeavors, particularly writing?
A close examination reveals that many of us aspire to be writers solely for the sake of popularity and royalties. While gaining recognition through published work can elevate one’s status, and royalties can provide financial returns, these motivations can lead to disillusionment, particularly for novice writers.
I recall my college days when writing was a routine endeavor, often driven by the need to earn small fees from various publications and competitions. The modest earnings allowed me to purchase books, but I eventually experienced a two-year hiatus from writing, feeling that my previous works lacked depth and satisfaction, devoid of genuine significance.
Another barrier to productivity is our struggle with time management. Many of us waste time on distractions like excessive television, trivial conversations, or aimless social media use. While these activities are not inherently wrong, they become problematic when they consume too much of our time.
Time is an invaluable, irreplaceable asset. Our productivity in writing hinges on the time we allocate. The phrase “I don’t have time” becomes irrelevant once we cultivate a daily discipline of reading and writing. Our procrastination and lack of awareness in managing time can slowly erode our potential. Therefore, it is vital to establish priorities and eliminate distractions from our lives. May we strive to utilize our time wisely and fairly.
Writing Productively
The noble tradition of reading, writing, and creating, as a means of preserving the legacy of scholars, is actively promoted at the two pesantren where I serve: Darus-Sunnah and Daarut Tauhiid. Both institutions encourage teachers not only to impart knowledge but also to engage in productive writing.
For instance, Darus-Sunnah regularly publishes books authored by its faculty each year, with releases coinciding with student graduations. These books are sold, distributed, or used as teaching materials.*** Similarly, at SMA Adzkia Daarut Tauhiid, faculty members collaborate on anthologies that are published periodically.
I am deeply grateful to be involved in and learn from both of these Islamic educational institutions in South Tangerang. Not only teachers but also students are encouraged to be productive in their writing endeavors.
The commitment to fostering a culture of reading, writing, and creativity among students is evidenced by the annual Scientific Writing Session (KTI) held for final-year students. KTI is a graduation requirement and is completed over one semester with assigned mentors. The week of the KTI session is an exhilarating time for students, as their work will be evaluated by an examination panel.
To create an enjoyable reading atmosphere, both pesantren have implemented a Self-Literacy Program. This initiative allocates specific time for students to read any books of their choice, whether fiction or non-fiction. Darus-Sunnah sets aside two 15-minute sessions weekly before classes, while Daarut Tauhiid provides 90 minutes every Friday before the first lesson.
Participation in this program is mandatory, encouraging students to develop a habit of enjoying reading. The process of comprehension, reflection, and imagination transforms reading into a delightful activity. Outside of these times, students are still free to read and borrow books from the library, which they can take back to the dormitory and enjoy during their free time.
Ultimately, I earnestly hope to encourage everyone, particularly teachers and students, to be productive in writing and creativity. Even the smallest acts of goodness we achieve through writing will undoubtedly yield significant benefits and contributions.
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* HR. Bukhari, Abu Daud, and Tirmidzi
** Zein bin Ibrahim bin Smith, al-Manhaj as-Sawy, Dar al-Ilm wa al-Da’wah, Tarim, Hadhramaut, p. 122
*** Darus-Sunnah publishes religious books through its publishing line, Maktabah Darus-Sunnah, which includes works by Kiai Ali Mustafa Yaqub and other faculty and student publications.