The Concept of Insan Kamil in Sufism: The Beauty of Human Perfection

 

Insan Kamil comes from Arabic which consists of the words "insan" which means human, and "kamil" which means perfect. In Sufism, the term Insan Kamil has various definitions. One of them is a human who has reached the highest level of spirituality, namely the level of self-destruction (fana' fillah). Insan Kamil also refers to perfect humans as God's representatives to actualize themselves, reflect on and think about the perfection that comes 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 is related to the reality of essence as the "form" of God. In this case, perfect humans become similar and united with God as one reality.

The second aspect is aradl (accidental) perfection, which relates to the embodiment of traits and qualities that are reflected in a special role that creates its own uniqueness (Chittick, 2001). According to al-Jili, Insan Kamil has two meanings: the concept of perfect human knowledge related to something that is considered absolute, namely God, and identity which idealizes the unity of God's name and nature into one's nature or essence.

The Concept of Insan Kamil in the Historical Context of Sufism

The term Insan Kamil technically emerged in the 7th Hijriyah/13th century AD based on the ideas of Ibn 'Arabi which were developed by Abdul Karim al-Jili. However, concepts similar to the Insan Kamil concept have existed before, both in Islam and outside Islam.

However, the origins of the Insan Kamil concept are believed to come from Islam purely. Previous concepts that bear similarities to Insan Kamil include hermetic doctrines such as those expressed by Jabir ibn Hayyan in the Arabic text regarding the "pearl plates", which implied that the microcosmic (human) realm reflected the larger macrocosmic realm.

Insan Kamil's theory is also related to Sufi discussions in the mid-3rd century Hijriyah, where Sufis stated that they had united with God with a number of His names so that they had reached mortal (referring to the theory put forward by Abu Yazid Busthami). Al-Hallaj also believes that God created Adam to resemble His face as a representation of God, a mirror of the beauty of His face, as well as His eternal manifestation (known as the Hulul theory).

The concept of Insan Kamil in Indonesian Islam

The concept of Insan Kamil, which emerged in the world of Sufism in the 7th Hijriyah/13th century AD, also developed in Islamic thought throughout the archipelago. In the context of Indonesian Islam, the concept of Insan Kamil is discussed specifically in Sufism books.

However, different levels of understanding result in varying assumptions between various books. Therefore, an in-depth study is needed to explain and provide a good understanding of the concept of Insan Kamil in Sufism books.

The Importance of Self-Development Towards a Human Being

Human personal development cannot be separated from God's transcendental role in achieving perfection as Human Beings. This applies both in social relations with society and in connection with the universe. Islam teaches humans to always process and be adventurous in overcoming all falsehoods.

Humans are endowed with the potential to perfect themselves, because God gave them reason, heart, senses and memory. In the Qur'an, humans are given knowledge about the importance of knowing perfection through knowledge. The concept of the perfect human, namely Insan Kamil, is the foundation of the birth of the perfect human. In the course of his life, humans will know their true existence.

The concept of Insan Kamil according to Iqbal

Iqbal's thoughts about human existence reaching the highest level are interesting to discuss, because they have their own values ​​and characteristics. Rasulullah Muhammad SAW is an example of an Insan Kamil figure according to Iqbal. He carried out and upheld the sentence of Allah with full enthusiasm and creativity throughout his life.

Despite achieving the highest spiritual experience in his mi'raj, Rasulullah still returned to the world to oversee the course of history and create a normal world. Insan Kamil, as an ideal human being and the highest level of selfhood, is embodied in the Prophet Muhammad SAW and may be achieved by every individual as his responsibility as caliph of Allah.

In Sufism, Insan Kamil, who is also called a true believer, does not treat his religion as a passive dogma. His entire life was lived with passion and creativity, and in accordance with God's will. The secret behind his success is the phrase "La Ilaaha illallah" which allows him to rule the world.

 

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