The month of Ramadan, which Muslims look forward to every year, is not just a period of refraining from eating and drinking. Rather, it is a time filled with deep intrinsic values, serving as a spiritual pillar for Muslims around the world. This short essay will shed some lights on the essence of Ramadan and how Muslims can discover its hidden values and apply them in the daily life.
As the foundation of Muslim religious practice, the intrinsic values of Ramadan cover a wide range of aspects, from devotion and patience to kindness and self-control. In the practice of worship during Ramadan, Muslims seek to deepen these values, bringing about a profound spiritual awareness.
Devotion, which is the spiritual awareness of the existence of Allah SWT, is a central point in Ramadan worship. Through fasting and other acts of worship, Muslims seek to draw closer to God, raise awareness of their actions, and avoid any form of behavior that goes against the teachings of Islam.
In addition to devotion, Ramadan also teaches the importance of patience. Refraining from food, drink, and negative behaviors for hours each day, Muslims experience the profound value of patience. Thus, patience is not just about enduring hunger and thirst, but also refraining from negative emotions and immoral behavior.
Based on kindness, Ramadan is the perfect time to share with others. In the spirit of generosity, Muslims give alms, share food with the needy, and do good deeds to their fellow humans. These are tangible manifestations of the social and caring values reflected in Ramadan.
Self-control is also an important aspect of Ramadan. Apart from refraining from food and drink, Muslims also strive to control their urges and desires. Thus, this self-control helps them develop a strong character and better self-control in the face of life’s temptations and challenges.
The spiritual depth of Ramadan is also reflected in the effort to maintain honesty and sincerity in all interactions. Muslims are expected to speak the truth, keep promises, and avoid fraudulent or immoral behavior. Honesty and sincerity therefore reflect a person’s moral integrity and are integral to the observance of Ramadan.
Modesty is another intrinsic value that Muslims learn and internalize during Ramadan. Refraining from excessive food and drink teaches Muslims to appreciate the blessings they have and become more aware of basic needs. In turn, this value fosters gratitude and appreciation for Allah’s blessings.
Sincerity is the foundation of every act of worship during Ramadan. Through this intrinsic value, Muslims are expected to be able to perform worship with pure and sincere intentions, without ulterior motives or personal interests. Thus, sincerity in worship can deepen the spiritual connection with Allah SWT.
Not only that, Ramadan also teaches the importance of peace and tolerance between individuals and between religious communities. Muslims are expected to maintain good relations, avoid conflict, and respect differences of opinion and religious beliefs. In other words, this value is a very important step in building peace and tranquility in society.
Through the above intrinsic values of Ramadan, Muslims can gain deep spiritual benefits and make it a strong and solid foundation for the formation of good and pious character. Thus, Ramadan is not just about self-restraint, but also about diving into the spiritual and moral meanings contained therein. With determination, each individual can live Ramadan with full awareness and deep meaning, bringing peace and blessings in life after Ramadan. Hopefully, this year’s Ramadan will be the starting point for the self-fundamentalism and definition of Muslims including us to find and live a more meaningful life.
[NASRUDDIN; Dosen Fakultas Ushuluddin dan Filsafat]
