Between the Law of Attraction and Intention: Dean of the Faculty of Psychology Delivers Ramadan Sermon

Masjid al-Jamiah, UIN Online News - Intention is a crucial element that a Muslim must maintain while participating in activities, as it will function as a standard for success. Dr. Yunita Faela Nisa, M.Psy., the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology at UIN Jakarta, articulated this opinion during a Ramadan sermon at the Al-Jamiah Mosque on Wednesday (12/32025).

Dr. Yunita started her sermon by citing Allah's words from Al-Maidah 5:3. "ٱلْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلْإِسْلَـٰمَ دِينًۭا ۚ فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ فِى مَخْمَصَةٍ غَيْرَ مُتَجَانِفٍۢ لِّإِثْمٍۢ ۙ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ" which underscores that Islam as a religion is already perfected and esteemed by Allah SWT.

Moreover, she then cited Adh-Dhariyat 51:56, "وَمَا خَلَقْتُ ٱلْجِنَّ وَٱلْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ" which underscores that the primary objective of human creation is to glorify Allah SWT.

Additionally, Dr. Yunita also cited a hadith narrated by Imam Baihaqi: "إِنَّمَا بُعِثْتُ لِأُتَمِّمَ مَکَارِمَ الْأَخْلَاق" indicating that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent to refine human ethics.

She underscored the need for self-reflection in everyday life. She emphasized the significance of establishing intentions in all facets of life.

"Parents' labor and a child's dedication to their parents is also an act of reverence. When we work, we do have our responsibilities that must not be taken for granted, just as we are supposed to in front of our boss and God," she said.

She added that if an individual's worship is inadequate, repurposing one's deed is essential. In this context, she referenced the Prophet's hadith, "Indeed, all deeds are contingent upon intentions" (إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ in Arabic).

"If the purpose of our studying is solely to achieve an A, then we will attain only an A. That is not the very essence of education; our pure intention will guide us to make the best out of ourselves," she stated.

She asserts that virtuous individuals possess commendable morality and conduct, which can only be obtained through continuous self-improvement. The meaning of life is that one must push oneself to be even better compared to the previous day.

"Let us collaboratively organize and realign our intentions in worship, work, and our relationships with Allah SWT and fellow humans," she concluded.

(Hanif/ZM/Muhamad Arifin Ilham)