"Choose Your Words Wisely during Ramadan," Preaches Rector of UIN Jakarta in Istiqlal Mosque

Jakarta, UIN Online News - Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., the Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, presented a Ramadan course in front of the congregation of Tarawih at Istiqlal Mosque Jakarta on Wednesday (12/3/2025).

In his lecture, Prof. Asep admonished the assembly over the Tarawih prayer, emphasizing the need to safeguard their words throughout Ramadan to ensure the acceptance of their works by Allah SWT.

"One factor that diminishes our actions is the manner in which we conduct our speech," the rector of UIN Jakarta stated.

As stated in Surah Luqman: 13, compassionate communication becomes an exceptionally successful method for fostering harmonious connections among families and communities. Allah SWT imparts a poignant message via the phrase يَابُنَيَّ (O my son), a compassionate and affectionate address from Luqman to his son.

"A subtle approach in communication has considerable influence. The manner in which a husband addresses his wife with terms such as 'my dear' or other affectionate phrases serves as symbols of love, and Surah Luqman instructs us on fostering an educational dialogue," he explained.

Prof. Asep asserts that Surah Luqman imparts lessons on fostering an informative and sincere discussion. Without it, such illogical arguments, acts of violence, and physical conflicts frequently arise among humans; hence, it is essential to choose words carefully, both in personal relationships and during social interactions.

The influence of speech includes the capacity to inspire and persuade someone to embrace virtue. He elucidated that in Surah Luqman, the address "yaa bunayya" creates a sense of belonging between a father and his son, followed by an imperative to do virtuous deeds and eschew malevolence.

"If a brother frequently assists, the presence of negative remarks significantly diminishes the value of such help. Consequently, it is far more advantageous to articulate kind words and extend forgiveness," he stated while referencing the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The method of effective communication from parents to children, as stated in Surah Luqman, is to avoid arrogance by not turning away. Furthermore, It is essential that hurtful words may be permanently ingrained in one's mind; thus, fostering discourse with the community, families, and friends is important.

“Islam does not instruct us to demean others; even in our gait, we are taught to avoid arrogance,” Prof. Asep said.

In the conclusion of his sermon, the rector of UIN Jakarta urged his audience to promote virtue by being mindful of their speech. By articulating positive discourse, fostering tranquility, and diminishing discord, we can transform Indonesia into a virtuous and forgiving country.

"May Allah have mercy on you in this sacred month of Ramadan. Let us collectively safeguard our words by expressing kindness, for the essence of benevolent speech reverberates. This appeal for goodness constitutes impactful communication that resonates with the heart, as instructed by Islam," he implored.

(Alfina Ika A./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: YouTube Masjid Istiqlal TV)