Ramadan on Campus: 30 Days of Character Development
Jakarta, UIN Online News - Character development is a unique endeavor due to the complex nature of human behavior. With several views emerging about methodologies necessary to allow such development, like the Mushashi's Dokkōdō rules or even 90 days of the military boot camp, still there is no definitive formula that exists to ascertain when a robust character can be developed.
30 days of short courses
Prof. Ahmad Thib Raya, an Arabic language professor at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, compares Ramadan to a limited period of character development that functions as a spiritual education for every Muslim. This short course has distinct characteristics that differentiate Ramadan from the other eleven months in the Hijri calendar.
"Ramadan is both A’zhim and Mubaarak. It is divine due to the Lailatul Qadar it encompasses, and it is sanctified with numerous virtues of worship that are amplified during this period." Prof. Ahmad Thib Raya stated.
From an alternative viewpoint, Ramadan may be seen as an expedited means for a Muslim to amass many benefits, like the rewards of sunnah (optional) and fardh (mandatory) acts, which are exponentially increased.
Behavior = Motivation x Ability x Prompt
Brian Jeffrey Fogg, a behavioral scientist from Stanford University and the author of Tiny Habits, formed a habit theory known as the Fogg Behavior Model, formulated in "B = M.A.P"
Motivation is an impetus stemming from a profound sense of ownership, the desire to attain an experience, or the anticipation of an event. The next component is the ability, which must be recognized as requiring more than just drive; a habit must be calibrated to align with the current ability to ensure its continued efficacy. Nevertheless, the last element is a prompt, which sometimes randomly occurs in everyday life.
The Night of Decree and the many good things that can happen during Ramadan should be a great source of motivation. Worship on this night is thought to be equal to worship for a thousand months, and the extra rewards for good deeds done during Ramadan are important not to forget.
Upon closer analysis, this is what makes Ramadan a catalyst that encourages us to optimize each minute of Ramadan, bearing in mind that if we overlook these opportunities, we must wait another 11 months to experience Ramadan again.
A lesson from the professor
Prof. Ahmad Thib Raya is recognized not only as a professor at UIN Jakarta but also as a nationally esteemed man revered by several authorities around Indonesia. He is often referred to as "Abah" as a display of respect.
Abah recommended all UIN Jakarta students not use Ramadan as an excuse to neglect their academic responsibilities and to engage in prayer to ensure the fulfillment of their aspirations. Moreover, he urged all Muslims to fully use the Ramadan period to cultivate a new character and improve their taqwa at its conclusion.
"Despite your fasting, remember to fulfill all your college assignments, and for those engaged in their final thesis, may your prayers ensure continuous facilitation in attaining success," he concluded.
If you are more interested in this Ramadan news series, you can watch this YouTube video below.
Also watch: That Course is Called Ramadan | Prof. Ahmad Thib Raya | Ramadan Kareem
(M. Hanif Al-Fatih/Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: PIH)