Ramadan on Campus: Fasting Mindfully, Meaningfully, and Joyfully

Ciputat, UIN Online News - The moment of Ramadan is beyond mere abstention from hunger and thirst; it serves as a significant opportunity for spiritual refinement and self-improvement. One of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Hakim (rahimahullah) stated, "Many individuals fast, yet derive nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst."

In Ihya Ulumuddin, Imam Ghazali elucidates that Muslims have three tiers during fasting.

1. The basic tier, where one is absent from food, drink, and other actions that nullify the fast.

2. The intermediate tier, where one possesses control over one's mouth, ears, and limbs to prevent immoral behaviors.

3. The ultimate tier, where one fully immerses their heart and intellect in contemplation of Allah while distancing themselves from worldly distractions.

In this context, Professor of Early Childhood Education and Social Welfare, Prof. Maila Dinia Husni Rahiem, Ph.D., M.A., articulated that Ramadan serves as a period of cultivation for one's heart, body, and mind. Therefore, we should not only observe fasting as a duty, but also as a thoughtful, meaningful, and joyful experience.

These three components correspond with the deep learning methodology in the realm of education. In this context, children not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also engage in practical application. Similarly, engaging in fasting with intention and contemplation will enhance the significance of the resulting values.

Mindful Fasting: Comprehending the Core of Devotion

Professor Maila highlighted that fasting has important significance; a Muslim must comprehend the underlying objective of this act of prayer. During fasting, an individual abstains from eating and drinking while simultaneously dedicating their desire to Allah SWT.

Moreover, by abstaining from hunger and thirst, Muslims are reminded of the less fortunate. By regulating anger and cravings, they cultivate patience and self-discipline, which become an integral aspect of a Muslim's identity.

The virtues of fasting are significant in early character education. Fasting cultivates empathy, discipline, and social awareness in youngsters who are expected to foster such acts of devotion and promote societal empathy.

Meaningful Fasting: Self-Management with Awareness

Fasting encompasses not just self-discipline but also the cultivation of awareness in all facets of existence. During sahur, articulate your objectives and supplications with sincerity while also regulating your voice, thoughts, and emotions during fasting. Upon concluding the fast, partake in the sustenance with appreciation and restraint.

In a concise interview, Prof. Maila clarified that teaching youngsters about fasting concurrently cultivate s their awareness of their bodies. They must comprehend that fasting encompasses not only abstaining from food and drink but also self-regulation from unnecessary meals.

"Children are urged to select protein-rich foods to enhance satiety and to consume adequate water to maintain hydration. In doing so, they comprehend that fasting is not merely a duty but also a method for preserving health and bodily resilience,” she said.

Joyful Fasting: Transforming Ramadan into a Delightful Experience

Professor Maila said that fasting is not a hardship but instead a source of joy. Ramadan allows a Muslim family to take part in a food gathering with their neighbors and relatives: "Sharing food with others is a simple act that can bring joy to both oneself and others."

Not only that, a conducive environment facilitates enhanced learning for youngsters in the realm of education. If approached with sincerity and enthusiasm, the spiritual and social advantages of fasting will be more evident.

Fasting transcends a mere yearly ritual; it is a discipline aimed at personal improvement. When a Muslim is raised with the belief that fasting is significant, intentional, and pleasurable, they will engage in it willingly and integrate its principles into their everyday existence.

If you are more interested in this Ramadan news series, you can watch this YouTube video below.

Also watch: Make the Best out of Your Ramadan | Prof. Maila Dinia Husni Rahiem, Ph.D., M.A. | Ramadan Kareem

(M. Hanif Al-Fatih/Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: PIH)