2. Hikmah dan Makna Puasa | Bp. Sutisna | 2 Maret 2025

Summary

This speech reflects on the profound spiritual significance of fasting during the month of Ramadan. The speaker emphasizes that fasting is not merely about abstaining from food and drink but serves as a means to purify oneself, strengthen faith, and develop empathy for the less fortunate. By personally experiencing hunger and thirst, Muslims gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by others. The speaker highlights the Qur'anic verse that encourages fasting for the purpose of increasing God-consciousness (taqwa), and calls on everyone to use this blessed month for self-improvement, gratitude, and reflection.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gratitude to Allah for His endless blessings, including the arrival of Ramadan.
• 😀 Ramadan is a time of spiritual purification, where fasting plays a key role in increasing iman (faith) and taqwa (piety).
• 😀 Fasting involves more than abstaining from food and drink; it is a means of cleansing the soul and strengthening one’s connection with Allah.
• 😀 One of the key benefits of fasting is empathy: experiencing hunger and thirst helps understand the struggles of the less fortunate.
• 😀 Unlike our limited fasting hours, others may experience hunger and thirst without any relief, emphasizing the importance of gratitude for our blessings.
• 😀 Fasting trains us to appreciate what we have, making us aware of those who suffer from hunger regularly.
• 😀 We should feel shame when complaining about fasting, as others face continuous hardship without relief.
• 😀 Fasting is an opportunity for self-improvement, teaching us patience, self-control, and a stronger character.
• 😀 The Quranic verse from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183) reminds us that fasting is obligatory for believers to develop piety, as it was for those before us.
• 😀 Understanding the wisdom behind fasting is essential for truly benefiting from the spiritual transformation it offers.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that Ramadan should be used not just for physical fasting, but also for increasing spiritual awareness and empathy for others.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of fasting during Ramadan, according to the speaker?

The primary purpose of fasting during Ramadan is not just to abstain from food and drink, but to purify oneself spiritually, strengthen faith, and increase empathy for others, particularly those who are less fortunate.

How does fasting during Ramadan help individuals empathize with the less fortunate?

Fasting allows individuals to experience hunger and thirst firsthand, which helps them understand the struggles of the poor who may face hunger without the comfort of a set meal time. This fosters a sense of empathy and gratitude.

What does the speaker mean by 'fasting teaches us what hunger truly feels like'?

The speaker highlights that fasting is a personal experience of hunger and thirst, rather than just a theoretical understanding. By fasting, individuals can feel the physical discomfort of hunger, which increases awareness and empathy for those who suffer from hunger regularly.

What role does fasting play in strengthening one’s faith and God-consciousness?

Fasting helps to strengthen one’s faith and God-consciousness (taqwa) by purifying the heart, mind, and soul. It encourages self-discipline, reflection, and greater awareness of Allah's presence in one’s life.

How does the speaker suggest we should view the blessings of food during Ramadan?

The speaker suggests that we should be grateful for the food and drink we receive during Ramadan, especially when we break our fast at Maghrib. This is because many people around the world do not have guaranteed access to food and water, and our ability to eat should remind us to appreciate what we have.

What does the speaker say about the difference between fasting and actual hunger?

The speaker points out that fasting during Ramadan is temporary and has an end time (Maghrib), but for those who are poor, hunger is a constant reality. Their struggle with hunger is not limited to a specific time and often has no set end.

What Qur'anic verse is referenced in the speech, and what does it teach about fasting?

The speaker references Surah Al-Baqarah (183), which says, 'O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous (taqwa).' This verse teaches that fasting is a means to attain greater righteousness and God-consciousness.

What does the speaker imply about the importance of understanding the wisdom behind fasting?

The speaker implies that understanding the true wisdom behind fasting is essential to its spiritual benefits. Without recognizing the deeper meanings, fasting may merely become a physical act of abstaining from food and drink, rather than a transformative spiritual practice.

What lesson does the speaker hope the congregation will take away from the discussion about fasting?

The speaker hopes the congregation will recognize that fasting is not just about abstaining from food, but also about becoming a better, more compassionate person. Fasting should lead to greater empathy, self-discipline, and a deeper connection with Allah.

What does the speaker encourage the congregation to do when they feel hungry or thirsty during fasting?

The speaker encourages the congregation to reflect on their hunger and thirst during fasting and compare it to the constant hunger and thirst that some people experience. Rather than complaining, they should use this time for self-reflection and gratitude for the food they have when breaking their fast.