CINTA DIGITAL #2 NGOPAI RAMADAN 1446 H - Podcast Ramadhan ; Ramadan Old VS Ramadan New Edition

Summary

In this podcast, the host, Aro, discusses the differences between 'Ramadan Old Edition' and 'Ramadan New Edition' with Fatur, a student and active member of an Islamic extracurricular group. They reflect on how Ramadan has changed over the years, particularly due to the influence of gadgets and the impact of COVID-19. The conversation explores the importance of staying connected to spiritual practices and family during Ramadan, offering practical advice on how to maintain the essence of the month despite modern distractions. Key insights include the need for self-reflection, balance with technology, and keeping the faith strong.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ramadan 10 years ago was filled with active participation in communal activities like attending the mosque, reading the Quran together, and waking up early for prayers.
• 😀 The advent of gadgets has changed how people engage with Ramadan, leading to distractions during religious activities like Sahur, Iftar, and prayers.
• 😀 COVID-19 led to a shift in Ramadan practices, as many people stayed home, reducing the communal atmosphere and connection to the mosque for prayers.
• 😀 The younger generation’s engagement with technology, especially smartphones, has contributed to a decline in meaningful participation in religious practices during Ramadan.
• 😀 Ramadan has not changed; it is the individuals who have changed, and this shift should be recognized in order to realign with its true purpose.
• 😀 Fasting is more than just abstaining from food and drink; it also involves controlling desires and distractions, which should be recognized in spiritual practice.
• 😀 Reading the Quran during Ramadan should not just focus on meeting a target but should involve reflecting on the messages it conveys and applying them to daily life.
• 😀 Technology should be used to enhance spiritual practices during Ramadan, such as setting reminders for prayers or Quran recitations to maintain balance.
• 😀 Reflection and self-awareness are key to improving one’s practice of Ramadan year after year, ensuring continuous spiritual growth.
• 😀 Despite the demands of family, work, and life, it’s important not to neglect spiritual duties and to maintain a balance between worldly and spiritual obligations.
• 😀 Ramadan is a time for reflection, self-improvement, and connection to Allah, and should be seen as an opportunity to grow spiritually, not just a tradition.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the podcast discussed by the hosts?

The main topic of the podcast is the comparison between 'Ramadan Old Edition' and 'Ramadan New Edition,' focusing on how Ramadan has changed over the years, particularly due to the impact of technology and the COVID-19 pandemic.

How did Ramadan 10 years ago differ from Ramadan today, according to Fatur?

According to Fatur, Ramadan 10 years ago was more spiritually engaging, with children and youth actively participating in mosque activities like Taraweh prayers, Quran recitation, and even waking up neighbors for sahur. In contrast, today's Ramadan is influenced by distractions like smartphones, which have reduced communal involvement.

What role does technology, particularly smartphones, play in the way people observe Ramadan today?

Smartphones and gadgets play a significant role in distracting people from the spiritual aspects of Ramadan. Fatur highlights that people now wake up, have sahur, and spend much of their day on their phones, which has led to a decrease in traditional Ramadan practices like visiting the mosque and engaging in group Quran recitation.

What impact did COVID-19 have on how people observe Ramadan?

COVID-19 caused a significant disruption in the communal aspects of Ramadan, such as attending Taraweh prayers at the mosque. During the lockdown, people became accustomed to being isolated, which has led to a decline in the overall engagement and meaning attached to Ramadan.

What message does Fatur share about the essence of Ramadan?

Fatur shares that Ramadan itself has not changed, but people have. He emphasizes that the essence of Ramadan is to draw closer to Allah and to focus on self-reflection. Ramadan is not just about fasting, but also about controlling one's desires and maintaining a connection to spirituality.

What advice does Fatur give on how to improve one's observation of Ramadan?

Fatur advises that people should focus on the spiritual meaning behind Ramadan, not just its rituals. He suggests reflecting on the previous Ramadans, identifying shortcomings, and striving to make each Ramadan better than the last.

What is Fatur's perspective on the balance between worldly responsibilities and spiritual practices during Ramadan?

Fatur emphasizes that while worldly responsibilities, such as work or family, are important, they should not overshadow the significance of spiritual practices during Ramadan. He encourages people to still make time for their religious obligations and not neglect their connection to Allah.

How does Fatur suggest adapting to the presence of gadgets during Ramadan?

Fatur suggests that people should adapt to gadgets by using them for positive purposes. For example, setting reminders to read the Quran or scheduling time for prayer using phone notifications. This way, technology can enhance rather than detract from religious practices.

What are some practical tips Fatur offers to make Ramadan more meaningful?

Fatur offers several tips, including focusing on the deeper meanings behind practices like fasting and reading the Quran, rather than viewing them as mere traditions. He also suggests using technology mindfully and ensuring that Ramadan is viewed as an opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement.

How does Fatur conclude his advice for the audience on observing Ramadan?

Fatur concludes by encouraging the audience to reflect on their past Ramadan experiences and to aim for improvement in the current one. He also emphasizes that Ramadan should always be an opportunity to strengthen one's relationship with Allah and to engage in acts of kindness and self-reflection.