CIMOL Episode 7 Madrasatur Ramadhan (A. Ridwan Malik Illahi, S.Sos.I.)

Summary

This sermon highlights the spiritual significance of Ramadan, emphasizing it as a time for self-reflection, worship, and increased God-consciousness (taqwa). The speaker compares Ramadan to a 'madrasah' (school), teaching valuable lessons on faith, patience, and devotion. The key message encourages believers to maintain the positive practices cultivated during Ramadan throughout the rest of the year, with a strong focus on preparing for the afterlife by living a life of righteousness and piety. The sermon calls on Muslims to continue striving for self-improvement and closeness to Allah even after Ramadan ends.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ramadan is a blessed and sacred month, a time for spiritual reflection and growth.
• 😀 Ramadan serves as a 'madrasah' (school) that teaches us important life lessons, especially in becoming more pious and disciplined.
• 😀 The primary goal of fasting in Ramadan is not just to endure hunger and thirst, but to develop self-control and enhance taqwa (piety).
• 😀 Ramadan opens the doors to Heaven and closes the doors to Hell, offering a spiritual opportunity for purification.
• 😀 After Ramadan, one should reflect on how their habits and practices have changed. The real test is whether good deeds continue beyond Ramadan.
• 😀 The key takeaway from Ramadan is to strive for self-improvement and increase our devotion to Allah in all aspects of life.
• 😀 Fasting during Ramadan is a spiritual and physical discipline, meant to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah.
• 😀 Ramadan teaches us to focus on the afterlife and prepare spiritually, similar to preparing for a long journey where good deeds are the necessary provisions.
• 😀 The ultimate goal of fasting is to earn the title of 'Muttaqin' (the God-fearing) and increase one's taqwa (fear of Allah).
• 😀 True taqwa involves obeying Allah’s commandments, avoiding prohibitions, and being content with little while preparing for the hereafter.

Q & A

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

The main purpose of fasting during Ramadan is not just to endure hunger and thirst but to increase one's taqwa (piety) and to follow Allah's commands while avoiding His prohibitions. It is a process that helps individuals develop spiritually and morally.

How does the speaker describe Ramadan in the context of a 'madrasah' (school)?

The speaker compares Ramadan to a 'madrasah' (school) where individuals are taught valuable lessons. Ramadan serves as a training period, and at the end of it, individuals should 'graduate' with improved spiritual qualities, especially taqwa.

What does the speaker suggest is the ultimate goal of Ramadan?

The ultimate goal of Ramadan, according to the speaker, is to increase one's taqwa (God-consciousness) and to become a better person by following Allah's commands and avoiding sins.

What is meant by 'syahadatul muttaqin' (the certificate of the pious) in the context of Ramadan?

'Syahadatul muttaqin' refers to the spiritual achievement of becoming a person who has developed greater taqwa and is better aligned with Allah's guidance. It is the 'graduation certificate' one should strive for after completing the spiritual training of Ramadan.

How does the speaker describe the practical impact of fasting beyond just abstaining from food and drink?

The speaker emphasizes that fasting is about self-discipline, learning to control desires, and reflecting on one's actions. It is more than physical hunger; it involves spiritual growth and striving to purify one's heart and mind.

What is the role of the Quranic verse from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183) in the speaker's message?

The Quranic verse, 'O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous,' is cited to highlight that fasting's purpose is to develop taqwa and to remind believers that it is a practice followed by previous communities.

What does the speaker mean by saying Ramadan should 'leave a mark' on us?

By saying Ramadan should 'leave a mark,' the speaker is suggesting that the lessons learned during Ramadan should result in lasting changes in behavior and spiritual growth. The improvements made during Ramadan should continue beyond the holy month.

According to the speaker, what is the significance of making preparations for the afterlife?

The speaker stresses the importance of preparing for the afterlife by accumulating 'good deeds' and increasing one's taqwa. Just as we prepare for a journey with material provisions, we must also prepare spiritually for the journey after death, which requires more than just worldly success.

What does the speaker say about the connection between Ramadan and charity (sedekah)?

The speaker mentions that during Ramadan, many people are more inclined to give charity (sedekah). However, the question is whether this generosity continues after Ramadan. True spiritual growth is shown by sustaining such acts of kindness and charity beyond the fasting month.

What does the speaker mean when they talk about being 'ready for the long journey' to the afterlife?

The speaker likens the journey to the afterlife to a long, challenging trip that requires careful preparation. This includes strengthening one's taqwa and spiritual resolve, as well as ensuring one has 'good deeds' to carry along, much like packing for a journey.