By: Prof. Dr. A. Wahab Jufri, M.Sc.
Ramadan is a month of self-discipline, a time when a believer trains themselves to grow in piety and devotion to Allah. However, the true challenge is not how we worship during this blessed month, but how we sustain that level of faith and obedience in the eleven months that follow. A truly pious person shows continuous growth—both in their actions and their character. Ramadan should be the starting point for lasting positive change, not just an annual routine that fades away once the month ends.
In QS. As-Saff verses 2-3, Allah says:
“O you who believe! Why do you say what you do not do? Great is the hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do.”
This verse was revealed as a rebuke to those who claimed they were ready to fight in the way of Allah but withdrew when the time came. The Asbabun Nuzul (reason for revelation) serves as a reminder that our words must be followed by action. There should be no gap between what we say and what we do, between promises and their fulfillment.
In today's context, this lesson applies in many ways. For example, students who rely on AI tools without truly understanding or engaging with the material are displaying a disconnect between their stated goal of learning and their actual practice. Likewise, educators who encourage critical thinking but fail to deepen their own knowledge fall into the same category of inconsistency warned about in these verses. Even in family life, parents must be mindful of the promises they make to their children. Failing to keep a promise can plant seeds of distrust and negatively impact their children's character development.
The eleven months after Ramadan are our real test. Can we align our words with our actions? Will the piety we nurtured this month remain, or will it fade away? Let Ramadan be the beginning of a lifelong journey, not just a temporary phase. Uphold the trust given to us—whether in knowledge, responsibilities, or every aspect of life.
May Allah guide us to be steadfast in both our words and actions. Ameen.
#KetakwaanSejati #Istiqamah #QSAsSaff #Do Not Just Say #KultumRamadan2025
