MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MALANG – Ramadan is not only a time for spiritual reflection but also an opportunity for self-improvement and social transformation, according to Abdul Mu’ti, General Secretary General of Muhammadiyah.
“The month of fasting is a month of education for all of us. There are many educational values contained in it, and we must be aware of this,” he stated at the Tarhib Ramadhan Ceria held at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) on Friday, March 8.
Mu’ti cited Charles Duhigg’s book “The Power of Habit” to explain how to build and create positive new habits. He highlighted three key points: having a clear intention, being consistent in practice, and providing a reward. He then drew an analogy between these principles and Islamic values during Ramadan.
“First, there is the intention, which is the foundation for any change we want to make in ourselves. In Islam, it is said, ‘innamal a’malu binniyat‘ (actions are based on intentions). Second, we must be consistent. During Ramadan, we are taught to fast, pray tarawih, perform i’tikaf (staying in a mosque, devoting oneself to ibadah), and other sunnah practices. Finally, there is the reward, which is the culmination of our efforts. In general, the reward is Eid al-Fitr, but on a personal level, it is the improvement of oneself,” he explained.
Mu’ti emphasized that change does not have to be extreme. It can start with small, simple steps that are practiced consistently, especially since building new habits takes time and effort. This approach can be applied in all aspects of life to build better habits and character.
In conclusion, Mu’ti urged the UMM members to maintain good habits and abandon bad ones. “Habits should be built. Good habits should be maintained and improved, while bad habits should be eliminated. We should do this continuously until the end of our lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, UMM Rector Nazaruddin Malik stated that the university is ready to embrace the atmosphere of the holy month. He highlighted the Tarhib Ramadhan Ceria event as a prelude to Ramadan.
“Every Ramadan, UMM always holds Islamic activities to fill and enliven the month. There are regular preaching for students, lecturers, and staff. There are also many unique agendas that have been held. Hopefully, the entire university members will receive blessings from this event, and more broadly, from this month of Ramadan,” he said.
