MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – General Secretary of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti highlighted studies suggesting an inherent human need for spirituality. He referenced Danah Zohar’s book “Spiritual Questions,” which proposes a “god spot” or “notch” in the human brain that compels us to seek a deeper connection. This concept aligns with the views of Marukama, a Japanese author, who suggests a biological drive for spirituality embedded within our DNA.
In the Ramadan preaching at the Islamic Hospital of Cempaka Putih, Jakarta on Monday (March 25), Mu’ti pointed to the burgeoning growth of spiritualism worldwide as evidence of this inherent human yearning. He noted Islam’s remarkable surge in Europe, with growth exceeding 300%. Kishore Mahbubani’s book “The Great Convergence” acknowledges the ongoing cultural clash between Islam and Western lifestyles; however, it also highlights a trend of convergence in how Muslims practice their faith within Western societies.
Mu’ti provided a striking example of this phenomenon: the stark contrast between empty churches and overflowing mosques in Europe, particularly during Ramadan. He further cited Germany as a European nation experiencing rapid Muslim population growth, known for its welcoming approach towards immigrants of diverse faiths.
The Ramadan preaching then delved into the connection between spirituality and happiness. Data from the 2024 World Happiness Report revealed a dominance of European countries in the top ten rankings, with Finland taking the top spot. Mu’ti suggested a correlation between high levels of spirituality and national happiness, citing factors like citizen satisfaction with life quality. Frank Martela, a Finnish philosopher and psychology researcher, was mentioned as attributing Finland’s happiness to positive lifestyle habits, such as avoiding boastfulness about achievements.
Finally, Mu’ti explored how the act of fasting during Ramadan fosters personal responsibility and honesty. He emphasized the importance of maintaining truthfulness throughout the fast, acknowledging that while humans can deceive each other, ultimately we cannot lie to God or ourselves.
