Fasting as Islamic Communication: Taqwa as the Core Principle

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ Fasting is not merely a ritual in Islam but also forms the foundation for communication rooted in taqwa, explained Ustaz Dr. Zainun, M.A., during a lecture on Monday, March 1, 2026, at Masjid At-Taqwa, Campus 1 of Universitas Medan Area (UMA).

Fasting Cultivates Comprehensive Taqwa

Dr. Zainun emphasized that fasting shapes a believer's personality beyond acts of worship, influencing both speech and social interactions.

"Fasting molds a personality that embodies complete taqwa from every human perspective," he said.

Linking Taqwa with Words

Citing the Qur'an (QS. Al-Fath 48:26), he highlighted how the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and the believers were endowed with the Kalimat Taqwa as a divine command to counter arrogance and ignorance:

اِذْ جَعَلَ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا فِيْ قُلُوْبِهِمُ الْحَمِيَّةَ حَمِيَّةَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ فَاَنْزَلَ اللّٰهُ سَكِيْنَتَهٗ عَلٰى رَسُوْلِهٖ وَعَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ وَاَلْزَمَهُمْ كَلِمَةَ التَّقْوٰى وَكَانُوْٓا اَحَقَّ بِهَا وَاَهْلَهَا ۗوَكَانَ اللّٰهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيْمًا


Latin: Idz ja'alalladzīna kafarū fī qulūbihimul-hamiyyata hamiyatal-jāhiliyyati fa anzalallāhu sakīnatahū 'alā rasūlihī wa 'alal-mu'minīna wa alzamahum kalimatat-taqwā wa kānū ahaqqa bihā wa ahlahā, wa kānallāhu bikulli syai'in 'alīmā.

He explained that during the Prophet's time, the Quraysh frequently used four negative forms of communication: lying and false testimony, spreading slander and distrust, namimah (spreading false information, e.g., against Sayyidatina Aisyah), and degrading others physically or verbally. Islam, in contrast, emphasizes communication based on taqwa, aligned with the declaration Laa Illa ha illah, ensuring harmony between heart and speech. The Qur'an underscores consultation in justice and fairness as a fundamental principle.

Characteristics of the Prophet's Communication

Dr. Zainun outlined six features of the Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) communication:

1. Qaulan Layyinan – gentle, friendly, and heart-touching words.
2. Qaulan Balighan – clear, effective, and direct expressions adapted to the listener's understanding.
3. Qaulan Sadida – truthful words, free from manipulation.
4. Qaulan Ma'rufa – beneficial speech that avoids slander or incitement.
5. Qaulan Kariman – noble, polite, and respectful language, especially toward elders.
6. Qaulan Maysuran – simple and easily understood words without complex arguments.

The secretary of the Dakwah and Islamic Broadcast Communication program at Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara (UINSU), added that Kalimat Taqwa arises from faith and sincerity.


"The Taqwa phrase is rooted in Laa Illa ha illah, ensuring that both the heart and speech are in harmony," he explained. (IDNC)

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