Surip, M.Pd
Ketaqwaan, in the essence of Islam, is a concept that encompasses obedience and a deep awareness of Allah SWT. However, how we apply this ketaqwaan in our daily lives, both personally and in a group context, is an interesting thing to explore. Building ketaqwaan in oneself and in one’s social environment is a never-ending spiritual journey that requires continuous reflection, commitment and action.
1. Personal Ketaqwaan : Finding Meaning in Daily Life
Personal ketaqwaan is the foundation of one’s spiritual well-being. In Islam, this involves a commitment to practicing religious teachings in every aspect of life. Dr. Jamal Badawi, a prominent Islamic scholar, highlights that personal piety involves an awareness of an individual’s moral responsibility towards Allah SWT and other human beings. This includes integrity, honesty and empathy in daily interactions.
2. Unity in Group Worship: Strengthening Spiritual Connectivity
Group worship, such as congregational prayers, opens the door to deep spiritual experiences and enhances a sense of unity within the Muslim community. In a study published in the journal Psychology of Religion and Mental Health, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi explains that group worship not only strengthens the individual’s relationship with Allah SWT, but also strengthens social bonds among Muslims.
3. Overcoming Challenges Together: Solidarity in Ketaqwaan
Ketaqwaan in a group context involves more than just group worship. It is also about how group members support each other in facing life’s challenges. Prof. Dr. Ingrid Mattson, a leading scholar of Islam, highlights the importance of solidarity in Islam. In difficult circumstances, group devotion enables Muslims to jointly seek just solutions and empathize with the suffering.
4. Learning from Western Spiritual Traditions: Parallels with the Concept of Piety
While the concept of ketaqwaan may be unique to the Islamic context, many aspects of Western spirituality show interesting similarities. For example, the emphasis on introspection, self-awareness, and compassion in the Christian mystical tradition can be paralleled with the values of ketaqwaan in Islam. Dr. Karen Armstrong, a renowned historian of religions, has highlighted such similarities in her work.
Conclusion: Combining Personal and Group Ketaqwaan for Spiritual Wellbeing
Building ketaqwaan, whether personally or in a group context, requires self-awareness, commitment and sustained practice. By combining Islamic teachings with the values of social solidarity and learning from other spiritual traditions, individual Muslims can find peace within themselves and strengthen bonds within their communities. In this process, continuous reflection and action are key to sustained spiritual growth.
Through this quest, we recognize that devotion is not only about ritual observance, but also about enriching the meaning of life and strengthening social bonds. By viewing devotion from both a personal and group perspective, Muslims can face modern challenges with courage and equanimity, while remaining connected to the rich spiritual heritage of the past.
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