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 TaqwaDr. 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.
Islamic Broadcasting and Communication practitioner Dr. Zainun, M.A. (PHOTO: Muhammad Azwar)
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.
Islamic Broadcasting and Communication practitioner Dr. Zainun, M.A., delivers a sermon on the relationship between fasting and positive speech. (PHOTO: Muhammad Azwar).
Characteristics of the Prophet's CommunicationDr. Zainun outlined six features of the Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) communication:
Qaulan Layyinan – gentle, friendly, and heart-touching words.Qaulan Balighan – clear, effective, and direct expressions adapted to the listener's understanding.Qaulan Sadida – truthful words, free from manipulation.Qaulan Ma'rufa – beneficial speech that avoids slander or incitement.Qaulan Kariman – noble, polite, and respectful language, especially toward elders.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)REPORTER: Muhammad Azwar