The holy month of Ramadan has already been observed for 14 days—a blessed period that provides an opportunity for Muslims not only to do good deeds for others but also to engage in self-reflection to become better individuals. During Ramadan, people are taught to embrace simplicity in life.

In a lecture (Kultum) delivered by Mr. Ahmad Fariz BQ., Lc., M.Si., at the "UNDIRA Sharing Blessings" event held at the Cibubur campus, Jatisampurna, Bekasi, on March 11, 2025, the central theme was “Gratitude and the Benefits of Simplicity.”

He explained that Ramadan is a month filled with blessings. However, in this digital era, where societal validation often takes center stage, he posed the question, “What does it truly mean to be grateful?”

Mr. Ahmad Fariz emphasized that gratitude is the act of wholeheartedly accepting every blessing and gift given by Allah SWT, whether big or small. He further elaborated that humanity today lives in an era of blessings deficit. The more one strives to chase greater life achievements, the deeper one is swept into their own stream of thoughts.

“Don’t sacrifice your life chasing numbers. Let’s reflect—if we measure everything by numbers, how far can we actually go in chasing them?” he remarked. He invited all participants and guests to once again reflect on modern cultural tendencies that overly prioritize materialistic viewpoints.

Not everything can be based on worldly or transactional matters. Friendship, family, and even romantic relationships must be rooted in gratitude. According to him, gratitude will ultimately lead life toward Sakinah, Mawadah, and Warahmah (peaceful, loving, and blessed living).

He recounted the story of a prominent Islamic historical figure and the key reformer of the Umayyad central government, Caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, who left behind a mere 19 dirhams for each of his 13 sons as inheritance. However, Abdul Malik, his eldest son, later managed to donate 100 horses as an adult to support soldiers in fighting for Allah’s cause (Jihad Fisabilillah). With just 19 dirhams, Abdul Malik proved that material wealth is not the sole measure of success or human destiny.

This story teaches that simplicity, when balanced with effort and appreciation, will bear good fruits in due time.

Allah SWT demonstrates His power over life’s laws and teaches us how to appreciate life by reversing cause and effect. The more one chases cause and effect to control life, the more stressed they become. Simplicity helps individuals live within their means without overburdening themselves with attempts to control every aspect of life.

Through fasting during Ramadan, people are not only trained to restrain thirst and hunger—they are also taught to control desires, excessive ambition, and worldly greed. Trust that every provision has been preordained by Allah SWT. Simplicity is the true essence of life; appreciate even the smallest blessings to see the world in a brighter light.