It feels as though time has flown by, and we once again encounter a moment that tests not only our patience but also our faith: the Holy Month of Ramadan 1447 H, which falls on February 19, 2026.

In the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is not merely a marker of time or a ritual of restraining hunger and thirst. The Holy Month of Ramadan can be interpreted as a momentum to draw closer to Allah SWT, as well as a time for self-reflection. It is a moment where the biological and psycho-spiritual dimensions of humans are recalibrated to achieve optimal performance.

Essentially, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar, during which Muslims are obliged to fast. However, from a broader perspective, Ramadan is a period of total detoxification—both for the body and the soul—that possesses a strong scientific foundation as well as a profound spiritual impact.

Temporarily restricting excessive food intake is known to increase the production of proteins that play a role in triggering the growth of new cells in our bodies. When we fast, we directly give our bodies a moment to rest or minimize the workload of processing food. Furthermore, the body has the opportunity to eliminate toxins more effectively due to a more minimalist dietary pattern.

Beyond the physical aspect, Ramadan is a high-level exercise in psychological discipline. Restraining oneself from things that invalidate the fast—including anger and impulsive behavior—is, in essence, training in emotional regulation.

For an academic, the ability to regulate emotions is crucial when facing the pressure of deadlines, exams, or the dynamics of scientific discussion. Fasting trains us to create a pause between stimulus (hunger or emotional triggers) and response (action), thereby cultivating a calmer and wiser personality.

Moreover, the conducive atmosphere of Ramadan encourages an improvement in the quality of worship, which impacts mindfulness, or in Islamic terminology, khusyu. Khusyu is a state of inner calm and full focus during worship. This mental state correlates closely with the ability for deep concentration ("deep work"). Students or lecturers who are accustomed to practicing khusyu tend to have a better attention span when dissecting literature or completing complex academic tasks.

Fundamentally, the Holy Month of Ramadan is neither a barrier to productivity nor a trigger for laziness, but rather the beginning of achieving the best version of ourselves. By understanding the biological mechanisms and psychological benefits behind it, the academic community is expected to undergo Ramadan not merely as the fulfillment of an obligation, but as a strategic momentum to sharpen intellectuality and mature spirituality.