South Tangerang, FAH News Online - The holy month of Ramadan has always been a place of worship that is awaited by Muslims throughout the world. This valuable momentum should be utilized to the full to develop students' intellectual capacity through strengthening literacy traditions. The Faculty of Adab and Humanities at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta documented Mutiara Ramadan's online study with Dr. Johan Wahyudi M. Hum. He highlighted how important it is for us to return to reading historical and literary works amidst the onslaught of the digital era. Moreover, if the blessings of seeking knowledge are integrated with fasting, then we also achieve a complete balance between intellectual intelligence and spiritual depth.

In his presentation, Dr. Johan explained that history provides valuable lessons about the dynamics of life in previous societies as a moral compass for modern humans. He gave an example of how the flexibility of da'wah methods must always be adapted to the challenges of the times. This can be seen from Walisongo's cultural strategy in the archipelago, especially Sunan Kalijaga who uses shadow puppet medium. Through the play "Jamus Kalimasada" which is a manifestation of the shahada, Sunan Kalijaga succeeded in instilling Islamic teachings peacefully without having to suppress the local traditions of the Majapahit people.

Apart from history, literary works also have an important position because of their ability to soften the heart and understand the humanist side of humans which is often unreachable by rigid academic literature. Dr. Johan gives an example of the masterpiece of the modern Arab writer, Ali Ahmad Bakasir, entitled Tsa'irul Ahmar, which photographs the resistance of slaves to the tyranny of the Pharaoh. The value of resistance to this oppression is also reflected in the English literature of George Orwell's masterpiece Animal Farm. These two works from different continents convey the same moral message, namely that the power of the lower societal entities should not be underestimated because they are able to overthrow unjust rulers.

The success of education at the tertiary level really depends on individual awareness to make reading a basic daily routine. Allocating special time to study literature is very mandatory so that the learning process is always seen as an urgent main need like the obligation to work or worship. He again gave an inspiring affirmation to all students at the end of his presentation. "Never forget our nature as learning creatures, by reading historical works and then by reading literary works we will always live a human nuance within ourselves," he said. In this way, the academic routine that is developed during this fasting month is guaranteed to be successful in producing civilized people who are always ready to contribute to caring for the pillars of civilization of their beloved nation.

Author: Andika Pratama /Kasih Nur/ Deny Saputra