The Phenomenon of Mokel Behavior, Breaking Fast Intentionally in the Month of Ramadan
By: H. Sujaya, S. Pd. Gr.
The phenomenon of “mokel” carried out by young people by intentionally breaking their fast before its time, is a trend that is quite worrying.
*Meaning and Origin:*
“Mokel” comes from Javanese which means breaking fast intentionally before its time.
This phenomenon often occurs in Central Java and East Java, but is now increasingly popular throughout Indonesia through social media.
*Reasons and Impacts:*
1. Lazy or Can’t Stand It
Mokel is often done because of being lazy to fast or can’t stand hunger/thirst.
2. Social Pressure Social pressure to fast can also be a factor, making people feel forced but not serious.
3. Lack of Awareness This phenomenon shows a lack of awareness of the essence of fasting, which is not only holding back hunger and thirst, but also training self-control and increasing piety.
4. Damaging Perception Mokel displayed openly on social media can damage the perception of the younger generation about fasting.
*Law and Threats:*
1. Religious Violation Breaking the fast intentionally without a sharia reason (such as illness) is a religious violation.
2. Obligatory Qadha and Expiation
Perpetrators of mokel are required to replace the fast (qadha) on another day and pay expiation (fine) according to the provisions of a particular school of thought.
*Importance of Awareness:*
1. Fasting is an opportunity to get closer to Allah SWT.
2. Respect the holy month of Ramadan by carrying out worship seriously.
3. Avoid mokel behavior that can reduce the value of worship.
*Conclusion:*
The mokel phenomenon is an important reminder to increase awareness of the meaning and essence of fasting. This behavior needs to be avoided and changed by increasing understanding of the spiritual values of Ramadan.
Indramayu. 30/3/2025
—
