From Your 40s to Quranic Maturity: Excellence Toward Parents and Fruitful Gratitude
JAKARTA, INDONESIA –( 5 JANUARY 2026) – The verses of the Al-Qur’an are not merely read; they also reflect upon and examine human nature. This is evident in Surah Al-Ahqaf (46:15), which serves as a mirror to maturity particularly in addressing two fundamental questions on transforming awareness of the hereafter into strength, and turning gratitude into deeds pleasing to Allah. The explanation and discourse on reflecting upon this verse were delivered by His Excellency (YM) Sheikh Sofyan Siroj Abdul Wahab at a communication forum of the Indonesian Customary Council (Majelis Adat Indonesia/MAI), as part of discussions on moral and spiritual values that underpin community life.
The 40s age phase, referred to as “full maturity” (asyuddah) in the verse, marks a pivotal moment of self-reflection when physical strength remains intact, experience has been gained, and the reality of the hereafter draws closer. This awareness is not intended to instill fear, but to serve as a foundation for practicing ihsan (excellence in conduct) toward parents. Here, ihsan is not just about being kind, but encompasses a moral quality that includes gentle manners, consistent care, and willingness to serve without expecting anything in return.
As emphasized in a sahih hadith of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, honoring parents ranks among the most important deeds with mothers prioritized three times over fathers. Awareness of the hereafter also reminds us that the parent-child relationship is the first ethical school of life. If this foundational bond is damaged through disobedience, harshness, or neglect, the harm can easily spread to other relationships. Therefore, the imminence of the hereafter becomes a driving force to refine our conduct through concrete actions, such as making thoughtful phone calls, being fully present during visits, providing assistance without burdening parents, and offering sincere apologies.
The verse affirms that gratitude is not just words, but a shift in perspective where blessings are seen as trusts, not prizes for personal ego. To truly manifest gratitude as deeds pleasing to Allah, there are concrete steps that can be taken: intend gratitude as an act of worship by recognizing that all blessings come from Allah and are to be used in obedience to Him (Surah Ibrahim 14:7; Surah An-Nahl 16:114); frequently say alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah) and pray for parents’ well-being as a form of verbal gratitude (Surah Al-Isra 17:24); practice ihsan toward parents with gentle demeanor, avoiding harsh words (Surah Al-Isra 17:23), meeting their needs, and accompanying them in illness as a form of active gratitude; perform religious obligations such as timely prayer and avoid sin so that blessings are not used against the Giver (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:172); share and give alms from one’s provision as a form of social gratitude (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261), in line with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s saying: “Whoever is not grateful to people is not grateful to Allah.” (HR. Abu Dawud, sahih); and carry out small but consistent acts of goodness, as “The deeds most beloved to Allah are those that are consistent, even if small.” (HR. Bukhari-Muslim). Furthermore, mature gratitude fosters righteousness that is not just a personal endeavor, but a moral legacy as reflected in the verse’s prayer to improve one’s descendants. Meanwhile, repentance as a mechanism for renewal is a key part of Quranic maturity: not about believing one is always right, but about growing gentler, more grateful, and quicker to return to Allah.
SUMMARY:
The understanding of Surah Al-Ahqaf (46:15) presented by YM Sheikh Sofyan Siroj Abdul Wahab emphasizes that maturity is not about self-victory, but about awareness to return to core values ihsan, gratitude, and sincere repentance. Awareness of the hereafter becomes a strength to improve relationships with parents and the community, while gratitude is manifested not just through words, but through concrete actions aligned with Allah’s pleasure and humanistic values.
(Ed)
Source: Compiled from various sources
Media Center: Majelis Adat Indonesia (MAI)
Editor: Prime News Post – Executive Editorial Team
