11/9/08
There is a danger that people are forgetting the original intention of Ramadan. The month is supposed to be one of abstinence and prayer, a time for charity and sympathy. Instead, like Christmas in the West, Ramadan is becoming almost the opposite, a time of rampant consumerism and conspicuous consumption. The “holy” aspect is being lost in competitiveness. Fasting has become imposed, a social more rather than a religious duty, and is losing its psychological impact as a result. Meanwhile, the lack of restraint once fasting is broken is a sign of a confusing lack of discipline among individuals who can refrain from smoking all day but then confess that they are unable to give up smoking for good because it is simply too hard. Charity gives way to expensive meals at expensive restaurants and all night binges at shopping malls and video shops.
