Ramzan: Obsession of social media killing charity spirit
The last Ashrah of Ramzan is reaching its end. The month of Ramzan is divided into three Ashrahs of 10 days each. The first 10 days reflect the mercy of Almighty Allah, the next 10 days represent forgiveness, and the last 10 days represent safety from the fire of hell. These are the days when people pray the most for being forgiven.
Fasting is not all that represents Ramzan. It is a month for self purification - purity of deeds accompanied by the purity of thoughts. Roza does not mean just remaining hungry all day long. Rather, roza is for the soul and the senses too. If a person can’t fast due to some illness or other reasons, then too roza of soul would apply to him / her. It includes honesty of thoughts, words and actions.
A rozedaar is supposed to control his anger, his senses, his desires and temptations. Any sort of indulgence makes the fast void.
However, at present, while we fast all day, our thoughts are still engaged in worldly schemes. Even while praying, the mind keeps plotting against people. Not only this; we strive hard to earn by any means.
There was a time when people used to fast and observe piety of thoughts and deeds during this month.
Ramzan used to be a month of prayers, charity and spirituality. Silent prayers and secret charity were the sole aims of rozedaars. But nowadays, some people pray just to show off. Masjids are full of people in the beginning of Ramzan, but by the end, the numbers have shrunk.
Some people also search for masjids where they can finish the ‘Taraweeh’ as soon as possible, and even some imams also think of getting various kinds of gifts and rewards. All these acts are against the essence of Ramzan.
Another important deed performed during this month is of charity. This is the soul of the religion, and it begins from home.
The Quran says in Surah Baqrah verse 177, “Give away wealth out of love for Him to the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and the beggars.” It is preferred to first help one’s nearest relatives, then the orphans and then the poor. Sometimes, people forget these words from Quran and ignore their needy relatives. Even if they help them, they attach many obligations to that, making the receiver feel troubled.
Many people also help others for propaganda and publicity. Every small action they perform must reach the social media as soon as possible. They do this so religiously that it appears that Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp are mediators between God and them. Islam says when you help someone with one hand, your other hand should not be aware of it. That is what we call ‘secret charity’. If we really want to help others, we don’t have to tell this to the world -- but only the receiver and Allah should know. Social media can be a place for sharing views, opinions, happinesses and sorrows, but it can’t be a platform for measuring one’s good deeds or charity.
Another aspect of Ramzan is iftaar. After a long day, the fast finishes with the ‘Maghrib Azaan’. There is a culture of inviting others too for iftaar. People organise iftaar parties during Ramzan and this year a new trend has started -- interfaith iftaar parties. It is a good attempt towards communal harmony.
However, sometimes, these iftaar parties become just a social gettogether where people flaunt their wealth, branded clothes and the costliest of foods. While doing so, they forget the real purpose of iftaar.
They forget to include those who are really deprived and focus on those who can publicise their ‘charitable deeds’. These days, social media platforms are full of photos of such iftaar parties.
They forget that while flaunting their wealth, they are also highlighting someone else’s poverty.
The real purpose of organising iftaar is to provide food to the underprivileged. But obsession with social media sites is somewhere killing the real spirit of charity and compassion.
DR SADAF FAREED