Fasting Between the Poor and the Rich
Three different types of curries, casseroles, a roast, various chutneys, pickles and other side dishes weigh down the dining table. Bowls of haleem, a sustaining broth, and rich desserts round off the main courses. Mounds of pies, cutlets, samoosas, spring rolls and other savory fries complete the lavish spread. With a passing nod to the Sunnah, wealthy South African entrepreneur Cassim breaks his fast with a glass of water and a date before proceeding to the table that is weighed down by the provided iftar. Suhur (the morning meal) is just another opportunity for another greasy pig out session. In a month of sacrifice, this excess extends to the 'Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations where banquets, designer clothing and extravagant gifts are the order of the day. All this pomp and splendor is indulged in the name of God.
Beyond Decadence
In another part of the same suburb, another Muslim family are also observing the fast, albeit in a very different fashion. Ousmane and Khadija are refugees from war torn Congo. They break their fast with bread, water and the charity of their fellows. Ousmane’s meager security guard salary is barely enough to cover the rent of their dingy flat let alone the food. Why would an undernourished family take it on themselves to fast?
“We appreciate that there are others worse off than us. It is by the grace of Allah that we escaped and although life is not easy, we do not live in fear of bullets and bombs raining down on us. We give thanks to the Almighty every day for this.”
While 'Eid may provide a brief respite from hunger, the light is dimmed somewhat by the knowledge that the hardship is just a few days away.
This scenario is sadly all too common in an age when an auspicious occasion becomes irrelevant and tainted by debauchery. Muslim Youth Movement Chairperson Ibrahim Bufelo explains the significance of fasting and Ramadan on the Islamic calendar.
“Ramadan means instilling in human beings self restraint and rising above one’s desires and ego. A sense of simplicity and humility is paramount, not being ostentatious and extravagant. The body needs only basic sustenance to perform at optimum levels. We should not be greedy,” he said.
Bufelo maintained that the benefits of fasting and an austere lifestyle were not exclusive to followers of the Islamic faith and condemned those who indulged recklessly.
“The spiritual dimension of Ramadan lies in sacrifice and overcoming the ego. Understanding that all means of material production and sustenance belongs not to us but ultimately to the Creator. At the end of day, God consciousness. It is also relevant in these times when the culture of consumerism is the norm under global capitalism. The oppressed working class spend what they don’t have, trapped in debt. It is unfortunate many Muslims actually gain weight in Ramadan, eating enormous meals. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) disposed of any excess in his household every night throughout the year and not just in the Holy Month. It is an example that Muslims should try to emulate and a lesson for humanity,” he said.
This is the very antithesis of Islam in the Holiest of holy months - where class distinction is central in fulfillments of the tenets in unexpected ways.
Source: IOL
It doesnt matter whether you eat simple meals at home or in expensive restaurants, as long as you pay the zakaat(charity)that is required of you, then theres no reason to enjoy food without being wasteful.
are you preparing yourself for Itikaaf
all your comments in every topic are gems. I miss dweller's comments too
As, I yours.. That's what makes this diverse place so interesting..
I can fully understand your attitude, brit. However, I don't know who to thank in the first place. Would probably be my father who paid for my food, or his father who paid for his food. God is not my ideology. But I respect yours.
We have all strived to achieve what we have today. However, we should appreciate the fact that we are better off than most..
Thank you, ashok.
God bless you, too.
God bless you, Alex.
brit, I am not thankful for what I have! I worked for it.
You are correct.. Look at Rami's posting before that..
We should all be thankful for what we have and where possible try and help/aid those less fortunate.
I know brit, but wasn't my intention when i was posting that it go that direction.
it was just a reminder that there are less fortunate people.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
I wasn't saying you, but i felt that from past history, the thread would go in that direction..
yes, as long as nothing goes to waste, then it's ok.. and as long as the money used to buy those foods were not obtained through devious means..anyways, it doesn't really matter how much food is laid on the table, the spirit of the celebration is more important...
I am not Qatari and we have broken our fast in the hotels a few times.... and to be honest, we all exploit these workers every day in one way or another as we do nothing to lighten their plight but we all reaps the fruits of their labours.
A Kuwari family lives next door to us. Mashallah they open their gates every Iftar to anyone who needs a meal. There is another family about 10 minutes off that do the same thing, and even send food to homes where they know people are not as well off. Qatari charity has no end in Ramadan, so even if they wanna go to eat in a hotel every once in a while we cannot judge, maybe they are giving more than you think.
Brit i am not getting into Qatar bashing and the topic is not about Qataris, if you see the rich family in the article are from South Africa, and its not at all bashing but just to show different way people break fast.
and yes eating moderately is advised in islam very much, specially ramadan is the time one should enforce it.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
I think we're getting into the Qatari Bashing again..
As per your posting..
Fasting is a way of bringing oneself closer to God, whilst improving the character, learning restraint, compassion, care and sharing with fellow human beings.
The simple fact is that ALL OVER THE WORLD, people have iftar in different ways. The rich "usually' have oodles of food, whilst the not so well off don't. Its all to do with what you can afford and the lifestyle you lead.
I agree that there shouldn't be waste, but this occurs everywhere.. You could say the same for Christmas or Thanksgiving..
Rami the points you raised are open for debating, so now where are the rich-qataris? i guess they will be able to say something about that.
Me i am neither rich nor poor, alhamdulillah for what God has offered me.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Every night in Ramadan you will drive past tents bursting with labourers who don't have 2 riyals to rub together eating the free food on offer.
Down the road at the Ritz-Carlton you will see the super-wealthy Muslim Qataris, whose wealth has been built on the exploitation of those same laborers, dining until 2:30am at a 5-star all-you-can-stuff-in-your-fat-belly buffet.
What's to debate?
As a strange irony, the eagerness to exploit ex-patriate laborers by charging extortionate rent, has finally started to take a toll on the well-being and happiness of Qatari nationals, who now are finding it increasingly difficult to afford to secure accomodation themselves. More and more young Qataris are delaying getting married, and are seeking wives who want to work, leading to an inevitable breakdown in the traditional family values of a man providing for his wife. I guess greed gets you every time.
Debating is fine as long as it doesnt get nasty
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
hmm, i could smell the start of another debate here...