Emancipate Inmates Instead Of An ‘iftar’ Show Off

07 May 2019 Opinion

OFFICIAL reports issued in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) show that the annual wastage of food, especially in the blessed month of Ramadan, amounts to about $33 billion. This figure exceeds the combined budgets of some Arab countries.

It is a fact that a lot of showing off is associated with this blessed month in many aspects, primarily in what is known as ‘iftar’ (breaking the fast) banquets.

Almighty Allah prohibited extravagance and wastage, and insisted on cooperation and exerting efforts to relieve the harm and trouble of each other.

Thus, majority of those who resort to flaunting and showing off during this month, especially in banquets and feasts, are in violation of the Divine Order.

Ironically, most of those benefiting from such meals are not really in need compared to someone who is in jail for failure to pay a loan; let alone the fact that most loans belong to those showing off their generosity by sponsoring ‘iftar’ banquets.

A certain percentage of families ended up inheriting loans left by their kin who passed away.  This means adding burdens that families have to bear, particularly as a result of interest piling up.

Worst of all, the creditor, without a sense of humanity, invests on prolonging the debt period in order to optimize ‘haram’ returns.

In addition, a considerable number of banks organize such banquets and participate in charitable and philanthropic activities; while sending a significant number of people to jail due to cases filed against them for inability to pay loans.

Such suffering afflicts many families in the GCC and other regions. They can be saved from this suffering; for instance, by allocating the money wasted annually on show off ‘iftar’ banquets to help those unable to fulfill their loan obligations.

The money wasted on ‘iftar’ is enough to lift the debt burden on thousands of debtors; especially those involved in bounced cheque cases in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.

In fact, such amount is enough to implement productive schemes to absorb the impoverished, needy and unemployed people.  All this is in line with the divine teachings which we assume to adhere to.

Almighty Allah says: “The pious will live amidst gardens and springs, receiving their reward from their Lord.  They were righteous people before the Day of Judgment.  They slept very little during the night and asked for forgiveness early morning.  They allotted a share of their property for the needy and the destitute.  On Earth, there is evidence (of the Truth) for those who have strong faith.  There is also evidence of the Truth within your own selves.  Will you then not see?” (Quran 51:15-21)

Also, Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Upon Him) said: “… If anyone fulfills his brother’s needs, Allah will fulfill his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah will relieve his troubles on the Day of Resurrection; and if anyone covers up a Muslim (his sins), Allah will cover him up (his sins) on Resurrection Day.”

 Does anyone contemplate and practice these words of Almighty Allah and the teachings of His Messenger (PBUH)?

: 364

Comments Post Comment

Leave a Comment