ID :
292499
Wed, 07/10/2013 - 09:50
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/292499
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When Indulgence Overtakes Abstinence During Ramadan
By Melati Mohd Ariff
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- Ramadan calls for abstinence from many of
the human desires but there are some who end up in indulgence instead during the
holy month.
During Ramadan Muslims abstain from food, drinks and anything considered
unholy in thought and action from dusk to dawn to help them achieve spiritual
purification.
Ramadan also helps Muslims to reflect on their own blessings and the plight
of others.
On the ground, however, the reality is slightly different. Particularly for
those who yield to temptation easily, the inherent spirit of the holy month
notwithstanding, when they end up in extravagance.
Extravagance is not limited to only food or drinks; people splash money on
items such as furniture, furnishings and vehicles. Indulgence is the name of the
game, and sadly it all happens in the name of religion.
RAMADAN BUFFET
Most Muslims are taught from childhood that the month of Ramadan is meant
for fasting, to purify the body and soul and seek the blessings of Allah.
Nevertheless, for some the month actually witnesses their desires growing by
leaps and bounds.
In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say that like many other festivals,
the holy month of Ramadan too is becoming more and more commercialised.
This is evident in the numerous advertisements aimed at Ramadan revelers
that start appearing even before the commencement of the holy month.
The special Ramadan buffet, for instance, that are promoted with a gusto
could tempt anyone into eating more than they normally would, especially when
the spread features a number of delicious dishes, all placed right in front.
There are people who actually break their fast at some swank hotel to pamper
their taste buds and to try different cuisines. So much for self-discipline and
abstinence.
This year, clever businessmen began promoting Ramadan buffets as early as
June although the fasting period only begins on July 10.
Everywhere you go, advertisements in the form of banners and hoardings stare
down at you. Some hotels and newspapers are promoting attractive deals on
special treats. In one newspaper ad, a 'buka puasa' menu featured more than 150
authentic Malay and international dishes.
Such buffet meals cost approximately RM70 (US$22) for adults and RM35
(US$11) for senior citizens and children in the early part of the month. As the
month passes, there is a possibility of the price going up based on the demand.
Meanwhile, those opting for these buffet style meals would have to ensure
that the food is halal, and so it would be better if they checked whether the
premises have been certified by Jakim (the Islamic Development Department).
BAZAAR RAMADAN
Food is not the only item on which the devout Muslims spend their money when
they go to the Ramadan bazaars and other outlets.
This festive season, like in the previous years, food bazaars will be
selling various types of foods, including dishes that are only served during
Ramadan. Menus will cover food from various regions—northern, southern, east
coast, and the Middle East.
When one visits these bazaars, one is sure to return home loaded with
packets of food and a number of beverages such as sugarcane and coconut water.
Sadly, people end up buying so much food that not all of it is consumed;
some will be refrigerated and the rest will be discarded.
A report published last month claimed that Malaysians discard 15,000 tonnes
of food everyday! In Kuala Lumpur alone, leftover food thrown away everyday
amounts to about 3,000 tonnes, while in Georgetown in northern state of Penang,
it amounts to 355 tonnes.
Meanwhile, it is not only waste that Muslim consumers have to think about
during Ramadan but also the implications of overeating. In fact, many people are
diagnosed with diabetes and other diseases, and such bouts of over-indulgence
may be detrimental to their health.
HOME COOKED MEALS
According to Mona Nor, a civil servant, Ramadan is not about spending money
indiscriminately. She has been exercising prudence to the extent that she does
not even allow people to purchase food and bring it to her house.
Every year, this mother of four children between the ages of 11 and 22,
comes up with her own Ramadan menu.
Though her menu has remained unchanged for the past few years, her children
still look forward to Ramadan every year and enjoy the home cooked meals when
breaking fast.
"The weekend menu is their favourite," she said, adding that on Saturdays,
the menu would include 'sup tulang' (beef bone soup) and 'sambal ikan' (spicy
fish), while on Sundays the family eats seafood 'rendang'.
Fish head curry and Malay dishes cooked using coconut milk are some of the
popular delights during the month, she said, adding that about RM200 (US$62.85)
would be spent weekly to purchase all the ingredients including the dry
provisions.
Mona is one of the many wives and mothers who take care of the family meals
this way during the month of Ramadan.
This not only reduces household expenses but also ensures that family
members partake quality food since food cooked outside contains additional
sugar, salt and seasonings such as monosodium glutamate (MSG).
JALAN TAR
Meanwhile, one of the places in Kuala Lumpur where Muslims converge during
Ramadan is Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman or Jalan TAR.
During a visit to this busy street recently, the Ramadan bazaar there well
patronised to the extent it was even difficult to walk on the lane in between
the stalls without knocking into someone.
No afternoon heat could have stopped these shoppers, who were shopping for
the traditional Malay attire, the baju kurung and scarves for women and the
'baju Melayu' for men, which they will don on 'Hari Raya' (eid il fitr) day
marking the end of Ramadan.
Hari Raya cookies were also among the popular items there, purchased by
those unable to prepare cookies on their own during the festive period.
SUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF GOODS
While there has been no report so far on shortage of supplies, the festive
period is often associated with such instances, especially when it comes to
essential items like sugar and cooking oil.
Recently, the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism
issued a statement assuring people of sufficient supply of essential goods
throughout the festive period.
The ministry is also expected to monitor suppliers and traders to ensure
that there is no hike in the prices of these goods.
There is a possibility that some consumers will purchase these items in
larger quantities to guard against any shortage. Consumers should spend wisely
and purchase items in the required quantities.
Perhaps it would be good to remember that the month of Ramadan calls for
abstinence and not overindulgence. A time of reflection and rejuvenation for
Muslims around the world must not be spent in anyway that smacks decadence.
-- BERNAMA