ID :
292499
Wed, 07/10/2013 - 09:50
Auther :

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

X