Mohammad Yaseen Malik
The holy month of Ramadan is a time for reflection, self-discipline, and spiritual growth for Muslims around the world. It is a time of fasting, charity, and empathy towards the less fortunate. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable trend of individuals sharing pictures of their elaborate meals on social media platforms during Ramadan. While indulging in luxurious meals may be a personal choice, the act of sharing these pictures can have a detrimental impact on those who struggle to access even basic sustenance.
The Impact of Social Media on Fasting:
The rise of social media platforms has significantly impacted the way people observe Ramadan. In the past, individuals relied on their immediate community and local mosques to gather information about Ramadan activities, food arrangements, and prayer timings.
However, with the advent of social media, the scope of Ramadan activities has expanded exponentially. Individuals now have access to a wider range of information about Ramadan events, rituals, and food arrangements from across the world.
Particularly, the recent surge in social media vloggers sharing opulent food imagery during Ramadan has stirred contention within the Islamic community. These posts, while visually enticing, stray from the essence of the holy month, encouraging excessive indulgence and straying from the values of moderation and humility taught by Islam. They risk diverting attention away from the true spirit of Ramadan, which emphasizes compassion, empathy, and solidarity with the less fortunate. By glorifying extravagance, such content undermines the principles of equality and generosity that lie at the heart of Islam, Instead of fostering a sense of unity and understanding, such content can further widen the gap between social classes during this sacred month of giving and reflection.
Moreover, social media has also transformed the way people fast. With the emergence of food blogs, cooking channels, and recipe-sharing platforms, individuals are exposed to a variety of food items that were previously unknown to them.
This exposure has led to an increased interest in cooking and experimenting with new dishes, particularly during Ramadan.
However, the downside of this trend is the ostentatious display of food items on social media platforms. Sharing pictures of lavish meals and extravagant spreads during Ramadan can be perceived as insensitive, particularly in light of the struggles faced by individuals who are unable to access basic sustenance.
The Plight of the Less Fortunate:
The reality of Ramadan is that there are millions of individuals around the world who struggle to access even basic sustenance. For them, the act of breaking their fast with just water is a daily reality.
Moreover, for individuals who are unable to partake in Sehri, the pre-dawn meal, due to food insecurity, the concept of an elaborate Iftar meal is far-fetched.
The ostentatious display of food on social media platforms during Ramadan can be detrimental to the mental and emotional well-being of such individuals. It can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, shame, and anxiety, particularly for those who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Furthermore, the act of sharing pictures of elite food items during Ramadan can be seen as an act of insensitivity towards the struggles of the less fortunate. It is a stark reminder of the economic disparities that exist in our society and can be perceived as a callous display of privilege.
The Need for Compassion and Empathy:
In the spirit of Ramadan, it is vital to promote compassion and empathy towards the less fortunate. Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, selflessness, and community building. Instead of indulging in lavish meals and flaunting them on social media platforms, we should focus on extending kindness and generosity towards those in need.
There are several ways in which we can contribute to the well-being of the less fortunate during Ramadan. One such way is by supporting local food banks or charitable organizations that provide meals to the underprivileged. Another way is by donating to relief organizations that provide aid to individuals in regions affected by war, famine, or natural disasters.
Moreover, we should also strive to be more mindful of our actions and the impact they may have on others. It is important to remember that while indulging in luxurious meals may be a personal choice, sharing pictures of these meals on social media platforms during Ramadan can be perceived as insensitive.
