A month of blessings

Sacrifice, austerity, empathy, compassion and moderation are some of the messages which are attached to the true spirit of Ramzan, but it seems that we have drifted miles away from all these core values and adopted, instead, profligacy, extravagance, superficiality, insensitivity and pomp and show. We spend extravagantly during this holy month and do not care about underprivileged people. This habit of over-spending has given rise to inflation which badly affects the underprivileged. According to the report of Global Hunger Index, 40 percent of the cooked food prepared for the wedding parties and other functions goes to waste. It is shocking that during Ramazan this percentage increases manifold.

Our wealthy and well-off class should pay attention to the GHI report before squandering their money in such careless way. The report presents a very dismal and precarious situation. It says that 50 percent Pakistani children are stunted, 43 percent people remain food insecure and other 22 percent people are malnourished. These figures are not encouraging at all. Our religion teaches us to take care of our neighbours before taking care of our own. Indeed, the sacred month of Ramazan is an occasion of self-reflection and introspection. This year, let’s vow to work for the betterment of the financially marginalised class.

Muhammad Fayyaz

Mianwali