Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

Ramadan is not Just Hunger & Thirst

Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar has approached. It is a distinguished Islamic month in which it is obligatory for every Muslim to keep fast during the whole day, avoid committing sins as far as possible and help the poor people. Holy Quran, the sacred book of Muslims got completed in Ramadan which makes the month especially distinct for the Muslim world. During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.

The purpose is Ramadan is reminding the people and the ruler of their responsibilities and roles in a society as human beings. In Afghanistan, where people are in dire need of peace and justice, there is much need to spread the real message of Ramadan.

The main objective of remaining hungry and thirsty in the month of Ramadan is to feel the hunger and thirst of deprived section of society. The rich section of society and government are expected to assist the needy people by sharing their suffering and assisting them by whatsoever means possible to them. In practice, however, except a few poverty relief organizations and popular public figures, nobody including the government seems to be caring about those in dire need of help. The purpose of Ramadan is unfortunately being confined to not eating and not drinking and no measures are in place to provide incentives to the poor people who make around 60 percent of population of Afghanistan. 

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, in addition to bad security, the prices of basic necessities reach new highs doubling the suffering of the people of Afghanistan. In the markets there has been up to 50 percent increment in the prices of basic necessities in the last few days or so. The prices are expected to rise further in the coming days, especially as we move towards the end of this month. Already ruined and in grief due to the three decades of war, rising prices will add to the suffering of the people. Every year the same practice is replayed in Afghanistan which is quite a misfortunate in a country which is one of the poorest in the world. Also, it discredits the functioning of government to alleviate of poverty.