Editorial
Welcome holy Ramadan
Let us observe it in its true spirit
The holy Ramadan, a month of self-purification through fasting, begins across the country today as the new crescent moon was sighted yesterday evening in Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh, as elsewhere in the Muslim world, the faithful have begun to observe fasting through abstinences/ denying themselves foods and drinks between sunrise and sunset. But observing Ramadan in its true spirit does not end with merely abstaining from food and drinks. How faithful a Muslim is get tested in this month through the rigours of fasting, praying, purging one's body, mind and soul of all vices and sinful acts. Islam dictates that by realising the pain of hunger and thirst through fasting, a Muslim would feel compassion towards the indigent ones who find it hard to get two square meals a day. In this way, they are expected to understand the message of Almighty that all humans feel equally when exposed to the sufferings of starvation, thirst and other kinds of worldly cravings.
In Bangladesh, with the advent of Ramadan, a section of people are found to commit the worst form of haram (the forbidden things in Islam). They adulterate food items, apply poisonous chemicals to preserve fruits, hoard essential commodities and hike up their prices manifold to earn windfall profits without any qualm. Worse still, we are alarmed to see a section of traders, wholesalers and retailers colluding together to artificially raise the prices of essentials in the month of Ramadan. The practice has become somewhat of a ritual in itself and it is hoped that this year, the authorities will make headway in containing prices within acceptable levels to lessen the pains of the people who have borne the brunt of severe food inflation for the better part of the year. It is hoped that the Muslims in Bangladesh will shun such sinful practices, establish the true spirit of Ramadan, and be compassionate and tolerant towards their fellow people in every sphere of life.
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