COLOMBO : ‘The Colombo Times’ has on Monday, April 17. published a concise editorial on why “Iftar parties” should not be criticized as “tamashas.”
It is apparent that there is some amount of criticism about the manner in which some of the Iftar events are being organised during this Ramadan season. It pertains to concerns over venue, scale, profile and objective of Iftar events. Some reasonable-minded persons have commented that some of these events appeared extravagant. ‘Colombo Times’ editorial describes them as “Iftar parties” but refutes them being called “tamashas.”
Iftar, in its true meaning, is an occasion that manifests the spirit of fellowship and brotherly/sisterly care. Essentially it is observed within each household where families break fast together, sharing in food and reflecting a sense of spiritual awe. It has been a tradition within the Islamic society, that mosques and religious institutions also provide facilities for fasting people to break fast. The practice of hosting Iftar events in other places including in hotels and reception halls, evolved over time.
After reading the ‘Colombo Times’ editorial and reflecting on some of the criticism that has appeared, especially in the social media, it is clear that it is not necessarily the type of events mentioned in the editorial that are specifically criticised as tamashas. Conversely, the focus of criticism seems more on events organised by individuals as well as business or other entities for selected groups of people at some luxurious venues. Those individuals or entities do not just invite privileged people to iftar events (even as invitees are drawn from all religions and ethnicities). But they also give wide publicity to the event and participants, including the variety of dishes served, in a manner that flaunts their wealth, social status, or the class of people they are associated with.
There is no denying the fact that flaunting goes against the very spirit of Ramadan which puts premium on modesty and understanding towards the poor and the needy. Fully encapsulated in the Islamic concept of empathy, the essence of Ramadan lies in its emphasis on humility.
The contrast to the spirit of humility and empathy that Islam ordains all its adherents to manifest, not necessarily during Ramadan alone, is now becoming increasingly starker. Unconscionable situations have occurred in recent times when, after attending Iftars in the oppulent comfort of five star or six star hotels, guests are faced with the unpalatable reality of persons with begging bowls crying for food, just outside such luxurious venues.
Highlighting this contrast, however, is not meant to discourage organising Iftar events at all. It is rather a caution to be sensitive to the feelings of the vulnerable and marginalised, at a time the country is in the throes of an economic travail and when Islam emphasises the importance of humility.
Across the whole country, and especially in the western and eastern provinces, so many groups, small and big, have organised Iffat events and continue to do so until the end of Ramadan. There are amongst them past pupils’ associations (of different schools), sports clubs, youth organisations, social service associations, professional and occupational groups. Welfare associations of some government departments also organise Iftar events.
Many of them are well-intended events, drawing people from all levels of society. Some even stand out, for they bring together people from different faiths and communities. Commendably, multi-faith groups, or groups representing other faiths or communities than Muslim, also have hosted such Iftar events where values of co-existence, mutual respect, and solidarity are actively promoted. These are of course encouraging signs of resilience, robustness and inclusivity of the society that we live in.
The point, however, needs to be made, that a few Iftar events have been held in such a manner that there is no reflection of intrinsic worth and value of Iftar. Aspersions do arise when the social media is often awash with photographs of persons who attended and the variety of dishes served, names of VIPs, including visuals of their being garlanded on arrival, etc. It is unfortunate that such graphics appear to make those gatherings look more like political events.
Similar concern could also extend to one particular event that waa recently held, ostensibly to promote inter-communal understanding and harmony. It is not because anything was wrong with the objective per se. Rather it is because the character of a personality involved was not consistent with the image of a promoter of peace that the event sought to present. The invitation said it was being organised “at the request of the chief priest of a temple”, who was never known to have conducted himself in a manner that brought all communities together. Maybe there is a change of heart now, and if so, it is a welcome sign.
Overall, the criticism widely expressed regarding Iftar events recently is more specific and targeted than generic. It appears to be arising from concerns based on display of vanity, ego, or flaunt of wealth or social status in some of the events organised. Such events fly directly in the face of the principles of Islam, or of any faith or belief for that matter.
Let us care for the poor and the needy. Let us demonstrate humility and empathy. Let us ensure we reach out to our neighbours, beyond religion, language or ethnicity. Iftar is for that, nothing but. – A. L. A. Azeez
