Exposing the Real Devil’s Rise in Pakistan During Ramadan

Introduction

Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a time of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth. It is believed that during this sacred period, the gates of hell are closed, and devils are chained, allowing believers to focus on worship and good deeds. However, in recent years, a different kind of evil seems to rise in Pakistan during Ramadan—one that is not supernatural but rather societal. The true "devil" manifests in the form of price hikes, food wastage, unethical business practices, and growing intolerance. This article explores how these issues plague Pakistani society during Ramadan and what can be done to counteract them.

1. Skyrocketing Prices and Hoarding

One of the most prevalent issues during Ramadan in Pakistan is the dramatic rise in the prices of essential commodities. Despite the government’s efforts to regulate prices, shopkeepers and wholesalers take advantage of the increased demand by hoarding goods and inflating costs. Items such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products become almost unaffordable for the lower-income class.

Causes of Price Hikes

• Artificial Shortages: Some traders deliberately hoard goods to create artificial scarcity and increase prices.
• Increased Demand: The demand for food and groceries spikes during Ramadan, leading to price inflation.
• Weak Government Regulations: Despite efforts to impose price controls, enforcement remains ineffective due to corruption and lack of strict monitoring.

Potential Solutions

• The government must implement strict price control mechanisms and punish hoarders.
• Citizens should report unethical practices to consumer protection agencies.
• Encouraging community-run markets that sell items at fair prices could help combat this issue.

2. Food Wastage and Overconsumption

Ramadan is a time of fasting and self-restraint, yet ironically, it has become a period of excessive eating and food wastage. Lavish Iftar buffets and extravagant home meals result in tons of wasted food daily.

Reasons Behind Food Wastage

• Cultural Trends: Many families prepare excessive amounts of food for Iftar, fearing they might not have enough.
• Buffet Culture: Restaurants offer "all-you-can-eat" buffets, leading to overconsumption and wastage.
• Lack of Awareness: Many people do not realize the impact of food wastage and the importance of sharing excess food with those in need.

How to Reduce Wastage

• Cook and serve only what is necessary.
• Donate excess food to shelters and food banks.
• Restaurants should implement policies to distribute surplus food to the needy.

3. Unethical Business Practices

Another major issue that rises during Ramadan is the exploitation of religious sentiments for commercial gain. Businesses aggressively market products as “Ramadan specials” and create unnecessary demand for non-essential items.

Forms of Unethical Business Practices

• False Advertising: Misleading claims about health benefits of certain foods to boost sales.
• Exploitative Pricing: Items like dates and drinks see an unjustified price surge.
• Commercialization of Religion: TV channels and brands use religious programming as a means to generate profit rather than genuinely spreading Islamic teachings.

Steps to Counter These Practices

• Public awareness campaigns should educate consumers about their rights.
• Government intervention is needed to regulate false advertising.
• Consumers should support ethical businesses that uphold fair trade practices.

4. Growing Intolerance and Lack of Patience

Ramadan is meant to be a time of patience and empathy, yet it often becomes a period of increased road rage, workplace conflicts, and intolerance toward those who are not fasting.

Reasons Behind Increased Intolerance

• Hunger and Fatigue: Fasting can lead to irritability, causing people to lose patience quickly.
• Societal Pressure: Some individuals force others to observe Ramadan strictly, leading to unnecessary confrontations.
• Lack of Proper Islamic Understanding: True Islamic teachings emphasize kindness and patience, but many fail to implement them in daily life.

Ways to Promote Tolerance

• Educational initiatives to teach the real values of Ramadan.
• Encouraging self-control and mindfulness during fasting.
• Promoting a culture of respect for diversity, including for those who may not be fasting.

5. Charity and Social Responsibilities

While Ramadan is also a time for increased charity and helping the underprivileged, many people and organizations turn it into an opportunity for publicity rather than genuine assistance.

Issues in Charitable Activities

• Selective Giving: Some charities focus more on visibility rather than reaching those truly in need.
• Publicity Stunts: Many individuals and businesses donate just for social media attention rather than sincere goodwill.
• Lack of Sustainable Support: Charity is often limited to Ramadan, while the poor need assistance throughout the year.

Improving the Culture of Giving

• Promote anonymous donations that prioritize the welfare of the recipients.
• Encourage long-term social programs rather than just one-time giving.
• Support small-scale initiatives that directly impact underprivileged communities.

Conclusion

The real "devil" rising in Pakistan during Ramadan is not a supernatural entity but rather the societal issues that contradict the true spirit of the holy month. From price gouging and food wastage to intolerance and commercial exploitation, these challenges diminish the values of Ramadan. Addressing them requires collective effort from the government, businesses, and individuals. By promoting ethical practices, controlling greed, and embracing the true teachings of Islam, Pakistan can reclaim the sanctity of Ramadan and ensure that it remains a month of blessings and self-improvement for all.