Spirit Of Ramzan: Hyderabadis launch campaign to counsel people against excessive shopping, feasting

Hyderabad: Come Ramzan, people in Hyderabad launched a new campaign to encourage the community to focus on the spiritual essence of the holy month rather than excessive shopping and feasting.

Using the hashtag #SpiritOfRamzan, residents are calling for a return to the core values of fasting, worship, and self-restraint.

Traditionally, Ramzan is a month of fasting, devotion, and charity. However, in recent years, the city has seen a rise in commercial activities, with markets staying open 24 hours, food festivals gaining popularity, and night shopping becoming a trend. Community members behind the campaign argue that this shift detracts from the true purpose of Ramadan.

A Call to Restore Ramzan's True Purpose

Speaking to Newsmeter, Farhana Khan, Director of Millat Model High School in Chilkalguda and a social activist, emphasized the importance of spiritual reflection during this month. “Ramzan is a time for moderation, not indulgence. It is also a month for self-reflection, providing us an opportunity to cut down on extravagance and reduce excessive consumption, which has become a habit for many,” she said.

She pointed out how the focus has shifted from worship to social outings, saying, “Ramzan is now associated more with Haleem than Taraweeh, more with dahi bade than charity, more with nights out and suhoor parties than qiyam ul lail.”

Concerns Over 24-Hour Shops and Ramzan Expos

A major concern for the campaigners is the Telangana government’s decision to allow businesses to operate through the night during Ramzan, fueling consumerism. Community members argue that the move contradicts the principles of the holy month, which emphasizes simplicity and spiritual rejuvenation.

Maria Arifuddin, an educationist & social activist, another supporter of the initiative, criticized the commercialization of Ramzan. “The purpose of Ramzan is the spiritual growth of Muslims by cultivating values like God-consciousness, piety, empathy, and charity. The rising trend of shopping expos and 24-hour businesses is taking away from this purpose,” she said.

She urged people to shift their spending habits to the month of Shaban, which precedes Ramzan, and to focus on spiritual activities instead.

Haleem: From Nutritional Staple to Commercial Trend

Haleem, a high-protein dish traditionally consumed to replenish energy levels after a day of fasting, has now become a food trend in Hyderabad. In recent years, the dish has gained immense popularity beyond its original purpose, with food bloggers, influencers, and self-proclaimed foodies organizing haleem tastings and night outings to try different versions across the city. These gatherings, often held late at night, have turned into social events, shifting focus away from the spiritual essence of Ramzan.

Community members believe that this trend goes against the true spirit of the holy month. Supporters of the #SpiritOfRamzan campaign are urging people to enjoy Ramzan meals within their homes while prioritizing the worship and reflection that define the month.

Islamic Perspective on Ramzan and Materialism

The campaigners are also sharing teachings from Islamic texts to reinforce their message. A hadith from Sahih Muslim 1151 states, “Every good deed of the son of Adam would be multiplied, a good deed receiving a tenfold to seven hundredfold reward. Except fasting, for it is done for Me, and I will give a reward for it, for one abandons his passion and food for My sake.”

The movement highlights that fasting is not just about abstaining from food but also about controlling desires, avoiding unnecessary indulgences, and focusing on acts of worship.

Encouraging Community Action

As part of the #SpiritOfRamzan initiative, campaigners are urging people to spread awareness by creating posters, recording messages, and circulating them within their communities. They are also calling for discussions within families and religious gatherings to refocus on the spiritual significance of the month. “Let us work together to regain the real essence of this month and the blessings of Allah, refraining from the pleasures of the world for a more spiritual rejuvenation,” said Farhana Khan.

The movement has gained traction on social media, with many residents supporting the call to prioritize prayer, charity, and self-discipline over excessive consumerism.

Looking Ahead

The #SpiritOfRamzan campaign aims to spark a broader conversation on how Ramzan is observed in Hyderabad. While cultural traditions evolve, the initiators of this movement hope that the core values of the holy month remain intact.

With Ramzan set to begin soon, the success of this initiative will depend on how the community responds to the call for a return to its spiritual roots.