THE month of Ramadan has come and gone, and we are not sure whether we would be around to welcome it next year.
After going through the religious discipline of Ramadan, which encompasses physical deprivation and soul searching, we would be expected to be much wiser and more appreciative of the plight of the poor and the destitute, who constantly experience hunger.
At the same time, the experience should have impressed upon us the value of food and the need to minimise its waste as Ramadan is, in fact, the celebration of self-restraint rather than the splurge and gorging of food during breaking of fast.
The discipline of self-restraint during Ramadan should be carried over to Aidilfitri celebration in the month of Syawal. The celebration should be moderate and observe a semblance of austerity. All the goodness of Ramadan should be observed not only during Syawal but also until the next Ramadan.
Malaysians are well known for their hospitality in celebrating Aidilfitri by having numerous government, corporate and personal open houses.
Thousands of people throng these open houses to partake in the feast and to be entertained by artistes. The number of visitors and the selection of food offered measure the success of these open houses. It will be more felicitous if royalty or important political figures grace the occasion.
Considering the current financial situation, perhaps we should review the practice of lavish open houses which only leave some feeling good and the possibility of food wastage. We should view it as part of ibadah, and not merrymaking and for publicity.
Instead, the money will be better spent to feed the poor and destitute, and to help poor families. This will be more meaningful and in the spirit of celebrating Aidilfitri. Such acts will bless the country and its leaders.
MOHAMED GHOUSE
NASURUDDIN, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang