Amir Suhail Wani

Muslims around the world are filled with joy, eagerly expecting the mercy, blessings, and forgiveness that Allah promises during this special time of Ramzan. This month is an opportunity for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and closeness to Allah. However, alongside the excitement and religious fervour, there is a growing concern gripping many, particularly in Muslim-majority countries—exorbitant rates, inflation, black marketing, and soaring prices.

In South Asian countries, where Muslims make up the majority of the population, Ramzan brings with it not only a heightened sense of devotion but also a noticeable shift in the economy. The ripple effects of surging prices and shortages during this time often make basic commodities—from everyday essentials like onions and meat to clothing, cosmetics, and other goods—skyrocket in price.

Price hikes disproportionately affect lower-middle-income groups, rendering essential items inaccessible to those who already live on the financial edge. This trend is not limited to any single region; even governments, which typically regulate the cost of goods, struggle to control the soaring prices that accompany Ramzan.

At first glance, the price rise during Ramzan may seem like an inevitable consequence of supply and demand. However, many place the blame squarely on merchants and businessmen, accusing them of exploiting the holy month for profit. While there may be truth to this observation, the underlying causes are far more complex. In reality, there are multiple factors contributing to this issue. The economic bottlenecks, food insecurity, and inability of large segments of the population to meet their basic needs during  Ramzan are not merely a result of greedy merchants but are a reflection of a broader, systemic problem that intertwines economic instability, poor regulation, and rising global inflation.

Ironically, while significant portions of the population struggle to afford food during this blessed month, an equally concerning phenomenon is massive food wastage. The sheer scale of food being wasted during  the month is enough to feed those who are suffering from hunger. One of the primary drivers of this waste is the mindset of many individuals who, influenced by cultural expectations and social pressures, believe that  Ramzan is about feasting as much as it is about fasting.

This expectation leads to the preparation of an overwhelming amount of food, much of which ends up uneaten. According to the United Nations Environment Programme’s 2021 report, The State of Food Waste in West Asia, between 25% and 50% of food prepared during  in the Arab world is wasted, representing an enormous waste of resources, labour, and money.

The issue here is not just one of economic disparity or poor planning. It is rooted in a deeper, more troubling misunderstanding of what it truly represents. Rather than being seen as month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual purification, Ramzan is often treated as a month of indulgence and excess.

During the day, Muslims observe the obligatory fast, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs. However, when it comes to the suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (meal at sunset to break the fast), these moments have increasingly become opportunities for excessive consumption and gluttony. The widespread practice of extravagant iftar parties, with their lavish spreads and indulgent displays of food, contradicts the very essence of what  is meant to teach. Rather than embodying the values of moderation, simplicity, and gratitude, many of these practices encourage a culture of material excess and showmanship, distorting the purpose of the month.

To realign ourselves with the true spirit of Ramzan , we must make a conscious effort to amend our habits and attitudes. It  should be about balance—spiritual discipline, physical restraint, and a deeper connection with Allah. If we continue down the path of overconsumption, we risk negating the benefits that fasting.

Excessive eating during suhoor and iftar, while seemingly harmless at the moment, undermines the intended medical benefits of fasting—such as improving digestion, regulating weight, and detoxifying the body. More importantly, it diminishes the spiritual merits of fasting. Rather than cultivating humility, self-restraint, and empathy, gluttony, and indulgence only distance us from the true purpose of  Ramnzan and increase the likelihood of earning divine displeasure.

The link between the problem of inflation, scarcity of goods, and the demand for food during  the holy month is undeniable. Items we rarely consume during the rest of the year suddenly become in high demand. This surge in demand exacerbates the pressures on the economy, driving prices even higher. What should be a time for physical and spiritual self-control instead becomes a month of overindulgence, where people abandon their ability to practice moderation in favour of filling their plates and stomachs.

Of course, it is not wrong to enjoy permissible foods; Islam does not prohibit us from eating. However, what is essential is to guard against the dangers of gluttony and excessive consumption.  is not meant to be an opportunity to feast but rather a time to focus on restraint, reflection, and empathy.

One of the most important lessons of Ramzan is to awaken our consciousness to the suffering of those who cannot afford even two square meals a day. To empathize with the poor and underprivileged, we must control our desires and avoid excessive indulgence during suhoor and iftar. How can we claim to experience the true meaning of Ramzan when we ignore the message of empathy and generosity that fasting is meant to instill? The true purpose of this month is at risk of being overshadowed by material excess, as the religious practice of fasting is reduced to a hollow ritual rather than a transformative experience.

Now, more than ever, we must reclaim Ramzan for what it was intended to be—a time of spiritual growth, balance, and blessings. We must give up the false accretions which have crept into the month and return to true essence. This means embracing moderation and mindfulness, not only in what we consume but also in how we approach the month itself.  is not about how much food we can consume or how lavish our iftar parties are. It is about cultivating a deeper connection with Allah, strengthening our relationship with Him, and gaining a heightened sense of compassion for those in need.

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Let Ramzan be a time of personal reflection and growth, where we take active steps to avoid the distractions of gluttony, material excess, and social competition. Instead, let it be a month to focus on inner peace, spiritual renewal, and minndful consumption.