Ramadan Shopping
By Sarah Kaleem Ahmed
The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most precious among all the other nights. The last ten includes one night which Allah says is better than 1000 months.
Yet, the majority of the population begins its Eid shopping only in these last ten nights. You can see streets crowded with people all set to buy clothes, accessories and shoes for their family and themselves.
Some of those people who really want to spend Ramadan's grand finale in doing good deeds tend to prepare themselves in the first two weeks of this month. But not everyone is rich! Not everyone can afford the branded couture!
Most of them rely on retail shops which offer a wide range of collection in affordable prices. These retail shops are fully aware of their demand in the market and that the majority of people come to them. Hence, they exploit the commoners by sending them back. On asking one of the salesperson of a textile shop, why there were no new designs, pat came the reply, “Sister, please do visit us 2-3 days before Eid; the latest designs arrive only at that time.”
This situation is not restricted to one shop. After visiting around 10-12 shops, it was clear that these retailers apply this strategy to earn huge money toward the end of Ramadan. Last-minute rushes cause chaos and havoc because they create a breeding ground for all sorts of non-Islamic activities like gender mixing. Nobody wants to compromise on their costume or accessories. Everyone wants to look their best on Eid. People are ready to pay a higher price to get what they wish because they know the salesperson will hardly let them bargain.
Vacation for government employees was announced starting from Aug. 25 up to Sept. 4 and office hours were reduced for both public and private sectors by King Abdullah. But the system of shopping in the end is creating a barrier to all the efforts and measures taken to ensure that each Muslim gets ample time and opportunity to say voluntary prayers, ask for repentance, do more and more good deeds and most importantly make full use of the Night of Laylatul Qadr which falls in one the last ten nights.
It is now uncertain whether these shops are really out of latest stock, or as stated above, just apply this technique to earn higher profits. Whatsoever the reason is, it is high time that the practice going on for years was put to an end.
In order to solve enormous problems, the small problems need to be taken care of. After all, doesn't one deserve the right to purchase according to his convenience rather than be compelled to comply with these few men?
Source: Arab News
URL: http://www.newageislam.com/islamic-culture/ramadan-shopping/d/5253