Editorial
The month of self-purification
Live up to the inner message of Ramadan
WITH the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world embrace a life of self-abnegation, purity of soul and spirituality of the mind that is far removed from the crass materialism of day to day world. It is a month in which the faithful forsakes food and drink during day time thereby feeling the pinch of hunger and thirst that draws him nearer and binds him in an empathetic relationship to the less fortunate of his fellow beings. He emerges bodily purified and spiritually elevated through austere living, prayers and supplication before the Almighty.
One of the chief messages to be drawn from the experience is the total commitment to the welfare of the humanity, for service to humanity is the pathway to Allah. We learn to be conscionable, honest, ethical and corruption-free in our dealings with fellow human beings. In the national and societal perspectives, we must not only be tolerant and respectful of each other but also eschew violence in any form or shape. This is the time to renew our faith of Islam being a religion of peace.
Along with the spiritual uplift of the mind, the officials should work with honesty of purpose much as the traders and businessmen who are dealing in Ramadan essentials have to maintain steady supply of goods to the people and act with great social commitment. The government has taken some steps to steady the supply side in the market to cater to the increasing demands at affordable and fair prices. The private sector traders taking full advantage of the liberal import policies with the TCB in the government sector playing a complementary role, the market should stabilise and price jacking effectively kept at bay. Hoarding and all forms of market manipulation need to be discouraged.
Extortionist activities in the transportation, marketing and distribution channels have been one of the major causes of price hike. All concerned must be alive to this malady and tackle it wholeheartedly. Ramadan is a supremely benevolent month and people must live up to its benevolence.
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