THE number of Arab Muslims in the region planning to fast in Ramadan is down by two per cent, according to a new survey.
Ninety-six per cent of Arab Muslims will observe the fast this year, down from 98pc last year, says Arab web portal Yahoo! Maktoob.
Source: GDN · 11 Aug 2010
Yeah sure. I would think the truth to be closer to about 40 – 50% fasting rather than only 4% not fasting! The statistic quoted in the “research” is definitely wrong. For one thing, no Muslim is going to openly admit that they’re not fasting or don’t intend to fast. Apart from it being a deeply personal thing, it’s declaring that one is being not a Good Muslim™. And that, my friends, has some unsavory implications.
I think they should re-do this research in a much simpler way, as follows:
- Compare the sales of selected Khabbaz bakeries before and during Ramadhan, paying particular attention to purchases made earlier in the day
- Check the sales levels of tinned tuna fish and other readily edible packaged foods before and during Ramadhan
With this simple exercise and a moderate understanding of statistics, one could easily project the numbers of those fasting to those who don’t. My gut feeling is that their discoveries will be, well, not very surprising as we all know the actual story.
And let’s not even go and analyse what constitutes a fast acceptable to the One upstairs. Just listen to the kind of questions asked in the several “Ask the Preacher” shows which flood TV channels during the month.
Well, regardless of whether you are fasting, and regardless of how “good” your fast is perceived, I hope you at least spare a thought to those less fortunate than yourself in this month. Go out and do some charity work for a change, and not just by opening your wallet, anyone can do that, go and actually do something constructive this month to alleviate hardships of your fellow human beings in your community.
Happy Ramadhan.
Comments
What is the use of this research anyway?
Does is indicate a drop in the no. of Muslims?
Is the faith isn’t what it used to be?
Are Muslims hypocrites?
I agree with you that, like praying, fasting is not a sign of a good Muslim – or even being a Muslim.
Redoing the research by monitoring bakeries & canned-food vendors, while may reflect wrong conclusions in the end, would serve what purpose?
Why does it matter how strong others’ faith is? Why measuring our own isn’t enough for us these days? My mom always says, “Everyone sleeps in his own grave.†Which means that everyone, except God, should worry about his or her own skin. Of course we ought (have to, some might say) enlighten and advise if we though we are in a position to do so, but dictating what faith should be, and force other to imitate us, is not the way anything work.
Ramadhan Kareem Mahmood 😀
Your humble pupil,
The Cynic.
very well said Cynic and of course nice post by Mahmood;
I agree with Mahmood that the percentage revealed by this survey (which I think scientifically not correct because the sample is limited to those who use the internet) doesn’t reflect reality. We all know that in our societies there is a significant number of non-practicing Muslims, under this group fall a wide spectrum of people, from intellectual atheists to loafers.
So Mahmood, if I buy bakeries at night with intention to consume them during the day how would your suggested research approach catch me? 😀
The right to food is a human right dammit. 😀
oh and Ramadhan Kareen Mahmood and The Cynic. 😀
Would ramadan still be ramadan if we didn’t have a law which criminalizes non-observance?
that … is … just normal!
i mean just like in every faith
the are portion of people , know religion only in their passport “by the name”
have no clue/desire to practice teaching
it more obvious in the west
BuJassim,
It works in Turkey. During Ramadan a few years back I was offered tea during Ramadan by a shopkeeper who was Muslim. He was observing Ramadan but did not insist that visitors did. Pity such an attitude couldn’t work over here. I liked the letter last week in the GDN regarding the same subject.
the point exactly??????
Freedom of choice.
I meant what’s the whole point of conducting this survey; who cares how many people fast? it’s between them and Allah (swt)..I still don’t get it!