Haiy Mehngaii

S A J Shirazi

Despite different announcements by the government the prices of commodities keep rising all the time. Unchecked price hike is particularly visible at three occasions; before and during Ramadan, before and after annual budget and in between whenever prices of Petrol go up.

All nation and economies around the world respect their national and religious festive celebrations and reduce prices, announce clearance sales and help every one to make purchases. Pre Christmas sale is one of the best examples. Contrary to this spirit, we face unchecked price increase before and during Ramadan and before sacred occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. “The present situation indicates that rulers are not consumer friendly as they are backing hoarders, investors, capitalists besides working on the agenda of IMF and WB,” says PRM President Dr Aasim Sajjad, “sugar crisis was witnessed widely and the government pledged to deal with hoarders with iron hands but now situation was out of control” he added.

Market scouting shows that fruits and vegetable prices at the advent of the Holy month of Ramadan went spiraling high by 80/100 percent. More than 25 daily commodities like sugar, rice, pulses, chicken, beef, mutton, vegetables and fruits have shot up in local markets.

In a country that used to be famous around the world being cheapest as for as the food is considered, wholesalers and retailers, particularly of fruits and vegetables are enjoying a free hand to fleece the consumers in Holy month despite of all the official claims. The price of Flour is already raised by 5 to 8 Rupees per Kg. Dates are available from 100 Rs to 150 Rs a Kilo while Chicken is being sold at around 240-260 Rs. Besan is regularly used in Ramadan for making Pakoras for Iftar and its price now days is around 58 to 64 Rs a Kilo. Yogurt is being sold at 64 to 68 Rs while a liter of milk costs 45 to 58 Rs (show a discrepancy for fresh and tetra packs). Sugar prices have broken all the previous records and it has been sold at 54 to 64 Rs per Kg. There are reports about shortage of these commodities also. Utility Stores are unable to supply the desired amount of commodities and unavailability of products is causing nuisance. Despite of being honest and helpful at least in Holy month the retailers exploit the needs of public in Ramadan. Even the lower middle class person tries to eat nutritious fruits daily but how can they afford such prices?

The main commodities which showed an increase in their prices in July 2009 over June 2009 include Potatoes (29.33%), tomatoes (28.39%), eggs (20.37%), vegetables (17.32%), mash (14.59%), chicken (9.83%), moong (8.87%), gram whole(6.94%), onions (6.93%), gur (4.91%), masoor (4.48%), gram split (3.25%), fresh fruits (3.08%), food prepared/preserved(3.02%), oil cakes (2.91%), wheat flour (2.50%), tea (2.46%), meat (1.86%), sugar refined (1.72%), wheat (1.69%), rice (1.42%), beans (1.33%) and besan (1.06%). {X-Posted from Light Within}

Holy Month of Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Quran (divine book that has and will remain intact for all the times) on His last prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) (around C.E. 610).

Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from before sunrise to after sunset. Nothing is consumed during daylight hours in this period. Islam follows a lunar calendar which means that the months of the year are measured according to the revolutions of the moon around the earth (each month begins with the sighting of the new moon). The Muslim lunar calendar begins at the point of migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Makka to Madina over 1400 years ago.

For Muslims around the world the month of Ramadan is a "month of blessing" marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. Ramadan has special significance since it is the month in which Muslims show more empathy towards the poor and downtrodden. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost. Allah opens the door of heaven on humans who invoke his blessing and forgiveness.

Fasting serves many purposes. Self-discipline is one of the primary objectives of the fast in which all physical contact between husband and wife is also abandoned in daylight hours for the duration of Ramadan. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body, mind and soul. Fasting helps feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers. After sunset the fast is ended with modest meals followed by devotional prayers until sunrise. This routine is maintained for 29 or 30 consecutive days.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. The others are: belief in one God (Shahaadah); prayer (Salaah) - five times a day at its appointed times; alms-giving (Zakaat) - 2.5% of fixed assets annually; and pilgrimage (Haj) to Makka at least once in a lifetime. {Related Post}