Being considerate is one of the main attributes during the holy month of Ramadhan. However, there can be many ways one can be considerate namely through actions, words, and intentions.
However, there is one particular behaviour we all could have been partaking in knowingly or unknowingly, which we need to rethink.
Hatim Harith al Abdissalaam, Life Coach, and member of the Islamic Information Centre, explains that it also has to do with sharing various types of images on social media.
What we portray on social media, even if it is very innocent, can have an impact on others. It might be the sharing of happiness and excitement, but it can be depressing for others who are struggling.
“We should be considerate to others, and should move away from the concept that everything revolves around us only. We should think of other people. The reason why I am saying this is the fact that we are seeing it among ourselves. On the very first day of Ramadhan we saw the images and videos of people in Gaza not having anything to break their fast with, or very little to eat,” said Hatim.
He said just because we cannot do much to help them, we could still try to do at least a little bit. We must try to reduce the amount of exposure with the use of pictures and videos of the food and gatherings we are having. So that we can be considerate of the feelings of our brothers and sisters of Gaza, who are going through a very difficult time.
“You know every time we take a picture of the wonderful meal we are going to have, somewhere someone else in the world is deprived of the same. In addition, when he sees that it might create a feeling of envy or sadness in his heart. So you do not want to create an opportunity for others to have envy of what you have,” he added.
Hatim also points out that a way of appreciating and being thankful to Allah for what one has been blessed with is to preserve it and only consume what is needed.
“Let us not be extravagant, and fill the table with different types of food and then dump them in the garbage,” he urges.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
