The Impact of Sharing Elite Food Pictures on Social Media During Ramadan
Ramadan, Ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of reflection, self-discipline, and enlightenment for Muslims everywhere. Fasting, giving to the poor, and showing compassion for those in need are all encouraged. Yet, during the past several years, there has been a clear trend of people posting pictures of their lavish Ramadan feasts on numerous social media sites. Although deciding to eat extravagantly is a matter of personal preference, posting photos of these meals online can have a negative effect on others who are unable to afford even the most basic food needs.
The Impact of Social Media on Fasting:
The rise of social media platforms has significantly impacted the way people observe Ramadan. In the past, individuals relied on their immediate community and local mosques to gather information about Ramadan activities, food arrangements, and prayer timings.
However, with the advent of social media, the scope of Ramadan activities has expanded exponentially. Individuals now have access to a wider range of information about Ramadan events, rituals, and food arrangements from across the world.
Moreover, social media has also transformed the way people fast. With the emergence of food blogs, cooking channels, and recipe-sharing platforms, individuals are exposed to a variety of food items that were previously unknown to them.
This exposure has led to an increased interest in cooking and experimenting with new dishes, particularly during Ramadan.
However, the downside of this trend is the ostentatious display of food items on social media platforms. Sharing pictures of lavish meals and extravagant spreads during Ramadan can be perceived as insensitive, particularly in light of the struggles faced by individuals who are unable to access basic sustenance.
The Plight of the Less Fortunate:
The reality of Ramadan is that there are millions of individuals around the world who struggle to access even basic sustenance. For them, the act of breaking their fast with just water is a daily reality.
Moreover, for individuals who are unable to partake in Sehri, the pre-dawn meal, due to food insecurity, the concept of an elaborate Iftar meal is far-fetched.
The ostentatious display of food on social media platforms during Ramadan can be detrimental to the mental and emotional well-being of such individuals. It can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, shame, and anxiety, particularly for those who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Furthermore, the act of sharing pictures of elite food items during Ramadan can be seen as an act of insensitivity towards the struggles of the less fortunate. It is a stark reminder of the economic disparities that exist in our society and can be perceived as a callous display of privilege.
The Need for Compassion and Empathy:
In the spirit of Ramadan, it is vital to promote compassion and empathy towards the less fortunate. Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, selflessness, and community building. Instead of indulging in lavish meals and flaunting them on social media platforms, we should focus on extending kindness and generosity towards those in need.
Throughout the month of Ramadan, there are a number of ways in which we can contribute to the well-being of those who are less fortunate. One such way is by supporting local food banks or charitable organizations that provide meals to the underprivileged. Another way is by donating to relief organizations that provide aid to individuals in regions affected by war, famine, or natural disasters.
Moreover, we should also strive to be more mindful of our actions and the impact they may have on others. It is important to remember that while indulging in luxurious meals may be a personal choice, sharing pictures of these meals on social media platforms during Ramadan can be perceived as insensitive.
