A R C H I V E S
Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| Surayya blasts lavish Iftar parties |
|---|
| jaihoon |
| 11/18/02 at 00:17:49 |
| Surayya blasts lavish Iftar parties ------------------------------------------- Surayya: This is my third Ramadan (since conversion). Three years back, when I accepted Islam, there was a lot of clamor around. They said, 'A lady from such a traditional family... why did she neglect Hinduism and jump into this faith... that does not give freedom to women? But I realized that Allah is the one who will guide me to truth. He is full of light, with no known form. He is full of might. He alone can protect me. I was not able to fast during the first year. Because there was constant threats from all around. Guards and police around the home. The next year I was prepared to keep fast. But I fainted during the fast. Due to my blood pressure, I had to take the prescribed medications. So I paid the due charity when unable to fast. (as per the Islamic ruling) But the next time, I firmly decided to keep fast. What if I faint... What if I die? The Islamic faith has taken away my fear of death. Now I fondle only the good thoughts of death. Paradise. The coming of angels to take away the soul. Now I fast nursing such good thoughts. Previously I was a lady who did not know what is hunger. Our community does not know what is hunger. We had not known the taste of food when eating it after feeling hungry. I understood that. I felt compassion towards the poor. I started a trust and spent my wealth for them. Allah blessed me to grant at least something to those who ask. That's all I wish to say. But I saw a tendency, that has to be removed from the Muslim society. Big industrialists and politicians hold something called Iftar parties for a crowd of people, all of whom are rich. The food is spread all over the table... I don't know what all. And then they greedily swallow as if this is their last supper. The very same people who kept fasts. Then I thought that this party is to spoil the blessings of fasting. Never will a true believer, who has studied the life of the Holy Prophet, ever do like this. I strongly believe that such practices are prohibited in Islam. I may not have the right to say this. The wealthy people invite each other, with various interests in mind. But for the sake of betterment of humanity, such gluttony should be stopped. Only then can we get closer to Allah. Nissar Sayyed: Mrs. Surayya has just talked about the two ends of hunger. One, those who are hungry for eating. The other who observe fast to purify their souls. Whatever maybe, there are a big group of people who suffer from hunger. What is your opinion to end solve such problems at a global level? Surayya: I have the right to speak only to the Muslim believers. I tell them: we are on the way to path of Allah. We certainly wish to go ahead. Therefore, please, give to the poor. Feed them. Bring an end to these parties in five star hotels. It is only this 'blessed deed' that we can carry as our baggage to the hereafter. Thereafter we have to earn it. Not that it leaks out on the way. Inviting great politicians and industrialists to get some licenses etc... what kind of party is this? I haven't see such a vulgar show! The greedy manner in which people eat in such places. Eat in very simple manner. I once went to Muslim home. The shared with me what they were having for dinner in the month of Ramadan. Rice with barley water, mango pickle, a peace of fish and pappadam. I thought this was the Islamic way of life. But now everyone is running... to parties. It is a race. How pitiful this is! What a wonderful religion have they got at hand... yet I feel sad when they misuse it. Nissar Sayyed: Anyway, it was an eye-opening speech we heard from Dr. Kamala Surayya. We hope you would respond to our future requests from the viewers. Assalamu Alaikum Surayya: Alaikum salam. [This is a live interview telecast on Asianet, the prime Malayalam channel on November 18th 2002. The prominent News presenter Nissar Sayyed is interviewing the renowned poetess Dr. Kamala Surayya. Video @ http://www.jaihoon.com/studio/surayaramadanlive2.htm] |
| Re: Surayya blasts lavish Iftar parties |
|---|
| Abd_al-Rashid |
| 11/18/02 at 16:25:20 |
| [slm] Indeed she has spoken the truth. The Sunnah of eating is to fill your stomach with 1/3 food, 1/3 drink, and 1/3 air (meaning leave some empty for digestion). Furthermore the food that goes to waste during these feasts is outrageous. [wlm] |
| Re: Surayya blasts lavish Iftar parties |
|---|
| gift |
| 11/20/02 at 09:02:52 |
| [slm] these parties are not always 'feasts' it is a way for a circle of families to share the barakah of providing each other with food to break the fast - ie everyone brings a dish to share. [wlm] |
Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board |