IN 1418H I wrote an article in which I apologized to the holy month of Ramadan on behalf of those people who violated its sanctity.
If anything, such defilement has only increased during the last 11 years, because the space has been contaminated by TV channels offering a daily fare of promiscuity and absurdness. These channels are a reflection of the status of the Arab and Muslim world. We may be at the bottom of the ladder when it comes to knowledge and science, but top the list in prodigality and extravagance.
A noble feature of this month was the camps that we held for people to get together for suhur (late night meal). Over the years, these camps have turned into places for singing and dancing until dawn.
Our Prophet (peace be upon him) described Ramadan as the most exalted of all months. It was the month during which the Qur’an was revealed and Lailatul Qadr, which is better than a thousand nights, falls in this month. We were closer to God then. Our objective was to spread Islam through good deeds and convictions. It was called the month of conquests and victories that began with the Battle of Badr on the 17th of Ramadan. The victories and triumphs continued from the victory at Makkah, through the Crusades and finally the 10th of Ramadan (Oct. 6, 1973).
Regrettably, Ramadan has become a month of soap operas; more than 64 are being broadcast during this month on various channels.
During olden times, Muslims were competing for the satisfaction of Allah. They spent money on the poor and on spreading the message of the Prophet. Now producers and businessmen are competing on arts including songs and production of films and soap operas. This is a glory of transient value and will only give you sorrow at the doomsday.
Fasting and reciting the Qur’an will guarantee you with intercession on the Day of Judgment. So why lose time? Why do not we recite the Holy Book instead of sitting glued to the TV sets watching soap operas?
During olden times the advent of the holy month used to fill people’s hearts with indescribable joy. They held celebrations to welcome the crescent moon signaling the arrival of Ramadan.
Now the TV channels will wait until the moon is sighted to announce their special programs and new soap operas!
People used to get together to worship Allah during Ramadan. They would spend the night worshipping Allah and looking for the poor so they could do something to alleviate their suffering. These days we get together to watch TV! Even the religious channels have joined the mad race. They lure scholars to present religious programs under the slogan “reinforce your fasting.” Of course watching TV all night is not going to “reinforce your fasting.”
If it were in my power, I would close down all TV channels during the month of Ramadan so that we dedicate our time to worship. I would, of course, keep some channels open for news and for broadcasting prayers from the Holy Mosque. As for religious programs, don’t we have all the preceding 11 months to present them?
The devils are chained during Ramadan but the evil people are on the loose. Truth to tell, they outnumber the devils!!
This obsession with soap operas is only found in Arab countries. Few of these countries produce soap operas but they spread their venom to others as well. I sincerely request actors and actresses who are religiously committed not to take part in any soap operas or programs that will be aired during Ramadan. This way they can avoid being responsible for the time people lose watching TV. This is a month for worship and it should remain so.
