Show respect to the holy month

PHOTO: Jashim Salam/driknews

The holy month of Ramadan teaches us to practise abstinence in all spheres of our life. This holy month urges us to keep ourselves aloof from greed and lust, to shun nastiness in thoughts and actions and to develop and nourish among ourselves the virtues of righteousness, honesty and benevolence. But what are we noticing in this month? Businessmen have intentionally hiked up prices of all essential commodities to squeeze out money from the helpless consumers. Unscrupulous manufacturers and traders are vigorously using harmful chemicals and toxic substances in ready foods, fruits, fishes, sweetmeats and drinks. Rampant extortions in marketplaces and on highways are going on. Crimes like stealing, snatching, killing etc. are showing an upward trend. During this holy month, the entire country looks like a happy 'hunting ground' for all criminals and dishonest people!
Though the holy month's sanctity is being tarnished so openly and glaringly, the government seems to be reluctant to take stringent measures to effectively curb the ongoing immoral, illegal and criminal activities. What can the common people do? We can only pray to the Almighty Allah to give guidance ('hedayat') (for right path) to those who are violating the sanctity of the holy month.