Shabana Zakir Kiani
The campaigns for service to humanity should continue, but respect for social values and cultural boundaries is also essential. Ramadan is a month of blessings, mercy, and humanity. It is a month that instills feelings of sympathy, empathy, and help for others in the human heart. As Ramadan begins, various appeals for aid and welfare campaigns start circulating on social media. Some are asking for help with food, others for clothes, and some are trying to draw attention to their plams by expressing their hardships. On the surface, this seems like a positive action because it informs capable individuals in society about the needs of the deserving and they come forward to help.
However, one cannot deny that in this era of social media, the act of charity and aid has taken the form of a digital campaign. Sometimes it feels like the thin line between need and self-respect is getting blurred. Highlighting someone’s poverty and hardship while ignoring their self-respect is indeed a worrying trend. One must remember that poverty is not a crime, but turning someone’s hardship into a spectacle certainly raises ethical questions.
It is true that national and international social organizations work with the spirit of serving humanity, and their goal is to bring improvement to society. These institutions perform valuable services in various fields like education, health, environment, and social welfare. However, it is equally important that every society has its own culture, traditions, and cultural identity. These values form the basis of a nation’s identity and collective dignity.
Therefore, a humble request to all social, welfare, and international organizations is to continue their campaigns, help people, and play their part in societal welfare, but also keep in mind not to affect the local culture, cultural values, and social sensitivity of any area.
We are a Muslim society, and many aspects of our lives are connected to religion, ethics, and social traditions. Respecting these values is not only our responsibility but also the foundation on which a strong and balanced society can be built. Nations live not just by progress but also by preserving their culture and values.
Unfortunately, some organizations and individuals are seen promoting Western culture, lifestyle, and dressing unnecessarily in our society. This trend not only weakens our cultural identity but can also lead to social disintegration. Progress and modernity do not mean abandoning our culture, values, and identity. True progress strengthens a nation’s identity rather than erasing it.
Service to humanity is a noble cause, but it should be done in a way that does not affect the society’s self-respect, dignity, and cultural boundaries. Helping people is commendable, but protecting their dignity and self-respect is equally important.
Similarly, the responsibility of parents and families is very important. They should pay special attention to the upbringing and guidance of the new generation, especially daughters. Provide opportunities for education, awareness, and progress, but also keep them connected to their culture, traditions, and moral values. Societies are always strong where progress and culture go hand in hand.
Ramadan teaches us not just worship and charity but also moderation, responsibility, and social harmony. If we understand this message, we can certainly build a society that is welfare-oriented and firmly stands by its cultural identity.