Consumerism is not part of Islamic culture. Islam teaches Muslims to be economical.
KHULDIN KUSAIRI
Metro, Lampung
For 11 months people are bombarded with consumerism from mass media, malls and lavish lifestyles of those who have, and the remaining one month is the time for social solidarity calling -- we can do the math.
ANDOKO DARTA
Jakarta
I respect the fact that sharpening social solidarity is one of the Ramadan fasting objectives. I do agree that other things, especially the media influences people to be more consumptive.
But at the end of the day, it all falls down to each individual, whether or not they can control these urges. Besides, we are a multicultural and multiracial country. There is nothing much to be done. We are all just doing our jobs.
MARGARETH
Jakarta
I also believe that one of the objectives of Ramadan is to sharpen social solidarity and I also agree we see a tendency toward greater consumption.
But another objective is to focus our energy to be closer to God through spiritual training.
So those who are successful in Ramadan are those who are able to improve their social responsibility through spiritual side.
TONNY SANTOSO
Jakarta
The purpose of Ramadan is to defeat ourselves, control emotion and throw away egos. Many people do not realize this and become greater consumptives.
L. L. BIE
Purwodadi, Central Java
Greater consumption is out of Ramadan's aim. They should control their emotions and be more tolerant.
HERRY LEE
Jakarta
If you have more money, you should give alms to the poor people. Don't spend too much money. You should remember that poor people need your help very much. During Ramadan, we should focus on how to worship as much as possible, not how to spend our money.
ROBERT
Bekasi, West Java
We can't say that just because people buy electronics or vehicles means they have consumptive behavior. It is rich people, who buy everything just to improve their images. They should also share their fortunes with the poor people, but do they?
DODI PRESMANA
Jakarta
It is not wise to purchase so many goods during Ramadan. Living modestly is a kind of social solidarity. But at least we have to pay zakat fitrah (alm paid at the end of Ramadan) to the poor. I believe that it is a proper service to God Almighty.
SIGIT SUKARIADI
Jakarta
I think people who consume a lot but forget to pay alms, have forgotten what they should be achieving during Ramadan. They are categorized as people who fast only from foods and beverages. They treat Ramadan only as a tradition not as the "great guest" that should be pleased with the proper behavior.
YULI
Bandung
I don't think Ramadan tends to lead people to greater consumption because they have saved the money for Ramadan. Everyone in the world normally spends a lot of money which they save for celebrations, not only Ramadan.
DULI MUHLIS MUNAWAR
Depok, West Java
To prevent people from consumerism, government needs to regulate the TV stations to be proportional between commercial and educational programs. It will lead people to be more rationale.
Meanwhile, the potential of zakat mal (obligatory alm for each rich Muslim) is Rp 19 trillion (US$ 2 billion). The government should be able to encourage the people to pay the alm so that the money can be used to empower the poor.
ABDUL RAHIM
Tangerang, Banten
The thing which cannot be controlled during Ramadan is to push down spending. I have no data about it, but, several families say that their spending on food is two times higher during Ramadan.
LATIFATUL HIDAYATI
Metro, Lampung
Tradition to break fast by consuming special dishes and drinks, celebrating Idul Fitri by traveling to birthplace, wearing new dresses, driving a new vehicle -- bought, rented or borrowed -- of course lead to consumerism.
This tradition beats the objectives of Ramadan fasting. A tradition-based consumptive attitude can -- bought,rented or borrowed -- of course lead to consumerism.
This tradition beats objectives of Ramadan fasting. A tradition-based consumptive attitude can only worsen parallel to one's economic situation.
SOEBAGJO SOETADJI
Jakarta
I think it has come to a point where religion is now more of an accessory to rather than the necessity of the soul. Religion is overrated.
NIZA
Jakarta
