From dawn to dusk, during the month of Ramadan, Muslims are commanded to fast. Ideally, Ramadan is a month in which modesty, moderation, calmness and self-restraint are maintained.

However, André Möller, a Swedish anthropologist who conducted field research and observation in Yogyakarta and Blora, Central Java, noted that not only do Indonesian Muslims perform Ramadan rites (fasting, praying and reciting the Koran), but also perform cultural activities creatively, so much so that they have created a unique tradition, distinguished from Islamic traditions found in other countries.

Indeed, for contemporary Muslims, Ramadan is not merely a religious obligation, with the promise of reward in the hereafter. Ramadan has to do with worldly matters.

In fact, during the fasting month, the economic situation in the market dominates the news. Inflation soars, as prices of basic needs — rice, vegetables, egg, meat, cooking oil and flour — rocket. As a rule, when demands mount in the market, so do prices.

The fasting month, which ideally teaches us to experience hunger and thirst, blesses those who own capital.

In the same breath, the average people shoulder more burden, as the basic needs are more unaffordable to them.

Capitalism fills the air of Ramadan. There are more temptations for consumers to spend their money on fashion, transportation and food. Profits flow into the hands of those who own capital.

Business during Ramadan is of great benefit to the electronic media. TV stations launch special Ramadan programs, ranging from religious preaching to movies and comedy. Given this, during the breakfast before dawn, people enjoy their meals with TVs in front of them always on. During supper after sunset TVs also accompany meals.

TV programs have a good chance to hit the box office. It is no wonder that the religious romance Ketika cinta bertasbih (When love is glorified) became a TV series. As millions of people who had already watched the movie version on the big screen, and were already familiar with the plot and its characters, the new TV version with the same actresses has attracted a considerable number of viewers.

Additionally, in Ramadan, TV stars adopt a more Islamic fashion look, with women wearing the jilbab (veil) and men wearing the baju koko (traditional shirt without collar) and Muslim cap.

Such clothing items are also promoted in the market throughout Ramadan.

Those who own capital have a golden opportunity to multiply this money during Ramadan. The month blesses “those who have” with a bountiful harvest, whereas “those who have not” still struggle hard to fulfill their basic needs.

Reality, indeed, often contradicts ideality. What should be is not always congruent with what really happens.

The fasting rite should provide moral lessons, particularly with regard to the values of moderation, modesty and self-restraint. In reality, consumerism rules the atmosphere of Ramadan. The lust prevails over self-control.

To recall old wisdoms, Indonesian leaders and intellectuals in the early 20th century often criticized capitalism, which was considered to have served as a foundation for colonialism.

It is not surprising that in the writings penned by HOS Tjokroaminoto, Tan Malaka, Sutan Sjahrir and Mohammad Hatta, the seeds of Marxism and socialism can be found.

Tjokroaminoto particularly believed that Islam came to this world to reveal messages of social justice, equity and fairness. Islam aims to elevate the lower class of society.

In the works of later Indonesian Muslim intellectuals — for example Moeslim Abdurrahman, Abdul Munir Mulkhan, Mansur Faqih and Kuntowidjoyo — the spirit of socialism can still be felt.

These intellectuals propose that Islamic theology should be formulated in a way that marginal groups and poor people are empowered to obtain equal rights in the economy, education and public service.

However, the recent religious leaders rarely voice the above spirit. Rather, most public preachers and politicians, in the name of Islam, enjoy and support the trend in the market, which is more beneficial for them.

Religion, and spiritualism, go hand in hand with the guts of capitalism. During the month of Ramadan, this can be felt.

This does not suggest that the market is evil. However, to leave those who are weak and crushed by the market unprotected, particularly when religion does not side with them any longer, is wrong.

The message of fasting is clear; that is to feel thirst and hunger, not to shop for more luxurious items and consume huge amounts of food at night.

The writer is a lecturer at Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University, Yogyakarta.

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