Author: Edited by Adil Salahi, Arab News Staff

Monday 12 August 2002 (an ‘old’ article, but always new for the days of Ramadan)…

Mr. Hamad of Riyadh wonders whether what he has heard of the unacceptability or discouragement of inviting people to Iftar dinners in Ramadan. He says that his colleague has explained that such activities put a burden on families, can lead to wasting food, and force ladies to spend much of their time in the kitchen when the time could be better used in prayer and other forms of worship.

This is a very narrow view that pays little attention to the fact that Islam is a religion for the community as much as it is for the individual, and that it is a way of life as well as a method of worship. Islam attaches much importance to fostering social ties within the Muslim community. The Prophet attended lunches and dinners given by his companions.

At no time did he suggest that the ladies of the host family could have better utilized their time in prayer.

He has taught that there is time for everything that is needed. When some of his companions decided to devote all their time for worship, he reproached them, saying that his method advocated the middle and balanced way. He would do night worship, but he would also allow himself enough sleep. He would fast voluntarily, but he would be selective in his days of fasting.

As for it being a burden on the family, there is a benefit as well in such gatherings. They cement social ties and friendship within the community. Moreover, when you invite people to dinner or iftar in your house, they are likely to invite you back. The extra work ladies do when you are the hosts is compensated by having little to do when you are the guests. In short, the arguments given are not sound.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/223299