Consumerism During Ramadan 2010

We read this recent news article (see below) with a tinge of sadness. It is well known that businesses prepare for Ramadan consumerism. There is nothing wrong with that per say - people do have to earn a living. Businesses all offer discounts for needed products, such as home essentials, furniture, clothes and food. Consumers do have an incentive in taking advantage of these discounts. So taken in that light, we suppose there is nothing wrong with the ConsumerFest planned in Dubai. We have heard of several such festivals planned in other countries such as Malaysia as well.

Ramadan Timely Reminder:

We do hope that Muslims do not spend all of their Ramadan days attending and indulging in such consumer festivals; that would defeat the purpose of doing Ramadan in the first place. Reserve the majority of your Ramadan for night prayers and spiritual introspection so that you reap the benefits from your fast. Conserve your energy so that you can spend your nights reading the Quran and doing dhikr (remembering God).

Recall this Hadith:

Narrated Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu Anh: Allah's Messenger PBUH said, "As-Siyam (the fasting) is Junnah (protection or shield or a screen or a shelter from the Hell-fire*). So, the person observing Saum (fast) should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should say to him twice, 'I am fasting.' "The Prophet PBUH added, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better with Allah -ta-Aala than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), 'He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The Saum (fast) is for Me.** So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith No.118, Vol.3)

Dubai to host massive consumerfest during Ramadan 2010

July 16, 2010 (MMD Newswire) -- Hundreds of exhibitors, trade visitors from all sectors and shoppers are gearing up for the Ramadan Fair at Expo Centre Sharjah, boosting hotel bookings in Dubai

The Ramadan Fair, a massive, shopaholics dream of a consumer oriented show, takes place from 18 August to11 September at Dubai's Expo Centre Sharaj. Coinciding with the religious festivals of Ramadan and Eid, opening times are 21:00 to 01:00 in Ramadan and 17:00 to 23:00 during Eid. Entrance to the show and parking are free.

This spectacular upscale event will present everything from the latest designer fashions through precious and costume jewellery, homewares, interior decoration products and services, cosmetics and perfume from famous houses, to health products and sports equipment. Family entertainment and dining after dusk complete the picture, making the Ramadan Fair one of the best events of this type.

High visitor numbers from both the trade and general public sectors are guaranteed, with many coming from outside the country. According to DirectRooms.com, the influx of visitors and exhibitors before and during the fair is likely to cause shortages of suitable rooms in hotels in Dubai. Booking in advance at is recommended.

Dubaiis a significant visitor destination, and has many wealthy residents, ensuring the success of this mammoth event. DirectRooms.com's marketing director, Lek Boonlert, comments, "The combination of a luxury shopping opportunity and high end hotel facilities will create a high demand for rooms, making booking in advance essential at this time."