By Hassan Osman Kargbo
As we embrace the Holy month of Ramadan, a time for deep spiritual reflection, devotion, and worship, we are reminded of its significance as a month of mercy and blessings. It is a period meant to purify hearts, seek Allah’s forgiveness, and strive to strengthen relationships with our Creator.
During this blessed month, Muslims around the world fast from dawn till dusk, engage in additional prayers, offer charity, and make du’a (supplications), all in the pursuit of earning Allah’s mercy and rewards.
For Muslims, Ramadan is not only a time of self-restraint and worship, but also a month that calls for reflection on relationship with others, especially through acts of kindness, generosity, and support for the less fortunate. Charity becomes an integral part of this month, with millions of Muslims giving to those in need and seeking to ensure that everyone, no matter their circumstances, can experience the joy of the Holy month.
However, in Sierra Leone, a country with a majority Muslim population, Ramadan has increasingly become a time when business practices seem to stray far from the spiritual essence of the month. While Muslims observe the fast and engage in acts of worship, a troubling trend has emerged in the market places: a significant rise in the prices of food items and basic commodities. This unfortunate situation has left many citizens frustrated and dissatisfied, as the actions of some businesspeople during Ramadan seem to run counter to the values of generosity and kindness that the month embodies.
In Sierra Leone, it has become an all-too-familiar pattern in during Ramadan: prices of essential goods like rice, sugar, cooking oil, onions, and other staples shoot up dramatically. These price hikes are not coincidental. Businesspeople, particularly market vendors, appear to exploit the high demand for food items during Ramadan. Knowing that many people are more focused on securing food for their iftar (meal to break the fast) and suhoor, vendors believe that they can make a significant profit by raising prices.
Such price hikes always come at a time when many people are already struggling financially, and the increased cost of food during Ramadan only adds to the burden. Ramadan, a month meant to encourage compassion and empathy, seems to be overshadowed by greed and opportunism. The very month that calls for sacrifice and reflection on the struggles of others is instead used by some business owners as an opportunity to exploit the desperation of the public.
Furthermore, what makes this situation even more disheartening is the fact that such practices are clearly out of line with the ethical standards that Ramadan upholds. The essence of the holy month is about self-discipline, charity, and putting the needs of others before self. It is a time to show kindness and to foster unity within the community; yet some business owners, by inflating prices to make additional profits, are doing the opposite—they are creating division and sowing discord by taking advantage of the economic difficulties faced by many in the society.
This exploitation is particularly of concern in a country like Sierra Leone, where many families live pay check to pay check, and the economic challenges are already daunting. For many households, Ramadan is a time when they hope to experience some relief through the blessings of fasting, prayer, and charity. However, when the prices of basic commodities soar, this hope is shattered, and people are left with feelings of resentment and betrayal.
Also, the consequences of these price hikes are felt most acutely by the average citizen. For those who are struggling to make ends meet, every extra amount spent counts. With food prices skyrocketing during Ramadan, families are forced to make difficult choices. Some may have to cut back on other necessities to afford basic foodstuffs, while others may find themselves unable to afford the quantity or quality of food they need to feed their families during the fasting month.
Moreover, many of the poorer segments of society rely heavily on the charity that is distributed during Ramadan, but they are also victims of inflated prices. The cost of living is already high for these families, and when food items become unaffordable, it becomes all the more difficult for them to maintain the dignity and comfort that everyone deserves during this blessed month. This causes a ripple effect across communities, as those who are most vulnerable find it harder to engage in the acts of worship and charity that are meant to define Ramadan.
The current trend of price hikes in Sierra Leone during Ramadan is not only a violation of ethical business practices, but also a missed opportunity to create a stronger sense of community during a month that should unite rather than divide us. Ramadan is a time to nurture compassion, empathy, and a spirit of generosity—principles that should guide all of our actions, including our business transactions.
It is time for business owners to reflect on the teachings of Islam and the spirit of Ramadan, and to act in ways that benefit the whole community. Instead of inflating prices for personal gain, they should be looking for ways to support those who are struggling by offering fair prices and discounts, especially during the month of Ramadan. This would not only be a reflection of their commitment to their faith but would also go a long way in fostering a sense of unity and goodwill within the country.
In addition, there is an urgent need for government intervention and oversight to ensure that price increases during Ramadan are justified and reasonable. Regulatory bodies should monitor the markets closely and take action against unscrupulous practices that harm the public.
To conclude, Ramadan is a time of immense spiritual significance, a month in which Muslims are called to purify their hearts, increase their worship, and engage in acts of charity. It is a time when we should come together to support one another, especially the less fortunate, and build a stronger sense of community. Unfortunately, the price hikes that occur during this holy month in Sierra Leone undermine the very spirit of Ramadan.
As we continue to observe Ramadan, let us all strive to embody the true values of the month—compassion, generosity, and selflessness. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the month of Ramadan remains a time of mercy and blessings, not exploitation and greed.
May Allah guide us all to act with integrity and righteousness, and may He accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds. Ameen.
