Hyderabad: Religious scholars have called for a boycott of Ramzan shopping fairs, saying such events threaten the sanctity of Ramzan. The appeal comes as businessmen organise month long Ramzan festival fairs across the city. Scholars say these commercial events dilute the spiritual focus of the holy month.
Religious scholars oppose Ramzan festival fairs
For the past few years, entrepreneurs have organised shopping fairs at function halls during Ramzan. These Ramzan shopping fairs feature apparel, footwear, women’s accessories, crockery, and bangles stalls. Organisers also set up food courts and joy rides. Meanwhile, they invite social media influencers, television actors, and even Bollywood actors to promote the events.
Spacious function halls are converted into commercial venues. However, religious scholars believe such Ramzan festival fairs shift attention away from prayer and devotion. They argue that the holy month should focus on spiritual reflection rather than entertainment.
Mohammed Ilyas Shamsi, Khateeb of Masjid e Osmania, criticised the trend. He said, “The month of Ramzan is considered sacred and people are encouraged to focus on prayers and seeking forgiveness. Instead, a handful of individuals are organising the ‘Ramzan festival’ along the lines of any other commercial fair, bringing in film stars to promote the event. It is not wrong to conduct business during Ramzan, but turning it into a fashion show is condemnable and people should stay away from such events.”
Scholars stress sanctity of Ramzan
Religious figures also highlighted the importance of special prayers held throughout Ramzan. Maulana Riyazuddin Naqshbandi, Khateeb of Masjid e Ansari, said, “The holy month is not about shopping or feasting at restaurants and food courts. Devout Muslims should spend more time in prayer and benefit from it.”
In previous years, some organisers invited Bollywood and local actors to hold shows. Therefore, competition among organisers increased. However, critics say this trend distracts from the essence of the holy month.
A social activist also raised concerns about safety and public order. He said, “Last year, there was a shooting incident at an event held at a function hall in Gudimalkapur. Such events damage the spirit of the holy month and disturb the communal peace. Traffic management, fire safety and public security also become issues.” He called for restraint in organising such fairs.
As Ramzan approaches, the debate over Ramzan shopping fairs continues. Meanwhile, scholars maintain that the focus should remain on prayer and spiritual growth.
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