Ramadan in an Unequal World

Ramadan to all the Muslims on Salaaz. Haven't you thought about Canada celebrating Christmas holidays but not Eid? How convenient would it be if the world shortened the workday? Studies from Stanford University show that working long periods does not correlate with increased productivity. Which makes a lot of sense; oftentimes, cramming work is annoying but far more productive. But more important than the shortened work week is wealth inequality. A global systemic and persistent issue. Did you know that the top 12 richest billionaires have more wealth than the poorest half of humanity combined? 

Ramadan and the Ethics of Giving

Ramadan is a month of extra rewards for Muslims. An important part of the Islamic faith is giving charity. Hence why you find studies that show Muslims as being more charitable than other groups in the US. However, it is unfortunate that much of the efforts for charity could be completed by a mere 12 people. How did such a wealth disparity happen? Even Canada is not void of it, with the top 20% of households controlling roughly 65% to 68% of the country's total net worth, while the bottom 40% hold only about 3%. Reports are now saying wealth inequality in Canada is reaching crisis levels. 

Where Inequality Hits the Hardest

Although Muslims in North America are known for charitable causes, Muslim countries across the globe struggle to keep afloat during the severity of wealth inequality. Roughly 45% of Pakistan is in poverty conditions, and the wealth disparity is rapid, with the top 10% carrying roughly 60% of the wealth and the bottom 50% receiving less than 20%. There is a distinct divide between the privileged and the poor, with gated communities and excellent facilities for the affluent just miles away from families struggling to secure clean water and electricity. 

Is it fair that much of the community efforts towards charity can be summed up to qualify less than 20 people? Not really. Hence, broader focuses on closing the wealth divide are necessary, including policy changes, educational efforts, and understanding where our money is going to. 

A Ramadan Staple: Dates

Currently there are still many Muslims across the globe being persecuted for being Palestinian, and many wealthy corporations are in support of this. In light of Ramadan, here are some Israeli dates to avoid. 

• Star Dates

• King Solomon Dates

• Delilah

• Galil

• Urban Platter
  

In celebration of Ramadan, here are some dates that you could have. Palm Bites is a more ethical local chain that works with Palestinian workers, farms, and brokers with 100% Palestinian dates and has a variety of chocolate date assortments. 

Palm Bites

This shop also offers many assorted desserts, from chocolates to cakes, and is at the heart of Rigeway Plaza, the best stop to be when celebrating Ramadan. 

Ramadan ultimately reminds us of something deeper than fasting; it is a call to reflection, compassion, and responsibility. While individual acts of charity are meaningful, they also highlight a troubling reality: in a globalized age of wealth disparity, it isn’t enough. True change requires confronting the systems that allow extreme wealth disparities to persist in the first place. If we choose where to spend, give, and support, we participate in shaping a more ethical world that doesn't allow the bottom half of the world’s income to equate to a mere twelve.