Written by: Nabilah Akram
The sacred month of Ramadan is dedicated to fasting, during which people perform ibadah to Allah and refrain from any activity that becomes a hindrance to their spirituality and enlightenment.
During this month, Muslims from many cultures tend to decorate their house to create a festive atmosphere. Such practice can foster tranquillity and peace, which will resonate in our behaviour and help us be steadfast during the fasting month.
There is nothing wrong with decorating for Ramadan if they are set up only to bring about a pleasant mood during these special days, and it’s fine to celebrate the arrival of the holy month with ornaments or new furnishing items.
But when it crosses the line from enthusiasm to compulsion, or from personal gratification to envious competition, it tarnishes our spirituality. Therefore, it is important to be mindful when decorating because this tradition has the potential to become superficial and meaningless.
One reason a person should opt-out from decorating is if they feel obliged to do so because of social or cultural influences. Just because our social media feeds are flooded with charming Ramadan decor does not mean we should follow the trend.
When it comes to decorating, over embellishment should be prevented because Allah punishes the extravagant and wasteful. Allah, The Exalted, says: Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful. [Quran 17:27] He also forbade excessiveness; Allah says: O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess. [Quran 7:31]
The purpose of decorating for Ramadan can be about getting ourselves and our families in the “Ramadan mood” or to feel enthusiastic about celebrating Eid. If we want this practice to be humbling and worthwhile, we should do it in moderation and with the right intention.