Obsession with Ramadan and During Ramadan

In psychology, obsession refers to "excessive" construction of a perception or sensory understanding of something that exists/does not exist, in an incorrect or exaggerated manner. This perception usually does not rely on an accurate understanding and appreciation of reality; rather, the individual believes that their perception and understanding are correct, leading them to feel it is an obligation that must be fulfilled, as it is unavoidable, often due to a detachment from reality or poor judgment resulting from stress, illnesses, or an escape from confronting reality or based on preconceived negative ideological convictions.

If this psychological state of "hallucination" persists, it may develop into a mental illness, as these imaginations do not lead to tangible positive results as that individual expected.

The first part of the title refers to the repetitive actions of the current authorities in forcibly distancing religious and community figures from Al-Aqsa Mosque from time to time, and the Ibrahimi Mosque/Hebron, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, under the belief that these individuals may incite "disturbance" in the targeted geographical area, without acknowledging that the improper situation is the reason behind the protests (if they occur), while the actual hidden aim is to demonize the occasion of this holy month.

Here, I would like to focus on the second part of the title, specifically the craze of shopping during Ramadan.

The origin should be to adopt and internalize a fundamental principle in life, which is that "a person should buy what they need, not what they want." Therefore, one should think more than once before purchasing, despite our prior awareness that a hungry person cannot, because they do not want to or have not previously thought about what they need, especially, unfortunately, as we today eat from what we do not grow and wear what we do not make. Consequently, the decision stems from a desire for satisfaction rather than securing what is needed in terms of food, clothing, or non-durable goods. Here, a person exhibits a pattern of impulsive, emotional, and hasty thinking, rather than rational and thoughtful judgment, and falls victim to haste due to a lack of prior planning. Meanwhile, the essence of successful shopping, in addition to prior planning and the necessity of considering others in need, is to completely avoid rushing, competing, and raising one's voice as this may invalidate fasting due to this shopping obsession. God knows best.

In brief, excessive shopping during the blessed month of Ramadan occurs driven by a psychological and emotional urge that surpasses the essence of buying what we need, not what we want.

An excessive shopper may engage in this behavior driven by a need to alleviate their feelings of tension and anxiety; thus, they may struggle with their ability to make balanced decisions, which explains why some become addicted to the rush just before Iftar.

The consequence of the shopping obsession during Ramadan not only results in wasting money "and do not extend your hand spending it all," while it is crucial to emphasize that we do not advocate for stinginess and miserliness. Here, we suggest preparing a list of needs in advance and doing our best to stick to it, so that one does not feel regret later.

In conclusion, it would be wonderful if we remembered those in need and the poor around us, relatives, neighbors, and wayfarers, as they have rights and obligations upon us, according to religious teachings and their effective role in promoting social solidarity and public peace through spreading virtue and good morals among members of the same society. "Have you seen the one who denies the religion? For that is the one who drives away the orphan and does not encourage the feeding of the poor. So woe to those who pray, [but] are heedless of their prayer - those who make show [of their deeds] and withhold [simple] assistance." The Almighty God has spoken the truth.