While scrolling through Twitter earlier today, I came across numerous tweets about Ramazan. Some people made light-hearted jokes. Others talked about forgiveness and being better people.
However, this news piece about the Ehtaram-e-Ramazan Bill caught my attention immediately:
People who smoke, eat openly during Ramazan face 3-month imprisonment https://t.co/Yn5WRkdmhH pic.twitter.com/Qq6wUr9dlx
— The Express Tribune (@etribune) May 11, 2017
Understandably, I was taken aback. I reflected upon everything I had been taught growing up about Ramazan being a test of your strength, will power and sense of empathy. As a result, I kept looking through what people had to say, hoping to make sense of the entire situation.
Pakistanis were understandably irked at this ‘updated’ bill
@AlizehIHaider Like it has been since a couple of decades? Ehtram-e-Ramazan isn't a new Act. Three PPP government's have come and gone during this time.
— Hassan Iftikhar (@Hassaniftikhar) May 11, 2017
As the news spread, people started weighing in on the matter
@etribune This restriction should be limited to Muslims
It's our Ramazan after all— Sarwat Ali (@sonisarwat) May 11, 2017
Some called it out like it is
@etribune Another law which is misused ever so frequently for extortion by police
— Kashif Moten (@kashifmoten) May 11, 2017
Others drew valid parallels
@etribune Is it for non muslims as well? How is it different then the beef ban in India?
— ثاقب (@_s_a_q_i_b_) May 11, 2017
Some pointed out a basic flaw in the law
Islam of Holy Qur'an: "There's no compulsion in religion."
"Islam" of Pakistan: "Fine + jail anyone who eats publicly in Ramadan!" pic.twitter.com/Q3x5NKzH8R
— Bilal Mahmood (@bilalmahmooduk) May 11, 2017
And there were those who pointed out how this was unfair to non-Muslims
@etribune No country for non muslims
— Dr. Fakir Naik (@Dr_Kafir_Naik) May 11, 2017
@etribune Very intolerant of other people's liberties.
— rohit sen (@rohit_sen) May 11, 2017
Moreover, the fact that religion is a private affair was also pointed out
500 fine and 3 months imprisonment? Religion is a private affair and use of force is useless! pic.twitter.com/hQb3N94e08
— azka naeem (@azkanaeem001) May 11, 2017
Additionally, some drew attention towards the hypocrisy this law displayed
Ppl who eat or smoke in public during Ramzan will be jailed here and if we go abroad and are forced not to fast then also we will go bonkers
— Aaliya Javed (@Aaliyajaved) May 11, 2017
The fact that we don’t learn from tragedies was highlighted
Did we learn nothing after 1000+ ppl died from heatwave IN RAMAZAN? Ehtram-e-Ramazan Bill https://t.co/k3lfMWtUfh
— Neha Ansari (@NhaAnsari) May 11, 2017
Someone pointed out how our faith needs work if it’s shaken by the sight of someone eating
How fragile is your faith and patience that it's shaken and challenged by the mere sight of someone eating?
— Hafsa Khawaja (@Hafsa_Khawaja) May 11, 2017
The fact that the law did not take various factors into consideration was also pointed out
And what if someone is a non-muslim?? Or is pregnant or diabetic or cannot fast for other medical reasons? https://t.co/2a5Mqvveem
— Alizeh Iqbal Haider (@AlizehIHaider) May 11, 2017
And what if someone is a non-muslim?? Or is pregnant or diabetic or cannot fast for other medical reasons? https://t.co/2a5Mqvveem
— Alizeh Iqbal Haider (@AlizehIHaider) May 11, 2017
Some people didn’t even believe that this was an issue in the first place
Diabetic logon aur pregnant khawateen ka kya hoga…. Omg….
Why the fuck would both of the above be roaming about in streets? Lol.— Taha A. Wyne (@tahawyne) May 11, 2017
Fortunately, people were around to clear any misconceptions
It wouldn't kill you if someone ate while you were fasting but it would literally kill a diabetic person if they didn't eat on time. https://t.co/DQzbxPWjNk
— – (@HaseenaAtomBum) May 11, 2017
The anger of this person was pretty evident
"Fuck you if you're pregnant, fuck if you're sick, fuck you if you're non-Muslim" – Govt. of Pakistan https://t.co/6OdP1LcBdG
— – (@HaseenaAtomBum) May 11, 2017
There was the age-old “Liberal” whining done and dealt with, too
@tahawyne Buddy I'm not sure you should be fasting if the sight of someone else eating and drinking is too much for you.
— summernation. (@summeryael) May 11, 2017
There were some who disagreed with the law, but not in the way you’d expect
@etribune It should be one month imprisonment
— O M A R ?? عُمر (@Mr_Umar86) May 11, 2017
Finally, one individual summed up the entire situation quite aptly
@etribune WTF ?
— Dexter Lahori (@Dexter_Lahori) May 11, 2017
Everyone knows that the entire point of Ramazan is to test Muslims. The idea of Ehtaram-e-Ramazan makes complete sense – for Ramazan is one of the holiest months. However, the law seems to be presenting a forceful demand for ehtaram. One of the most basic things we’re taught is that there is no compulsion in religion. The law seems to contradict that very fundamental belief. Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is the fact that religion is and always will be a private matter. Maybe it’s time we started dealing with it as such?
Cover image via: lostwithpurpose.com