In recent years, the contribution has been made any time from the beginning of Ramadan onwards so it can reach those who need it for Eid, but the symbolism and tradition of giving on Eid itself is strong.
Ramadan has already set a precedent of increased charitable giving. In the UK for example, the country’s Muslim population of around 4 million donate £100 million pounds during Ramadan alone. According to the “Great British Ramadan” study by Ogilvy Islamic Marketing, not only do Muslims give more money during Ramadan, 36 per cent do more charity and community work; men aged 18-24 contribute more, at 42 per cent.
With reference to Mina Aldroubi s report
Iraq s health minister resigns after deadly hospital blaze(May 4): more than 80 patients died, 110 were injured. The authorities must investigate the real cause and make sure this never happens again. Whoever is guilty should be punished. Human lives won’t come back, whatever compensation is given to grieving families. However, I applaud the minister s resignation on moral grounds.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
With reference to Chitrabhanu Kadalayil s op-ed
IPL cricket is suspended – why did it take so long?(May 4): at one time, cricket used to be a gentleman’s game. It is heartbreaking to see the situation in India right now. The tournament should have been suspended sooner. That it was not tells us how much the game has become about money, above all else.
A commitment to a religious practice, studies indicate, lead to psychological well-being and better mental health. Hundreds of studies report religiosity being associated with, for example, lower levels of depression, anxiety and substance misuse. Some follow up with people over decades. The message is clear: commitment to religion is associated with a reduced risk of psychological problems.
A few disorders do break this general rule, though. For example, anorexia and obsessive compulsive disorders can be associated with heightened religiosity. And there are cases where people have been adversely affected by distorted teachings. However, in general, religious commitment appears to have positive effects on the mind.