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Let's not get carried away

Every fasting Muslim has to make sure there is no greed while ending the fast.

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The holy month of Ramadan is here to light up our nights and lives.
Fasting is a kind of jihad, or struggle, since a Muslim tries to refrain from saying or doing wrong, said Aisha Al Muhairi, Senior Director of Development at the Department of Economic Development, Dubai, (DED). "Rather, one does right deeds and endeavours to steer away from what makes the Almighty unhappy," she added.

Illegal mobile garage trucks seized The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Sector at the Department of Economic Development, Dubai, recently seized a group of light trucks on the Emirates Road as the drivers turned their vehicles to mobile garages. They were offering to fix damaged heavy trucks on the roadside illegally, mainly changing the flat tyres. An official at the department said the act distorts the image of Dubai roads and more than that, trucks that are pulled up on the roadside could pose danger to other motorists. Ahmed Al Awadi, senior manager of Field Control Section, DED, said: "The on-the-spot inspection team inspects trading shops to verify these establishments are abiding by the licence terms and rules governing the commercial activities." He said the inspection team booked the truck drivers and fined them for practising a trade without proper licence. They have been also warned against repeating the offence. The DED called upon motorists not to depend illegal vehicle mechanics as these unauthorised persons lack the required expertise and standards. The department also urged those who are willing to take up the business to obtain a permit from the DED or the concerned government bodies in advance. The public can report such wrong practices by calling Ahlan Dubai service on 600545555, or by downloading the smart App Salaty, or via the Twitter page for consumer protection @Dubai_consumers. (As told by Ahmed Al Awadi, Senior Manager of Field Control Section, DED)

During Ramadan, a Muslim trains himself not to eat or drink for almost 15 hours. This helps him experience what a poor man goes through, a man who is in need and has to go without food and drink.
However, every fasting Muslim has to make sure there is no greed while ending the fast. Eating too much food can harm the body.
Often, there is a lavish purchase of foodstuff during Ramadan. There is also large scale cooking and most people make too many dishes and even the extended family will not be able to finish it. In the process, most of the food ends up as waste. And most people trash the leftover food, while some donate it.
But the question is, why do we buy foodstuff and other domestic items extravagantly? Expenses are never ending. Hence every consumer has to be discerning. At the end of Ramadan comes Eid. Then there is the holiday season and then the travelling season. And these are expensive months.

Consumers get more chances to win raffle draws Dubai - You now have more chances of winning raffles and lucky draws! A system change enables consumers and competition participants to enjoy increased chances of winning raffle draws held by companies and major trading establishments. The Department of Economic Development's (DED) Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Sector (CCCPS) has changed competition draw systems in favour of the consumers. In the past, customers who won a lucky draw and failed to claim the prize would have to forfeit it, and the unclaimed prize turned in to DED. The new system permits the unclaimed system to be entered into the draw again, letting another customer win it. The new rule not only benefits the customers, but the companies holding competitions and promotions as well. Khalid Darwish Al Boum, Senior Manager, Promotion Events Control Section, CCCPS, said, "Earlier, the DED collected unclaimed prizes, in the event of a raffle draw winner failing to appear to claim them, or if the company and the DED were unable to reach or communicate with the winner." The DED also verifies the draw process and the winners to ensure fair and transparent proceedings. reporters@khaleejtimes.com

Therefore, it is only right that the consumer spends intelligently.
So from today, let's raise the motto: 'We will not give in to our materialistic desires'.
Allocate a budget for the holy month and make sure it does not exceed the budget of any other month. Specify priorities in terms of food and drinks and set aside a budget for that, too.
Consumption does not mean just food and drinks, it extends to clothes, as well. Traders try to attract consumers to kitchen utensils and garments and many of them fall for it. Eventually, the holy month, a month of worship and spirituality, turns into a month of shopping and consumption.
Consumers should decide not to get carried away. Get your priorities right and buy only what is needed. Compare prices of items on sale and check the offers well before you proceed to buy. Check the validity of the commodity also. Families can also arrange a scheme to donate the leftover of food in coordination with charity organisations.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com