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| The words “Bukber (breaking the fast together),” “Belanja (shopping),” and “Sahur (predawn meal).” (Photo by Yafi PR of UMM) |
As Ramadan comes, Muslims must fast. It turns out that the Ramadan moment not only minimizes expenditure but also tempts people to be more extravagant because it triggers people to buy various breaking fast menus before breaking time.
Regarding the phenomenon, the Economics Development Lecturer of UMM, Happy Febrina Hariyani, S.P., M.Si., shares a set of tips to prevent wasteful funds during Ramadan. She thinks that temptations will affect humans to buy desired menus while fasting. It makes people buy many menus, which are unnecessary and will not be consumed.
“Then, there should be self-controlling and self-awareness that it is not to excessively buy food. Just buy foods and beverages wisely so that they will not be waste,” she explains.
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Continuing her explanation, Happy says that to anticipate similar things, Muslims should do financial planning. Besides preventing buying unnecessary food, financial planning can also save finances from other extravagances, such as unneeded beverages, goods, clothing, etc., especially when the things can be purchased online. On the other hand, financial planning can save someone’s budget from the agenda of breaking the fast together.
“Instead of buying food, it is better to cook by own-self to save money and be healthy. The menu should be customized, and it should not be exceedingly buy cooking ingredients. Meanwhile, for the agenda of breaking the fast together with family and friends, we must be selective because all the agenda should not be attended,” the Lecturer emphasizes.
A large number of joint iftars agendas that must be attended increases expenses. Therefore, she advised people to have just a few to follow: the most important and comfortable one.
Lastly, Happy also encourages people to fill the Ramadan moment with positive activities like exercising, joining Islamic studies discussions, reading Al-Qur’an, etc. In addition to healing our body and soul, those activities will prevent us from excessive shopping, whether in the form of food, drink, clothing, or other goods.
“I feel that a positive activity can minimize the extravagant budget figures because there is no spare time for us to idly open a marketplace or visit a clothing and department store,” she ends. (imh/*/aul/wil)
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