The Ramadaan spirit is in full swing in the Cape.
The doekies, koefiyyas and burkas are out and the spirit of caring and sharing is alive.
The mass boekas that started in recent years have been popping up all over the place.
One of the most popular mass boekas takes place in Bo-Kaap and if you missed the first one don’t worry, one will be taking place there again at the end of the month.
Meanwhile, the beautiful Cape tradition of sending a plate of koekies to neighbours is still going strong.
And shortly after boeka time, you can expect a knock on the door from the barakatjie gang coming to collect their koekies.
Pwasa traditions in the Cape is a blessing, and it’s those little add-ons that make this such a lekker place to celebrate this holy month.
As Muslims we are told to be extra generous during this holy month if we are by the means.
This is even more evident when the middle of the month is reached, also known as “ die vyftiende pwasa” or boeber aand.
DIG IN: The 15th pwasa is boeber aand. Photo: Supplied.
On this night, you will see Muslims handing out potte full of this delicious, creamy milky confection to their neighbours and to the needy.
These days, all of these good works are being posted on social media, with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram is plastered with photos Muslims “making sadakah” (doing charitable deeds).
This has become a hot topic in the community should you be posting photos and videos of good deeds you must essentially do solely for the sake of your Creator?
What if you become proud and self-satisfied; after all, your pot of boeber for the poor was so much larger than your neighbours’?
Some people will tell you straight that plastering your charity all over Facebook is plain wrong, and that you are spoiling your good deed because you want people to see what a good person you are.
I am of the belief that wat die linkerhand doen moet die regterhand nie van wiet nie.
But then it also comes down to people’s intention, and only they will know why they are posting things on social media.
I realise that some people might simply want to inspire others and spread positive news.
I do believe that if your heart is pure then it will show, but if you are just posting to show off then that will show as well.
So please take heed, search your heart and think carefully as to WHY you want to post something, and how it will be perceived by the public.
Make your intention clear with the Almighty and you should not have any problems.
On the other hand, I also feel that we can’t NOT share our good news with the world.
When anything negative happens involving Muslims, the big media companies of the world are quick to share it.
So this is our way of showing the “real and normal” side of Muslims.
INTENT: Be clear why you post good deeds. Photo: Supplied.
There are Muslims who believe that you should not have to tell people about Islam because if you live it correctly, others will be attracted to its beauty through you.
But the internet is a powerful tool, so why can’t we use it to tell the real story of Muslims and Islam, and root out fake news at the same time.
I can say that although I am personally not a fan of posting your good deeds online, some posts have really inspired me to try and do good also.
We should start competing to see who can spend the most in the path of Allah, instead of competing who gets the most likes and shares.
It all comes down to your intention.
Since we don’t know what’s in the heart of the next person only the Almight knows let us also not be quick to judge people as brekerag when they post uplifting stories online.
That in itself (judging others) is also a great sin.
We are now on the downward slope of Ramadaan, and getting ready to prepare for Labarang.
This pwasa has really gone fast, so let us make the best of the last few days and increase our good deeds and ibadah(worshipping).
With that said, slamat vir die 15de pwasa to all of you who made it oppie berg.