PAS Ulama Council Chief, Ahmad Yahaya has slammed the Ministry of Education's directive to keep school canteens open throughout the Ramadhan month, insisting that it was “insulting to the holy month of Ramadhan”. According to The Star, Datuk Ahmad Yahaya said that closing school canteens during Ramadhan was a form of respect towards Muslims who are fasting or training to fast during the holy month.
"This doesn't mean that non-Muslim students will be deprived of meals, instead, it presents an opportunity for them to learn and respect the significance of Ramadhan," he said in a statement on Tuesday (March 12). He further added that non-Muslim students can bring their own meals to school to eat in areas allocated for the purpose. "That would suffice without the need to issue a directive for canteens to remain open, which seems a bit excessive," he said. In a democratic country such as Malaysia, Ahmad Yahaya has the right to his opinion and I along with other Malaysians have the right to ours. Here are a few reasons why I disagree with Ahmad Yahaya.
1. Impractical for non-Muslim staff and students
For many non-Muslim students and teachers, especially those who have busy schedules or long commutes, having food within break times during Ramadhan can be challenging. By operating canteens during school hours, schools can provide a convenient and reliable option for non-Muslim students and staff to have meals during the fasting period. This can alleviate logistical challenges and ensure that everyone in the school community can have food when needed, promoting a sense of equity and support for all members of the school community.
2. Demonstrates lack of respect for diversity
Not allowing school canteens to operate during the month of Ramadhan in Malaysia demonstrates a lack of respect for the diverse cultural and religious practices within the country. It does not take into account that not all students may be observing fasting during this period and not allowing canteens to operate during the month of Ramadhan, deprives them of the option to have meals during break times. Does Ahmad Yahaya and his party have no respect for the various races in our country that do not practice fasting during the Ramadhan month?
3. Students who do not practice fasting still need to maintain nutritional balance
For many students, particularly those who are younger or have health concerns, having access to nutritious meals at school is essential for their overall well-being. It has been estimated that there are at least 5.6 million school-going children in Malaysia who have been found to face the double burden of malnutrition. By operating canteens during Ramadan, schools can provide students with adequate nourishment to support their physical and cognitive development, which is crucial for their academic performance.
4. Does not accommodate individual choices
While fasting during Ramadhan is a religious obligation for many Muslims, it's important to recognize that not all students, be they Muslims or non-Muslims may observe the fast. Some students may have medical conditions that exempt them from fasting, while others may choose not to fast for personal reasons. By keeping school canteens open, schools allow students the freedom to make their own choices about whether or not to observe the fast, rather than imposing restrictions on their dietary options. This approach fosters a sense of autonomy and respect for individual beliefs among students.
5. Canteen operators still need money
Canteen operators still need money in the month of Ramadhan. By prohibiting canteens from opening during Ramadhan, how does Ahmad Yahaya expect canteen operators to earn their livelihoods? To keep the electricity and water running in their homes? To feed their family? It should be worth mentioning that Islam greatly encourages its followers to seek comfort and wealth in life and business is a great example of this. After all, Prophet Muhammad was a businessman himself; this is recorded in books regarding the life of the Prophet in which it stated that he would follow his uncle to Syria for business trips. Additionally, the Prophet also helped his beloved wife Khadijah bin Khuwailid in her business. Canteen operators are not doing anything illegal and are making an honest living so why should anyone including Mr Ahmad Yahaya prevent them from doing that?
These are my thoughts regarding the issue. What do you think? Do you think school canteens should be closed during Ramadhan? Let me know in the comments.
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