The media is a double-edged sword. I have often written about this and it came to my mind again recently when I watched two MPs exploiting a religious occasion for some cheap publicity and selfish reasons.
While distributing Iftar meals to people on the streets, an MP’s team member asked the recipients to pray for the member of Parliament as a banner with his picture was placed by the roadside.
The other MP was seen distributing food to poor Muslim expatriates and his demeanour was as if he was presenting awards to winners!
Such behaviour is totally unacceptable in our religion and nor is it part of our customs and traditions.
Shame on these MPs for their gestures which is completely rejected and even forbidden by our Islamic religion!
Agreed, distributing alms, zakat and doing good deeds during the holy month of Ramadan is virtuous but they do not need a campaign or media hype which does not serve any intended purpose, but rather harms the occasion.
If we are behind the creation and promotion of news, then we must bear the consequences of our mistakes.
Quite frankly, I personally was very surprised by these lapses, which I consider to be among the ABCs of work. No rational person can dare to do this work that is contrary to our customs and traditions.
I am certain that many Bahraini figures, notables and families carry out their religious duties and do good deeds quietly, without compensation, for the sake of God. They never even think about appearing in the media, and also refuse to associate or highlight their names or the names of their families with these projects, despite the huge sums of money they donate!
As God has told us in His decisive revelation of the virtue of spending in His name: “Those who spend their wealth for Allah’s obedience and pleasure, and do not destroy their reward afterwards by reminding people of their favour by their words or actions, will receive their reward from their Lord.
“They will have no fear for the future nor any grief over the past because of the great bounties they will be enjoying.”
How did you allow yourself, respected MPs, to be videographed and publish the video while giving the needy and the poor meals to break their fast as if you were handing them prizes! I say to these people’s representatives, fear God, and I hope that you will be governed by your mind and principles rather than emotions and other goals!
All this hype through social media had one goal only, which was to gain the sympathy of the helpless public and tickle their feelings!
Personally, I know of many individuals making great, tremendous and exceptional efforts to provide aid and assistance to those in need throughout the year, not only in Bahrain, but outside it, and without any compensation or goal other than doing good, planting happiness in people’s hearts, and improving their living conditions.
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