SCHOLARS, through the media, are always urging the general public not to squander money, clothes, food, drinks, electricity, etc. because it goes against our religious ethos. Yet, despite such warnings, we ironically overlook the wastage of resources that takes place at gala events and festivals, many of which are held annually. Umm Ruqaiba Camel Beauty Pageant is one of these events. The festival kicked off almost a month ago and usually continues for several weeks. The first thing that occurs to most people attending the festival is extravagance in its full sense of the word. The amount of food people leave can feed an entire village for a whole day. Festival goers should realize one thing — I am not against the festival and I am not calling upon the public to boycott it. I do not agree with those who say the festival is held annually as a way to show how people love camels. These animals are mentioned in the Holy Qur'an, which calls upon us to look with awe at how these animals are strong and beneficial to human beings. Therefore, the detractors of the festival are not right when they criticize it as it also focuses on the long history of camels. As for camel auctions, I am not against them but only if reasonable amounts are spent. There have been instances where camels have been sold upwards of a million riyals and this is wrong in my opinion. Most nations have similar festivals where they celebrate their heritage and pass it down to the younger generations. In Holland, there is a cow festival. There are festivals for horses, pigeons, sheep, and other animals. But such festivals are simple in nature and there is no extravagance. They bring people together, not drive them apart. We should steer clear of extravagance and wastage of money at festivals. When we do this, the Umm Ruqaiba festival will become more popular and attract even its detractors.
