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Photo credit: radicalmiddleway.co.uk
Jul
Radical Middle Way, a UK-based Muslim organisation is urging Muslims to take a step back and think about consciously buying and using fair trade products this Ramadan.
RMW, a grassroots initiative that promotes civic and social engagement amongst the youth, has previously encouraged Muslims to go green for Ramadan. This year the organisation is encouraging Muslims to become more environmentally and ethically conscious by signing a fair trade Ramadan pledge.
Fair trade ensures better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. Small-scale producers in many poor countries, particularly those whose livelihoods depend upon the farming of a single crop, are unable to compete in a world market controlled by large multinational companies and distorted by the subsidies provided by rich countries to their producers. As a consequence, farmers in poor countries have few options for generating an income and many live in poverty often unable to meet even their most basic needs.
By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), fair trade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.
RMW explains that Islam has always valued fairness in trade which ensures that workers get a fair price for their work whilst producers get a fair price for their produce. Islam lays the groundwork for all aspects of a Muslim's life. Central to Islamic practice is the emphasis of just interactions.
The Quran states: “Deal not unjustly, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly” (Ch.2, v. 279), and: “God loves those who are fair and just” (Ch.49, v.9).
Throughout the Quran there are verses commanding Muslims to act in a way that will ensure socio-economic justice at all times: “And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight” (Ch. 17, v. 35) and “Do not withhold from the people the things that are their due and do not commit mischief in the land, causing corruption” (Ch.11, v.85).
Consequently, buying and supporting food items produced in a manner that is fair to the farmers as well as environmentally and socially sustainable would seem to be the logical next step for Muslims. The Radical Middle Way fair trade Ramadan pledge reads:
I pledge to:
1. Affirm the spirit of Ramadan in word and in deed ”“ a spirit which calls on me to draw close to God by seeking His mercy, being charitable and promoting justice for all.
2. Consciously buy, use and serve fair trade products this Ramadan in preparing meals and breaking my fast ”“ products like bananas, dates, olive oil, coffee, tea and chocolate.
3. Promote the principles of fair trade and encourage my family and friends, mosques and community organisations to commit to using fair trade products whenever possible seeking trade justice and a better life for all producers.
This Ramadan, embrace fair trade. To find out more and sign the pledge yourself, visit the Radical Middle Way page on Facebook.
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