Know the meaning of the stickers that generated controversy on Instagram

O Instagram launched last Tuesday thematic stickers about the ramadan, a holy month for Muslims, in which they dedicate themselves to fasting and prayer. You stickerswhich can be used in stories, bring sacred symbols of islamic religion🇧🇷

The platform’s intention to publicize the event ended up in the wrong use of the stickers by many users, who used the sticker in posts that had no relation to Islam, causing discomfort and raising a debate on the subject. It was possible to observe users of the platform in conflict for what was pointed out as disrespectful and insensitive to religious practices.

what agony to see these people using the Ramadan sticker just to gain engagement 🥴

— you can deceive me now (@AnaClarabento01) April 15, 2021

This is not the first time that conflicts of this scope happen. The Year of the Ox stickers, from LGBTQIA+ Pride Day, among others, at some point generated controversy.

In general, people consider the use of these stickers by someone who is outside the context or culture represented as a form of disrespect. Even more so when they are used to publicize a commercial work or self-promote.

On the bright side, the stickers were created by the platform to celebrate, and with that many causes and beliefs gain public knowledge and promote respect for others and different ways of living.

“I think this is incredible, as it gives more visibility to us Muslims. Thus, we have the chance to show our religion in order to combat prejudice”, says Mariam Chami, 29 years old, Brazilian, Muslim and influencer. “Whoever didn’t know what Ramadan is, certainly knows now”, she adds.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan, or Ramadan, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, one of the five pillars of Islam and occurs based on the lunar cycle. It begins and ends with the appearance of the new moon in the sky, the equivalent of 29/30 days, as explained by Flávia Martinelli, a lawyer, an adherent of Islam for 8 years and a founding member of the National Association of Islamic Jurists (ANAJI), which acts as source of representation of Muslims and defense of religious freedom.

“During this month, Muslims must not drink or eat, abstaining from sexual relations between dawn and sunset, which is mandatory for Muslims who have reached puberty,” explains Flávia. She also comments that, in addition to physical fasting, the practice of charity is also encouraged, intensifying acts of worship with voluntary prayers and reading the Koran.

“According to religious tradition, this was the period in which the Prophet Muhammad (Mohammed) began to receive the revelations of the Koran while meditating in the cave of Hirá, in Mecca”, he says.

The period has two important milestones: the night of the decree (“laylatul qadr” in Arabic) and Eid. The night of the decree commemorates the night when God first revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe the acts of devotion performed on that night are rewarded more than if they had performed them for a thousand months, and for this they intensify their prayers. Eid is a party that takes place at the end of the 29/30 days, marking the end of this sacred period.

This year Ramadan started on April 13th and will end on May 12th.

Knowing the stickers

created by hello AlAbbasi, in partnership with the Instagram design team, the stickers feature three different models. The artist was inspired by her favorite aspects of Islam and Ramadan, which reflect on the “beautiful moments we shared together”.

“I enjoyed working on and creating these cute stickers so you can play with them and use them during your daily Ramadan routine. I wanted to bring joy and happiness through them so you could feel the vibes and be happy!”, Wrote the artist in a post on her profile.

🇧🇷As another Ramadan begins, Muslims around the world are adapting their traditions to share this moment of generosity, charity and reflection virtually. We are honoring this holy month in the Islamic calendar with the release of stickers that offer people ways to share their good deeds and connect with friends and family during the period.”

Plate with dates and tea

Dates, accompanied by tea, are usually consumed at times that do not fit into the Ramadan fast, to prevent a drop in blood glucose levels during prolonged abstinence during the day. Both foods are high in sugar.

mosque

The mosque is the temple where Muslims hold their prayers and religious meetings. Although this year access is restricted due to the pandemic, it is the main symbol of the period of religion and Ramadan.

crescent moon and star

The crescent moon references the lunar calendar, considered the guide to the beginning and end of Ramadan and other milestones of the Islamic calendar. Both the moon and the star are a representation for the nights of the fasting period, when families gather to have meals.