Article

Not Generosity... But Ostentation and Classism

Abdullah Al-Jumaili

Date of publication: 04 July 2026 22:01 KSA

* Certainly, (generosity, good hospitality, and liberality) are authentic values in our society's culture and remain so, and they are a sincere value reflecting individuals' cohesion, their affection, and their unlimited love for goodness and giving to others. But unfortunately, under the dominance of modern social media, with its quest for more followers, retweets, and top hashtags, strange transformations and behaviors have begun to cause concern. Hospitality has shifted from being a human practice based on generosity and affection to mere visual display lacking spirit.

***** * The goal of inviting guests is not to honor them or strengthen relationships; rather, the main purpose has become (ostentation). Before inviting them, arrangements are made with a group of photographers, prominent online figures, and some (praising poets), all to document (the large feast with trays containing kneeling camels and crouching sheep around them) and publish it to win the admiration and praise of the general public in comedic display performances.

***** * The danger of such behaviors is that they are gradually transforming from individual cases into a societal phenomenon, in addition to planting classism in the veins of society. These rich people boast daily about their lavish feasts, while those others can barely find a morsel for their children. Moreover, it is extravagance and hypocrisy, which people may grow accustomed to. As Sheikh Dr. Ali Al-Shibl once stated, this is a cause for blessings to disappear and a repellent of favors if we are not careful. ***** * What I hope, as I mentioned earlier, is a sincere pause for our generosity to return to its authentic values, simplicity, purity, and quietness, away from waste and photography. I also wish for awareness campaigns through Friday sermons and media to confront the currents of ostentation. Finally, allow me to strongly reject the Egyptian proverb: 'He who has a penny perplexed, buys pigeons and flies them.' Consequently, can fees or fines be imposed on those 'show-offs' for the benefit of the Ihsan platform, or donations, and other nonprofit platforms or associations? Since they have money and waste it in extravagance here and there, they must commit a portion of it to serving their community. Regards.

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