This week, like more than a billion other Muslims around the world, Pakistani nation would also be making preparations for the month of fasting, Ramadan. The ethos of this holy month is spirituality manifested in 30 days of fasting from dawn to dusk during which time the faithful abstain from eating and drinking. That is not to say food is not an important part of Ramadan as throughout the month, pleasures of Gods plenty are shared in a spirit of thankfulness and togetherness. The preparations for Iftar naturally mean edibles are stocked and bought in preparation for the delicacies to be served to friends and family. Ramadan teaches moderation, some might say to the point of frugality, and encourages Muslims to be benevolent also. So consumers of the Muslim world spend a lot in Ramadan. This year, however, we are going to have a different kind of Ramadan. A very large number of our compatriots have lost everything in floods. They have nothing to eat and drink and some do not even have the clothes to wear, having lost the shirt off their back in floods. There is no roof over their heads nor a floor under their feet. Instead of having a big Iftar at home, let us share our food with those who have lost everything. -MUSHARRAF NAZIMABADI, Chakwal, August 11.