As an Egyptian Muslim, I’m struck by the paradox that over half of Muslim countries rank in the bottom 20 of the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) even though 1.9 billion Muslims observed Ramadan in 2024.
This contradiction begs the question: how do Muslims manage to uphold their religious practices while grappling with such low corruption rankings?
The paradox
It is a paradox to observe that Muslim-majority countries were perceived as more corrupt when Islamic value is clearly against all forms of fasad or corruption: “The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive to spread corruption through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter” (Quran, 5:33).
The MENA region’s average CPI score dropped to 38 in 2022, with nearly 80% of countries ranking below 50.
Egypt’s score has hit its lowest point since the CPI became comparable in 2012, standing at 30.
My early days
Fasting is a self-observed religious practice that usually requires abstinence from food for an extended time.
I still remember the first day I fasted when I was 8; I wanted to be an adult. I woke early on a Friday morning, and everybody was still asleep. After two hours, I entered the bathroom and drank from the water tap.
Two hours later, when my mom woke up, I told her I was hungry and wanted to eat; she told me it was okay.
Anyway, you are not obliged to fast before puberty. Later, I admitted that I drank water alone in the bathroom. I knew God was watching, but no one was watching me, so I thought it was okay.
Now, I am 46 years old, and during the month of Ramadan, from sunrise (suhoor) until sunset (iftar), I refrain from consuming food, drinking, and having sex. These are all-natural behaviors that may be resumed after sunset.
True fasting
However, by fasting, you should also practice fasting for your tongue and all your senses by avoiding saying or listening to anything that’s not right or hurtful to others.
That fasting extends to your heart by trying to clean your heart from hatred, envy, and rage.
Of course, you should not commit a crime or get involved in corruption, bribery, or theft at all times, whether it is Ramadan or not.
Muslims profoundly change their habits during Ramadan to receive more rewards in life and the afterlife as a result of nudging Muslims through rewards and punishments that are found in Allah’s teachings in the Quran and Prophet Muhammad’s teachings in the Sunna.
In Islam, we pray five times a day, and if you are a practicing Muslim, it’s hard to hide such rituals as the five prayers are distributed along the time of the day.
Besides, it is advised to pray the five obligatory prayers in groups and better in the mosques at the time of the prayers. So, prayers are usually a public practice. If you, for any reason, decide to pray alone and hide your practice, it will be challenging every time, especially at home or during your working hours. You must find a room and lock it every time you pray so people may not see you.
During Ramadan, Muslims tend to increase their attendance in mosques, the number of prayers, and the recitement of the Holy Quran. In addition, many Muslims prefer to donate their annual, obligatory donation, “Zakkah,” during Ramadan and increase their regular charity spending.
God highly rewards fasting because only you can tell whether you are fasting; it’s a self-observed practice. (Remember my first day fasting?) You may be drinking at home or work, and no one knows.
Are we fasting?
So why do Muslim countries have a high CPI index if they can keep themselves disciplined for long hours and for one whole month?
The truth is that the majority of Muslims are either not practicing true fasting or not fasting at all.
This lack of understanding of the true meaning of fasting is a significant factor. We must delve deeper into this concept to fully comprehend its potential for societal transformation.
If Muslims truly embrace the spirit of fasting during Ramadan, as advised by Prophet Muhammad and as per the teachings of the Quran, they could potentially transform not just the earth but the entire universe into a better place. This prospect of profound change should inspire us all.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If one does not eschew lies and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from his food and his drink.” Here is the answer.
If your fasting does not reflect your social responsibility and relationships, God does not need his fasting.
So your religious practice should reflect on society for good, and any trial of self-improvement, its aim should pour in the end for the common good.
Fasting through history
Fasting is not just found in Islam; it’s a widely observed practice in various religions around the world. Even in Surat Al Baqarah, Aya 183 says fasting was decreed upon those before Islam.
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” 183 Al Baqarah
The aim here is to become righteous; naturally, that should be reflected in people’s behavior.
Fasting in other religions has taken various forms and purposes, ranging from gratitude, soul purification, and celebration.
Fasting is integral to Hindu culture, and various fasting traditions are observed yearly. Jews fast on Yom Kippur and Tisha B’av and several other days, while Christians fast during the 40 days leading up to Easter. Eastern Orthodox Christians fast every Wednesday and Friday (except on special holidays).
Ramadan
However, I have always found fasting in Ramadan fascinating human behavior. Millions of people abstain for more than 12 hours from basic human instincts.
Whether you live at the North Pole, South Pole, or the equator, or you may live in Asia, Europe, or Africa, you follow the rule of fasting from dawn to sunset.
Millions of Egyptians break their fasting at nearly the exact moment, as sunset time may differ from city to city. Thousands of people may arrange a group Iftar event to celebrate the holy month together, showing unprecedented social responsibility and community solidarity.
So why does Egypt rank so low in the corruption index?
Corruption and poverty
Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between corruption and poverty. However, the causal relationship between the two remains a topic of debate. Does poverty breed corruption, or does corruption perpetuate poverty? A causality analysis of data from 97 developing countries revealed a bidirectional link, suggesting that corruption and poverty are mutually reinforcing.
Corruption contributes to poverty through two main channels: hindering economic growth and undermining effective governance. From a financial perspective, corruption deters foreign investment and reduces tax revenue, impeding economic development and exacerbating poverty. Moreover, the governance model suggests widespread corruption erodes the institutional capacity to provide quality public services, further perpetuating poverty.
In addition, judging solely by economic growth, we may perceive a low GDP country as corrupt and wrongly perceive a wealthy country with abundant natural resources as clean.
A study of 43 Organization of Islamic Corporation (OIC) member countries found that the interaction between natural resources and corruption positively impacts Gross Domestic Product. This suggests that corruption is prevalent across all societal levels and in wealthy and impoverished nations.
Until they change what is in themselves
In Surat Al-Raad Aya 11 in Quraan, “For each one are successive [angels] before and behind him who protect him by the decree of Allah. Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron.”
So, if people want to improve their lives, they must act on themselves and change. The whole community should change for the better, so it’s a social responsibility, not an individual’s.
All prayers, fasting, and Quraan recited should be for the community to be a better place to live with less corruption and crime and a prosperous and safe place.
Studies reveal that religious leaders exhibit the lowest levels of corruption, while police officers and elected officials demonstrate the highest. Notably, research on Malaysian police officials suggests that religiosity reduces their engagement in corrupt and fraudulent practices.
The way forward
A more comprehensive approach is needed to address corruption. This should involve thoroughly evaluating and implementing strong governance practices and reviving religious teachings for a better and deeper understanding of the true religion.
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References:
https://www.ikim.gov.my/new-wp/index.php/2021/12/21/combatting-corruption-in-muslim-countries/