In modern societies, New Year Eve is often celebrated at social gatherings during which participants dance, over-eat, consume alcoholic beverages and watch or light fireworks to mark the incoming year. The above mentioned luxuries are suited to modern and developed nations. But most of us celebrate this night with endless buffet of food, lavish parties, social gatherings, fireworks and shopping overnight.
This night should be a time to avoid being wasteful, making a New Year resolution and getting prepared for the future. Furthermore, Islam being the religion of modesty urges its believers to be humble in every walk of life.
Muslims should refrain from such extravagant and wasteful activities and instead should spend most of their time in gathering the endless bounties of Allah bestowed upon us.
DR HASSAN ANJUM SHAHID
Lahore