The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity to draw closer to Allah and review daily habits and behaviors, including eating habits. During this blessed month, the focus is on fasting and worship, but it is also important to reflect on the impact of food waste on society and the environment, especially with the high rates of food waste during Iftar and Suhoor.
The Holy Quran says:
“Eat and drink, but do not waste. Surely He does not like the wasteful.”
[Al-A’raf: 31].
This noble verse lays a strong foundation for the concept of moderation and balance in consumption, as Allah Almighty forbids extravagance and emphasizes that moderation in eating and drinking is a beloved behavior that pleases Allah.
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Eat, drink, dress, and give in charity without extravagance and without conceit” [narrated by Ahmad].
This ecological hadith directs us to achieve balance in our consumption, as Islam encourages generosity and charity, but at the same time it calls for avoiding waste and extravagance.
There are many reasons for food waste during the holy month of Ramadan, the most prominent of which is preparing excessive amounts of food that exceed the family’s needs, which leads to disposing of the surplus, in addition to rushing to prepare the Iftar and Suhoor table without prior planning, which causes some foods to spoil before they are eaten. Moreover, social customs, such as large banquets, contribute to a significant increase in food waste.
To avoid this phenomenon, individuals and communities bear the responsibility of reducing food waste by making conscious decisions at the family and community levels. This can be achieved by proper meal planning, purchasing the appropriate quantities of food, and reusing surplus food instead of throwing it away. The culture of donating food to needy people can also be promoted through food banks that distribute food to less privileged sections of the society.
In addition, food waste can be reduced by adopting sustainable practices, such as storing food properly to preserve it for a longer period, and using leftover food to prepare new recipes, in addition to raising community awareness about the importance of preserving food resources.
Ultimately, reducing food waste is a noble behavior that espouses Islamic values and contributes to achieving social justice by helping the poor and needy. The minimization of food waste also helps to preserve natural resources and protect the environment from the detrimental impacts of food waste. Therefore, adopting responsible eating habits during Ramadan is an important step towards achieving sustainability and social solidarity.
