UAE | General
Stop wasting food during Ramadan, urge scholars
People should refrain from cooking too much and throwing away surplus food particularly during Ramadan as religious scholars regard this as against the spirit of fasting and the philosophy behind it.
- By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:00 October 11, 2006
Al Ain: People should refrain from cooking too much and throwing away surplus food particularly during Ramadan as religious scholars regard this as against the spirit of fasting and the philosophy behind it.
Incidents of food wasting increase during Ramadan when people cook as much food as they can and dump large quantities of surplus food.
"Wasting food is a sin in Islam and a big violation of the very concept of Ramadan," said Ahmad Suleiman Al Daheri, a religious scholar in Al Ain.
Other than the numerous health benefits, fasting teaches a moral to Muslims to feel and understand the hunger, deprivation and suffering of fellow human beings, he said.
Al Daheri said Muslims should simplify their diet during the month of fasting and save extra amounts to donate them to different charities for the benefit of underprivileged people in different Muslim countries.
Qari Obaidur Rehman, another prayer leader at an Al Ain mosque, said Islam strictly forbids exaggeration or an act that is beyond the normal or sufficient in any field. "It's regrettable to see people wasting food. This is not permissible in Islam at all," he added.
Maulana Mohammad Ameen, a prayer leader, said wasting food is a big sin especially during Ramadan during which Muslims are expected to keep away from all sins and misdeeds.
"People should not waste their money on extra food and instead share their wealth or give part of it to the poor so they can also live a decent life," he said.
He said many people wrongly consider Ramadan a festive season. Such an attitude means they have lost the real concept behind the month. They should not waste their time in idle talk, watching television, and getting involved in activities that are part of non-Muslim traditions and celebrations.
Maulana Ameen said all Muslims should devote their time for the betterment of humanity and the society they live in. "It is not enough just to refrain from food and drink," he added.
It is up to the people how they employ their time to reap maximum blessings by either following the religious guidance or spend their time only in food and drinks and other wasteful activities, he added.
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