Author: Rebecca Pena Hikal The Importance of Avoiding Sinful Acts during the month of Ramadan – Rebecca Pena
Day 3: Indulgence/ Overindulgence
One of the many things that we look forward to during this blessed month is that moment that we are able to break our fast at iftar. Not only because we are able to sit and have our first meal after fasting for 12 plus hours, but it is a time to sit and enjoy time with our families. Traditionally it is a feast for many. However, how much is too much? Is there such a thing as too much? I mean after all we are famished. They say that too much of anything is not a good thing. But that does not apply up food does it? In short, it most certainly does.
Both the Hebrew scripture and the Christian speak on gluttony, but it is only the Holy Quran that also speaks directly regarding the waste of food.
“It is He Who has brought into being gardens, the cultivated and the wild, and date-palms, and fields with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar ( in kind) and variegated. Eat of their fruit in season, but give (the poor) their due on harvest day. And do not waste, for Allah swt does not love the wasteful.” [Quran 6:141]
From this verse we understand that food is a primary source of waste. Think of the many times that we have done all of our grocery shopping only to be throwing out a portion of what we bought because it has gone bad. However, not only does Allah swt command us to not waste, but in the same verse he teaches us how to avoid it. He instructs us to share our food with the poor, and not leftovers but when it is fresh.
Excess resulting in waste
Being wasteful can also be a result of having too much. It may be the sweetest melon that you have ever had, but if you buy too much, most of it will likely go to waste. Allah swt addresses the problem of excess in the Quran:
“ Oh you who believe! Do not make unlawful the wholesome things which God has made lawful for you, but commit no excess for God does not love those things given to excess.” [ Quran 5:87]
In Islam, Allah swt requires that Muslims share a portion of what they have with the poor. And again not from what we have leftover but from every harvest (fresh) of what we have.
Gluttony resulting in waste
From the verses above we understand that God has provided us with a wide variety of delicious and lawful, or halal, food for us to eat. We can also gather from this that God in fact wants to enjoy our food. But eating excessively comes with harsh penalties.
“ Eat of the wholesome things that we have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein, less my condemnation fall upon you; he upon whom My condemnation falls has indeed thrown himself into utter ruin” [ Quran 20:81]
Gluttony is a form of self sabotage that can cause numerous health risks. Overeating may be seen merely as self indulgence in the presence of delicious food, but Allah swt does not see it this way. It is easy to see that the consumption, like taking drugs or drinking alcohol, clearly carries dangerous health risks. But the lesson here is that even eating wholesome foods can carry dangerous risks when consumed excessively.
Obesity and diabetes, among other health conditions related to overeating, are clearly risks that Allah swt would like us to avoid. And just as we put the spoon in our mouth, with our own hand, Allah swt makes it very clear that we in fact are responsible for our own condemnation.
So how can we avoid being wasteful during Ramadan? Here are a few tips that I myself find useful.
Plan meals ahead of time or better yet meal prep
Planning meals ahead of time can reduce the amount of food that we waste. Setting aside and preparing just enough for everyone who will be breaking fast with you will minimize the chances of having to throw any excess out therefore wasting good food.
Inventory and shopping lists
Take an inventory of everything that you already have on hand, in your fridge and pantry. Then make a shopping list of everything that you’ll need. Ever gone to the grocery store for a few items only to walk out with double or triple of what you went there for in the first place? Having a shopping list will help to keep you focused on buying only what you need. Shopping lists will become your best friends. And make sure to not give in to any “specials” the markets may have. Although it may in fact be a great deal, stay focused only on what you went there for.
Eat your leftovers
If you do find yourself having leftovers eat them right away during the next meal. Maybe it may not be what you had planned to eat, but it is good food, so eat it, don’t waste it.
Share with those who are less fortunate
If you see that you have made extra or more than you had originally planned for, share with your neighbors or the poor. As Muslims it is one of our religious duties, to feed the poor.
Allah swt described those who feed needy people as those who will be among the “ companions of the right” and those who will inherit Jannah.
The Prophet PBUH also showed us that what is given in charity and what is being fed to the poor is what actually remains, ( eternally in terms of rewards with Allah swt) as opposed to the food we consume.
“And the ones who offer food, instead of their own need, to the needy, and the orphan, and the hostage, [saying in their hearts],’We only feed you for the sake of Allah Almighty, and we ask for nothing in return from you, not even a word of thanks” (76:8-9)
Although we will all enjoy this blessed month and all of the wonderful, delicious food that Allah swt has provided for us, let us try to stay mindful and not be wasteful. Remember to also give to those who are less fortunate for the sake of Allah swt. This is a time for us all to be grateful for all that we have and share with those who have less that we do. May Allah swt make us strong and disciplined and may we all show generosity during this holy month. Ameen.
Sister Rebecca is a SAHM living in Houston Texas. Married for 13 years with two children, and a revert since 2014, her hobbies include cooking, reading, and spending time with family.
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