🌕 Ramaḍhān Benefits (22)

A month to be grateful, not wasteful Sheikh Fawzān ḥafidhahullāh said: "Appreciating and valuing food means avoiding waste—eating a little while discarding the rest is a sign of ingratitude for Allāh’s blessings. Large dishes are prepared, yet only a small portion is consumed while the remainder is carelessly thrown away. This is Kufr An-Ni’mah (ingratitude for blessings), something we seek Allāh’s protection from, fearing the consequences of such wastefulness. The Prophet ﷺ said: “If a morsel of food falls from one of you, let him pick it up, clean off any dirt, and eat it.” If such care is given to a single morsel, then what about entire meals and large dishes that are simply discarded? On one occasion, the Prophet ﷺ saw a piece of date lying on the ground, and he picked it up with his noble hand, saying: “Were it not that I fear it is from Zakah, I would have eaten it.” He still removed it from the ground out of respect for Allāh’s provision. The only reason he refrained from eating it was the possibility of it being from Zakah, which was prohibited for him and his family. This teaches us a vital lesson in appreciating and honoring Allah’s blessings rather than wasting them. May we take heed and act accordingly!" ___ Practical ways to avoid food wastage: 1️⃣ Store Food Properly – Use foil wraps, cling film, and food containers to keep food fresh. 2️⃣ Maximise What You Have – If your fridge or freezer is full, get creative with existing ingredients instead of overstocking and leaving no space. 3️⃣ Plan Meals Wisely – Cook according to the number of people eating, measuring ingredients carefully to prevent excess waste. 4️⃣ Understand Food Labels – - Best Before Date: This indicates quality, not safety—food is still fine to eat. - Use By Date: This marks when food may no longer be safe. Do not eat, cook, or freeze it past this date. 5️⃣ Serve Sensibly – Avoid piling too much on plates. If most of the food remains uneaten, the issue isn’t taste—it’s that after fasting, only a few bites are usually enough. 6️⃣ Share Extra Food – Give to family, friends, neighbors (including non-Muslims as a form of Da'wah), or your local masjid. 7️⃣ Repurpose Leftovers – Save edible food for another Iftar/Suhoor, and if it's no longer suitable for consumption, consider feeding animals instead of wasting it. 8️⃣ Respect Masjid Offerings – If you take a free water bottle, finish it and dispose of it properly. Don’t leave half-empty bottles littering the masjid. Small efforts lead to big change—let’s be mindful of our blessings! Source: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDlIsw6BIEcpVCHOl3v