A social consensus is the need of the hour to reduce food wastage during Ramadhan, just as the holy month is round the corner, good samaritans of the society have urged.
Ramadhan is usually the month when mass gatherings are held as corporates, associations and NGOs organise iftars on a daily basis.
The blessed month of Ramadhan is considered one of the most important months in the life of a Muslim, but people buy food of all kinds and cook large amount of food, and is wasted in abundance.
The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs has called on all to avoid food wastage, and organise iftars with mutual understanding so that no duplication of iftar gatherings are held, and every invitee has an option to attend each iftar he or she is invited to.
Ali al Hattali from the ministry says to reduce food waste, one should cook appropriate amount for the family.
"Secondly, do not focus on eating alone in Ramadhan, there are acts of worship and zakat as the Muslim gets a great reward from them. Thirdly, if there is more food, it can be exchanged with neighbours," he said.
Hatim bin Harith al Abdissalaam, Deputy CEO of a TV channel, said: "Ramadhan is definitely not the month of feasting and consuming more than what we need. I call upon all my dear brothers and sisters to refrain from wasting food by consuming little and giving out more to the poor and needy. Let us also not forget that Allah the Almighty doesn't like those who are extravagant in their ways, those who waste resources and then dump food in the garbage cans," Hatim adds.
There is a food bank currently in operation that can be used to reduce food waste. Also, one should not buy items in excess or unnecessarily as it is forbidden to buy, cook and throw food in the trash.
For Sangita Rachh, Technical Support Consultant at Art of Living in Bangalore, the act should begin from one's home.
"One shouldn't prepare more food during the holy month. Educate children and teach them by giving examples of farmers. Teach them how much efforts are taken by farmers to grow grains and vegetables, and dumping food is an unthinkable crime," she said.
According to random surveys, the amount of food waste generated during Ramadhan is significantly higher than other months, and is 25 per cent more than during other months. There is an inclination towards over-indulgence and lavishness during the month, even though the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked Muslims to adopt moderation in all walks of life.
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