World Food Day is celebrated every year on October 16. This day reminds us that — millions of people around the world go hungry, while food is wasted in many places.
Islam teaches us to balance these two extremes. Allah says in the Quran:
“Eat and drink, but do not be extravagant. For Allah does not love the extravagant.”
(Quran, Surah Al-A’raf 7:31)
This teaching is not only for Muslims, but for all mankind that food is not just to satisfy hunger, but a blessing from Allah.
Food is a gift from Allah
The Quran tells us that every grain, every drop — is a blessing from Allah.
“It is He who sends down water from the sky, and with it We produce every kind of vegetation.”
(Quran, Surah Al-An’am 6:99)
The origin of food also reminds us that, no matter how advanced a human being becomes, his life depends on nature and the grace of God.
In Islam, when we eat, we begin with “Bismillah,” which means — “In the name of Allah.” This is how we sanctify food and express our gratitude.
Gratitude (Shukra) is true worship
The Quran says:
“If you are grateful, I will give you more.”
(Quran, Surah Ibrahim 14:7)
Being grateful for food does not only mean saying “Alhamdulillah,” but also not wasting food, and sharing it with others is also Shukra. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“He is not a believer whose stomach is full while his neighbor is hungry.”
(Hadith: Al-Bukhari, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 112)
This hadith is especially important in our time. When we throw away leftover food, and someone is hungry next to us or on the street.
Wasting Food — A Sin
In Islam, wasting food is not only a moral wrong, but it is considered a sin. Allah has clearly stated,
“Do not waste food; surely Allah does not like the wasteful.”
(Quran, Surah Al-A’raf 7:31)
We often waste food at events, weddings or in hotels, but Islam teaches us that every bit is a blessing. The Prophet of Allah ﷺ said:
“When you are eating food, and some of it falls on the ground,
clean it and eat it and do not leave it for the Shaytaan.”
(Hadith: Muslim, Kitab al-Ashribah)
This teaches that food should be consumed with respect, for it contains the grace of Allah.
Sharing food is a sign of faith
Islam says that sharing food is in the path of God. The Quran says:
“They (the righteous) feed — despite their own needs — the poor, the orphans, and the prisoners.”
(Quran, Surah al-Insan 76:8)
This teaching can change the world today. If every person gave a little food from their plate to someone else, hunger would end in the world. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The best of people is the one who benefits others the most.”
(Hadith: Darakutani, Hasan)
Sharing with neighbors
Islam tells us to be kind to our neighbors. Have you ever thought about who is sleeping hungry around us? The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“He is not a believer who has his stomach full while his neighbor is hungry.”
(Hadith: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, 112)
This is not just about Muslim neighbors, but about every human being. When we say “Wasudhayv Kutubkam” today, Islam is saying — “All mankind is one family.”
Agriculture and the Environment from an Islamic Perspective
Islam not only emphasizes the responsibility of eating food, but also the responsibility of those who produce it. The Quran says:
“It is He who made you caretakers of the earth.”
(Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:30)
That is, man is not the owner of the earth, but the guardian. Islam encourages farmers, considering planting trees a virtuous deed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever plants a tree and an animal eats from it, then it is considered charity (sadaqah) for him.”
(Hadith: Muslim, Kitab al-Musaqat)
This gives us a beautiful message — food is not only for eating, but also for charity.
The importance of water along with food
The Quran says:
“We created every living thing from water.”
(Quran, Surah al-Anbiya 21:30)
Therefore, water is as important as food. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The greatest charity is to give water to people.”
(Hadith: Ahmad, Hasan)
Today, when millions of people in the world do not have access to clean water, this verse is a light for humanity.
The true message — Food is kindness and gratitude
World Food Day is not just a formal day. It reminds us that — food is love, kindness and sharing. Islam says that the one who wishes for others what he wishes for himself is the true believer.
“None of you is truly faithful until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”
(Hadith: Bukhari and Muslim)
Message for Today’s World
Today, the world has enough food, but there is little sense of sharing. Islam teaches us to share what God has given us, and to do good to others as well.
If we internalize these teachings of Islam, “World Food Day” will not be just a day, but a continuous celebration of humanity.
Conclusion
The World Food Day on October 16 reminds us of this verse of the Quran
“Eat and drink, but do not be extravagant.”
(Quran 7:31)
This is not just a religious teaching, but a universal message for humanity. Respect food, feed the hungry, and keep thanking God — that is true happiness.
Recommended Books to Deepen Your Understanding
Here are a few authentic and inspiring books you can read for free (PDF format):
The Sealed Nectar (Ar-Raheeq AI-Makhturn) Download pdf
Concept of Prophethood in Different Religions Download pdf
The Scientific Truths of The Quran Download pdf
The Noble Quran English Translation Download pdf
Each book offers a new window into the compassion, justice, and humanity of the Quran and Prophet Muhammad pbuh.
Tags:
Islam and hunger, World Food Day 2025, Islamic charity, feeding the poor in Islam, Qur’an and humanity, global hunger awareness, Islamic teachings on food, sadaqah, human equality, compassion in Islam
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