International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste: An Islamic Call to Moderation, Gratitude, and Justice

The Global Crisis of Food Waste

The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, observed annually on September 29, draws urgent attention to the crisis of wasting food while millions remain hungry. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), around one-third of all food produced globally—approximately 1.3 billion tons every year—is lost or wasted, even as over 800 million people face hunger daily. Beyond hunger, food loss also means wasted water, energy, and land, aggravating climate change and ecological imbalance.

Quranic Guidance and Prophetic Teachings

For Muslims, and particularly the Shi’a community, this issue speaks directly to the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (p). The Holy Quran, in numerous verses, forbids extravagance and wastefulness, describing the wasteful as brothers of the devils, “Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils” (17ʾ:27).

In addition to this general command, the Quran specifically warns against excess in food and drink: “Eat and drink, but do not waste. Indeed, He does not love the wasteful” (7:31).

The Ahl al-Bayt (p) emphasized moderation, humility, and sharing. Imam al-Sadiq (p) said, “Moderation is a matter that God, the Mighty and Majestic, loves, and extravagance is something He detests—even your throwing away a date seed, for it can still be of use, and even your pouring out the remainder of your drink” (al-Saduq, al-Khisal, vol. 1, p. 9).

In our sources, there are even supplications about bread—the symbol of nourishment—such as this from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp), “O God, bless our bread and never separate it from us. If it were not for bread, we would neither pray, nor fast, nor fulfill the obligations of our Lord” (al-Majlisi, Muḥammad Baqir. Bihhar al-Anwar. vol. 66, p 270, hadith 6).

These verses and traditions highlight the sanctity of food and the obligation to use it wisely, intelligently, and without waste.

Food Injustice in Our Time: Gaza & Beyond

These teachings apply in ordinary times, but they become even more urgent today. Gaza is suffering from a man-made famine, the result of deliberate blockade, destruction, and deprivation. The siege, damage to infrastructure, restricted access to clean water, and collapse of health and nutrition services make food waste in such a context a grave offense against human dignity.

Beyond Gaza, several countries face severe food crises, acute malnutrition, and growing hunger:

·   Yemen: Millions face hunger and lack of safe, nutritious food. Inflation and war worsen consumption and malnutrition.

·   Sudan: Conflict, floods, and economic strain have led to skyrocketing levels of malnutrition among children.

·   Afghanistan, South Sudan, Mali, and the Syrian Arab Republic are also among the countries with high numbers of people facing acute food insecurity.

Today, even in countries where no war is taking place, many families and individuals are unable to access sufficient and healthy food due to rising global inflation.

In such a context, wasting food is not just a personal moral shortcoming, but a heightened injustice when many cannot access basic, healthy nourishment.

I.M.A.M.’s Commitment to Food Justice 

For us at I.M.A.M., the message of this day is closely tied to our ongoing programs that address hunger and inequality, including:

• Providing food baskets to thousands of families in need on an annual basis during the holy month of Ramadan in different countries through collaboration with other international nonprofit organizations. 
• Delivering emergency food aid to different countries such as Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and other locations through collaboration with other international nonprofit organizations. 
• Comprehensive support programs for orphans and marginalized families, ensuring no child is left hungry in different countries through collaboration with other international nonprofit organizations. 

We encourage you to take part in these initiatives and work together toward true “food justice” rooted in Islamic ethics.

In conclusion, marking this day reminds us that faith is not separate from daily realities. Islam calls for a holistic lifestyle where gratitude, compassion, and justice shape even the way we eat and consume. Let us transform the blessings of food into opportunities for service, not waste.

May God make us among those who honor His blessings, avoid wastefulness, and serve the hungry and needy with compassion and justice.