The Struggles of Identity in a Time of Crisis
In this challenging era where our sacred places are under threat, and our identities are being challenged, it is imperative that we shed the chains that bind us to the ground, weaken our resolve, and diminish our spirits. We ought to respond to the call of "truth," voicing what is just and standing firm at the frontiers that demand our attention, each according to their capabilities. However, when we sought to answer the innate call within us, we were confronted with burdens that weigh heavily upon us, shackles that constrict our necks, and reins that render our voices mute. Tragically, much of this is closely tied to our digestive systems, which have come to dominate our decision-making processes and roles in society. The cravings of our stomachs have become one of the most significant sources of our humiliation, subservience, and dependency on others. We find ourselves unable to stand firm in defense of our sacred sites and raise our voices for our identity because our appetites refuse to relent from their long-standing habits and dependencies.
The Dilemma of Food Dependency
Reports indicate that among the ten countries most dependent on wheat imports, six are Islamic nations. Arab countries collectively import approximately 50 million tons of wheat annually, despite having over 220 million hectares of arable land, of which less than a third is utilized. Furthermore, Arab nations spend nearly $110 billion on food imports each year, meaning that 80% of what the populace consumes is sourced from abroad. Given this reality, how can we expect our decisions to be in our own hands? How can we hope to protect our religion, sacred sites, identity, language, and national security? The late Algerian thinker Malek Bennabi wisely stated, "As long as our wheat comes from our enemies, our decisions are not in our hands," while the late Egyptian thinker Mustafa Mahmoud remarked, "If your food does not come from your own efforts, do not expect freedom from your own mind." This grim situation highlights the growing concern over our relationship with food.
The current state of affairs is indeed disheartening, with dire consequences on the horizon. But how did the Arab and many Islamic nations find themselves in this predicament? Undoubtedly, misguided policies are the primary cause. However, there is another factor related to our own behaviors and habits concerning food. We have distanced ourselves from our faith and traditional practices, elevating food to the core of our existence. Eating has transformed into one of our greatest worries, manifesting in an insatiable appetite for various types, colors, and timings of food, affecting not only children but also adults and women alike.
Many of us no longer eat simply when hungry or at designated meal times; instead, we consume food at all hours, indulging in snacks between meals. Our refrigerators are constantly in use, and the stove rarely cools down. The most pressing concern for many mothers has become deciding on lunch and dinner menus, while the most followed social media pages in households are those dedicated to cooking. We prioritize meal planning more than our religious obligations and prayers, with our travels often revolving around the locations of our meals rather than places of worship. In celebrations, food takes precedence over everything else, with the selection of starters and main dishes being the focal point, while even during funerals, discussions about food arrangements for mourners overshadow the solemnity of the occasion.
Grocery stores are brimming with products, and fast-food restaurants are ubiquitous, filled with patrons from morning until late at night, particularly women in urban areas who make up a significant portion of customers. Public restrooms are overwhelmed, and mosque facilities often face cleanliness crises. Daily waste accumulation from households is substantial, leading to overflowing landfills that could astonish anyone who visits them. Even during Ramadan, a month traditionally meant for fasting and reflection, our food purchases double as we postpone lunch until dinner and fill the hours between iftar and suhoor with constant snacking.
The phrase "I still haven’t had dinner" has become a significant event in our lives, whereas "I still haven’t prayed" seems to pass without notice. We can easily miss appointments with our Creator or loved ones, yet we never miss a meal. The obsession with food has led to numerous health issues, with dietary choices resulting in a myriad of ailments, particularly related to the digestive system, which also contribute to conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and even mental health issues. Our digestive systems have seemingly taken precedence over our minds, leading to chronic health problems that we often overlook.
It is a grave mistake to neglect our spirituality and afterlife in pursuit of material gain, only to squander that hard-earned money on unhealthy foods that exacerbate our health issues. Many now spend two-thirds of their income on food and medical care, leaving little for spiritual pursuits. Our digestive systems have come to operate more than our brains, leading to an epidemic of health issues. The body requires rest, yet we seldom allow our digestive systems the necessary downtime between meals. Our obsession with food has even impacted our children’s education and engagement in religious practices, as excessive consumption dulls their minds and hinders their learning capabilities.
In conclusion, the excess focus on food not only burdens our bodies but also our spirits. It is crucial that we reevaluate our relationship with food, understanding that it should not dominate our lives, but rather serve as a means to support our spiritual and physical well-being.
As reported by echoroukonline.com.
