Understanding the Crisis of Food Dependency
In this challenging era where our holy sites are under siege, and our sacred values are disrespected, it is paramount that we liberate ourselves from the chains that bind us to the ground, undermining our spirits and diluting our resolve. We must heed the call of truth and stand firm at the forefronts that demand our attention and action, each according to their capacity and strengths. However, upon attempting to answer the innate call within us, we are met with burdens that weigh heavily on our shoulders, shackles that constrict our necks, and reins that silence our voices. Tragically, many of these burdens are intrinsically linked to our digestive systems, which have grown louder in dictating our positions and roles. The appetites of our stomachs have become one of the most grievous reasons for our humiliation, subjugation, and dependency on others. We find ourselves unable to steadfastly uphold the defense of our sacred values, as our bellies appear unwilling to relinquish their long-cherished desires—habits ingrained over decades.
The Paradox of Abundance and Dependency
The situation described above is disheartening, and its outcome is dire. But how did the Arab nations, alongside many Islamic societies, arrive at such a state? Undoubtedly, misguided policies are the primary culprits. However, another reason lies within us—the Arab peoples themselves—pertaining to our eating habits and relationship with food. We have drifted away from our faith and even from our ancestral customs, with food now taking center stage in our lives. Eating has become one of our greatest concerns, leading to an insatiable appetite and an abnormal fixation on the types, colors, and timings of our meals. This obsession is not limited to children; it extends to men and women alike. Many of us do not eat merely when hungry or at designated mealtimes; rather, we eat at all hours, often indulging in one meal after another, snacking between meals without restraint, and even staying up late indulging in food. The refrigerator door seems to perpetually swing open, and the stove hardly cools down.
The most pressing worry for mothers has shifted to choosing the right lunch and dinner menu, while social media feeds are inundated with cooking pages. Our focus on meals surpasses our concern for obligations and prayers, with meal planning overshadowing spiritual commitments. In our travels, the primary considerations become where to grab our coffee and the dining venue rather than the timing and location of our prayers. Even during happy occasions and weddings, the focal point is the food selection—what appetizers to serve and the main courses to choose. Remarkably, even during funerals, discussions revolve around food offerings for mourners. This fixation has reached a point where some criticize the deceased's family for not adequately catering to their guests.
The proliferation of grocery stores and the ubiquitous presence of fast-food restaurants demonstrate our obsession with food. These establishments are bustling with customers from morning until late at night, with women in urban areas becoming some of the most frequent patrons. Public restrooms are overwhelmed, with mosques struggling to maintain cleanliness amid the chaos of waste generated daily. The volumes of garbage produced are staggering, and anyone visiting a landfill in any city would be astounded by the mountains of refuse.
Even the holy month of Ramadan, traditionally a time of fasting, has seen an escalation in our consumption habits, as we merely postpone our meals to later in the day, transforming the hours between Iftar and Suhoor into a continuous cycle of eating. The phrase "I haven't had dinner yet" has taken on significant importance in our lives, while "I haven't prayed yet" is treated as trivial. One can easily cancel a meeting with their Creator or with loved ones, yet never with food. This excessive focus on food has led to serious health issues, particularly gastrointestinal problems, which are among the most common reasons for hospital visits.
Given the abundance of unhealthy food choices, many now find themselves spending a significant portion of their incomes on medical care and medications, leading to a concerning cycle where our health is sacrificed for momentary satisfaction. This unhealthy reliance on food not only detracts from our religious obligations but also results in financial burdens that hinder our ability to invest in our spiritual lives. Today, many spend two-thirds of their income on food and healthcare, leaving little for spiritual or religious pursuits. Our digestive systems seem to operate more than our minds, leading to a myriad of modern ailments. The wisdom of past scholars rings true: indulgence in food leads to lethargy and diminishes one’s capacity to learn and grow spiritually. We must endeavor to reclaim our priorities, recognizing that we were not created merely to satisfy our appetites but for a higher purpose, as faithful servants who seek to please our Creator.
As reported by echoroukonline.com.
