Agra: During the Friday sermon at the historic Masjid Nahar Wali in Sikandra, Khateeb Mohammad Iqbal expressed deep concern over the growing issue of food wastage in society. Addressing the congregation, he said that the disrespect of رزق (sustenance) at wedding ceremonies is becoming a serious social and religious problem, and that all of us share responsibility for it.
Recalling the simplicity of earlier times, he said that weddings used to have limited and simple food arrangements. Guests would attend with احترام (respect), eat modestly, offer prayers for the hosts, and leave. However, nowadays, the presence of numerous food stalls creates confusion among guests, who tend to overload their plates in an attempt to try everything—resulting in a large portion of food being wasted and thrown away.
Mohammad Iqbal cited the Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-A’raf (Verse 31): “Eat and drink, but do not be excessive. Indeed, Allah does not like those who commit excess.” He also referred to a Hadith (Ibn Majah 3351), stating that wasting food is a sign of ingratitude towards Allah’s blessings.
He expressed regret that despite these clear teachings, people neither follow the Qur’an nor the Hadith, yet continue to claim to be true Muslims.
To address this issue, he suggested several practical steps:
Reduce the number of food varieties (stalls) at weddings
Promote simplicity and revive traditional practices
Guests should take only as much food as they need
Organizers must ensure proper management to prevent wastage
He further emphasized that there are people in the world who pick food from garbage bins to feed themselves and their children. If we fail to value our sustenance, should we not fear the displeasure of our Creator?
In conclusion, he urged everyone to reflect seriously on this issue, adopt simplicity in food arrangements, improve management, and honor the blessings of Allah by practicing respectful and responsible hospitality—so that success can be achieved in both this world and the Hereafter.
