Posted by I am not a dietician, nor a doctor who wants to discuss the nutritional value of the food. Or intending to talk about the number of calories a particular meal is having. My intention for writing this article is to realize the value of every morsel which we are consuming. The abundance of food sometimes becomes a problem for a group of people who don’t face the scarcity of food in life. They often don’t have the realization that their platters are full of different varieties of food at any given time and few others are not getting a single sufficient variety of food to eat.
As cautious eaters (cautious about the calorie intake), we take care of the proportion we are consuming. This vigilance can become the best practice to save food from waste. We are still lacking to channelize a system where the wastage of food can be avoided and supplied to the needy. These malnourished categories of people are far away in their perception of food compared to those who are always equipped with a variety of meals ready to be consumed at any given time. Needy counts the number of days he is starving and wealthy counts the calories. The wealthy want to starve and fast intermittently and remain careful from the excessive calories. But eventually, end up consuming more and failing to control his temptations. On the other hand, the malnourished category is ready to grab anything available to them. Food is poison to overeaters,and elixir for starved. Food is an energy booster for the mind-full eaters and an energy snatcher for overeaters.
Three essentials of life
The purpose here to discuss food is to realize its perspective from both angles; rich and poor. Food is one of the most integral elements of life. A person can survive without shelter and clothes which are also accepted as important elements of life. If the desired shelter is not available, trees or caves can become the best place for shelter. If desired clothes are not available, leaves and or any piece of cloth can serve the purpose of covering the body. And these minimum resources have one thing common in them. They don’t deplete immediately. They can remain for a long period. However food, even in an abundant quantity will not remain for a long period. As trees can serve as a shelter, food can’t be replaced by anything else. We can infer that food is a significant factor in the expenses of human beings which needs to be addressed before all other needs.
Allah taala provides the food without asking for anything in return. A calculative and constant toil for cultivating crops can bring good yields. Allah taala is pleased with a person who takes care of His worshippers. The world is Allah’s household, and Allah likes those who benefit them the most. This is a statement of Rasulullah SA where no religion no caste no discrimination is seen in mentioning the household of Allah. The term household encompasses all living beings of the world. So, it becomes the pious duty of each and every human being to look after anyone who is in need of sustenance. Providing sustenance comes under the lofty stature of Godly deeds. Allah is responsible to provide it and the person who becomes the courier to provide it is helping Allah. And it becomes the best Ibadat of Allah.
The best practice for a human being to express his gratitude towards Allah is to avoid wastage. Not a diminutive portion of food should be wasted. Food seems futile once a person is satiated but it is the duty of a person to serve and eat food in such a manner that leftover food doesn’t look like spoiled food. He should keep in mind that he himself is going to eat this food again if he doesn’t find a person who accepts this food. Imam Ali Zainulabedeen AS used to instruct His cook to prepare excess food. And He Himself used to distribute the same food in Madina which was cooked for Him AS. Also, he ensures that nobody should know who is providing the food. This unique style of Imam AS of feeding the needy has all the virtues which should be considered while carrying out this revered act.
The tradition to invite on meal or feast is observed in every religion. It’s seen way back in history that people used to share their happiness and grief by inviting others for food. The religious, formal, and informal congregations are also carried out by feeding people.
In the Dawoodi Bohra community, we have a tradition of cordially inviting people for food. Every morsel consumed by the guest gives manifold rewards. Our Maula Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS and His predecessor Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA have taught us to serve mumeneen with this pious deed. And we are grateful to them for inculcating this pious act in us. On occasions, we use to invite our friends; this invitation increases the love and affection between us. Round the year this act of feeding others is carried out in our community. The name for this act is given “Faiz al-Mawaid al- Burhaniyah”. The name is derived from the revered name of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA. The name itself shows how deeply Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA was concerned about the food of the community. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA wants to ensure that not a single person should sleep empty stomach.
Benefits of Faiz al-Mawaid al- Burhaniyah
Another important aspect of this pious movement is; that it also serves as one of the most important factors in the interest of the community that everybody should consume the food as permitted by Islam (Halal). The prohibited food (Haram) should never be consumed by them. The meals supplied to the community should have good nutritious value. The community members at some megacities are happy to receive food at their workplaces. The students who are staying as paying guests or at other rental properties to pursue their studies are also getting home food. This august initiative is unique in itself. Few faiz al-Mawaid al –Burhaniyah individuals have taken this movement to next level by providing food to travelers. They spare time from their schedule to selflessly supply food at railway and bus stations. Apart from that Faiz food is supplied to hospitals also. A few benefits of this initiative are discussed here. But there are many more which are not known.
This article is incomplete without the zikr of Syedna Ismail Badruddin RA known as mohta bawaji saheb. He RA vowed to feed and nourish talabat al ilm if He RS is enthroned to the lofty stature of Dai. This shows the potential of this august act of feeding people. May we remain guided to work as per directives of Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS.
Lastly, let’s end this discussion by citing this famous saying “You are what you eat”. Food can turn the table either way. Halal food brings a person closer to religion, and Haram takes away a person not only from religion but can make his life miserable. The food of faiz is not just a portion of food for us; it has an exceptional revered status deep into our souls. I feel that food is one of the exalted bounties of Allah taala and His wali.
Wonderfully compiled,
informative and to the point.
Thanks for applauding.