Pure Food, Pure Generation

“O messengers, eat from the good foods and work righteousness. Indeed, I, of what you do, am Knowing.”
(Surah No. 23: Mu’minun, Verse No. 51)

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Allah, the Owner of the heavens and the earth, created a vast universe and a habitable world in it for humankind. He embellished it with sweet and pleasant waters, and countless kinds of delicious food. He bestowed us with the lands of crops, gardens of fruits, and the sun and rain to grow them. He gave, in service of humans, countless beings, each one of which is unique, beautiful and precious. Then, He commanded his servants to be selective by stating, “And eat of what Allah has provided for you [which is] lawful and good. And fear Allah, in Whom you are believers.” (Ma’idah, 5/88.)
Humankind, however, mostly took the way of mischief and harmed not only themselves but also the world, our home, instead of benefiting from the blessings of the Lord (swt) and beautifying the earth and reproducing goodness. Charmed by city life, luxury, and comfort, they have abandoned agricultural activities, the natural and balanced lifestyle. Modifying the genetics of seeds, and poisoning the nature with chemical and artificial products, they have spoiled the purest blessings. It was however, the duty of all of us to take care of our soils, crops, and hand labor.Not heeding the divine warning, “That you not transgress within the balance.”(Rahman, 55/8.) , they have polluted the soil, the air, and the water, with their own hands. Lured into material benefits, they have forgotten the responsibility towards other beings and future generations despite the warning of Allah the Almighty (swt), “And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation…”( A’raf, 7/56.)
We as human beings are responsible to watch what we eat and what we provide for our family and loved ones to eat. The world is entrusted to us, and we are entrusted to each other. Then, let us be aware of our responsibilities, and opt for a moderate and moral lifestyle. Let us pursue halal earning, clean production, balanced consumption, and healthy generations.
Jobayer Al Mahmud, Student, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey.