Fasting: In the Quiet Moments Before Sunset
In the quiet moments before sunset during Ramadan, there is an almost tangible anticipation that fills the air. Families gather, tables are prepared, and communities unite in the breaking of the fast. Yet for millions around our world who are fasting, this sacred moment passes without nourishment – not by choice, but by circumstance.
The Prophet’s Wisdom on Feeding Others including the Fasting
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) placed extraordinary emphasis on feeding others. In a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet was asked, “What sort of deeds are best?” He replied, “To feed (others) and to greet those whom you know and those whom you do not know.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6236)
This wisdom wasn’t merely spiritual counsel but a profound recognition of a fundamental truth: hunger cascades into suffering that extends far beyond the pangs of an empty stomach.
The Domino Effect of Hunger
When communities go hungry, a devastating domino effect begins. Malnutrition weakens immune systems, leaving bodies defenseless against illnesses that would otherwise be easily overcome. Children’s cognitive development falters, creating educational gaps that may never close. According to the World Food Programme, 149 million children under five suffer from stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition – a condition that permanently affects their potential.
149 million children under five suffer from stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition
A Crisis Born of Inequity, Not Scarcity
The UN’s sobering statistics tell us that nearly 828 million people face hunger daily – a number that has risen by 150 million since the pandemic began. This isn’t merely a statistic; it represents real lives caught in cycles of preventable suffering.
But perhaps most heartbreaking is that this crisis exists not from scarcity, but from distribution failures and systemic inequities. Our world produces enough food to feed everyone, yet a third of all food produced globally is wasted.
Feeding the Poor: A Quranic Mandate
For Muslims, there is profound significance in addressing this crisis. The Quran repeatedly emphasises feeding the poor as an act of righteousness:
“And they give food, in spite of their love for it, to the poor, the orphan, and the captive.” (Quran 76:8)
This Ramadan, as we break our intentional fasts, let us remember those who have no choice but to endure involuntary hunger. Let us recognise that feeding others isn’t charity – it’s justice. It’s a recognition of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to ensure no one suffers from preventable hunger.
We Are All Neighbours
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us that no believer truly sleeps with a full stomach while his neighbour goes hungry. In our interconnected world, we are all neighbours, and the suffering of one affects us all.
The Time for Action is Now
The time for action is now. Join Forgotten Ummah as we work to ensure no fast goes unbroken, no child sleeps hungry, and no community faces the preventable cascade of suffering that hunger brings.
Donate today towards the fasting at iftar.forgottenummah.org.
Read more about the importance of Ramadan acts of kindness.
Learn more about global hunger statistics from the World Food Programme.
