The obligation to fast for a whole month is the hallmark of this glorious month of Ramadan. All Muslims are so enthusiastic to welcome it, the atmosphere seems to feel different with the presence of crowds when breaking the fast until the evening. Ngabuburit where we often see people flocking to food bazaars along the streets, this activity is welcomed with great enthusiasm from the community while waiting for the time to break the fast.

Of course, after enduring hunger and thirst all day, Ngabuburit activities often make the eyes hungry. As if you want to eat all the food and drinks sold by the seller. Moreover, the prices offered by the traders are quite affordable according to the community. Many of us then buy various kinds of food without thinking that our stomach size is limited. Because we get overstuffed, we end up wasting a lot of food this Ramadan, which is commonly known as food waste. 

Beware of Food Waste Behavior!

According to the 2019 State of Food Agriculture (FAO), food waste is a decrease in the quantity or quality of food caused by the behavior of retailers, food suppliers, and consumers. Food waste behavior is not a simple problem because its impact can cause economic, social and environmental losses. 

Head of Pontianak Environment Agency, Syarif Usmulyono, revealed that waste entering the landfill during the fasting month is around 300 tons per day. Hening Purwati Parlan, Vice Chairperson of PP Muhammadiyah's Environmental Council, said the increasing amount of food waste during Ramadan is a sad fact because it has a negative impact on the environment and health. The phenomenon is also seen as a disregard for religious values, namely food waste. Waste that accumulates and decays becomes a hotbed of various bacterial and viral diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, dysentery, fungus, cholera and various skin diseases

“…And do not overspend. Indeed, Allah does not like those who exaggerate”. (QS. AlAn’am [6]:141)

According to MUI fatwa No.41 of 2014 concerning every Muslim must maintain environmental cleanliness, utilizing goods for benefit and avoiding various diseases and acts of tabdzir and israf. It is forbidden to litter for the benefit of oneself or others. Tabdzir is wasting goods or property that can still be utilized according to shar'i provisions or general customs in society. Israf is an act of excess, which is the use of goods or property beyond their needs.

Don't let the glory of Ramadan this year be tainted by food waste that we often don't realize. We must get used to eating in moderation and stop wasting food. Because out there, there are still many of our brothers and sisters who are starving.