FOOD security is an area of discussion that covers food production, food distribution and food consumption. The Rome Declaration on World Food Security gives the definition: “physical and economic access by all, at all times, to sufficiently, nutritionally adequate and safe food.” Therefore the issue of food security is a very wide subject matter that touches on many issues that are of interest to any society, developed or otherwise.
However, issues pertaining to food security in the Third World differ to those of the more developed nations of the world.
We note that the problems faced by the Third World include, but are not limited to, poverty, famine, malnutrition, shortage of food supply, inefficient food distribution and the likes.When we relate food security to the more developed nations, the issues change somewhat. In developed nations. food security issues are also wide-ranging.
Some of these are food hygiene, food safety, side-effects of certain methods of food production, genetically-manufactured food, ethical issues pertaining to food distribution, health problems relating to food intake–such as heart problems, high cholesterol intake and obesity.
This list of issues goes on. What we notice is that in Third World countries, the issues revolve around ensuring there is ample food supply to society.In the more developed nations, however, the issues are more complicated. Usually the issues raised vis-a-vis food security in the developed world revolve around the quality of food, health and ethical issues.
But what of the Muslim world? Seldom, if any, is food security discussed from the perspective of Islam.
But what are the issues that are important in the Muslim world with regard to food security?
Obviously, the primary issue that is touched upon in the Muslim world with respect to food security is ensuring that the food supply is halal. Food is a sensitive issue in a Muslim community.
As such, concern over ensuring that the food supply to a Muslim community is permissible in the eyes of Islamic syariah is justified. In a Muslim majority country like Malaysia, the issue of halal and haram food supply is being handled with great care by the relevant authority. Confidence in the supply of food in Malaysia is high because of this. It is also important for Muslims to discuss issues pertaining to the quality of food supply being consumed.
After all, the Quran has stressed on this issue in verse 168 of Surah al-Baqarah, to the effect that: “O ye people! Eat what is on earth, lawful (halal) and good (tayyib)…” From this verse, we understand that Islam sets two essential criteria for food consumption namely halal (permissible by Islamic syariah) and tayyib (good quality).
Further in the Quran in Verses 172 and 173 of the same surah, it has been mentioned that: “O ye who believe! Eat of the good things that we have provided to you, and be grateful to God, if it is He ye worship.”He hath only forbidden you dead meal, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name hath been invoked besides that of God.
“But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits–then he is guiltless. For God is oft-forgiving. Most Merciful.”
For most Muslims, it can be said that the concept and understanding of halal is very clear. As a matter of fact, halal food is given utmost attention by Muslims in general, for it is regarded as a sensitive issue. However, most Muslims tend to put a full stop at halal. Seldom do Muslims look at the concept of tayyib as stated in the Quran.
It goes without saying that it is important for Muslims to consume halal food. Having said this, however, it is also of equal importance that the food consumed is also of good quality.
What is permitted by Islam (halal), may still be impure (ghair tayyib) in the sense that the food has either become stale, unhygienic or was improperly prepared.
Thus it can be said that from the Islamic perspective that food to be consumed must be halal as well as tayyib. No doubt this would include the aspect of food safety.
This aspect had been emphasised by the Prophet Muhammad in many of his traditions (hadiths). The guidelines provided by the Prophet show that Islam puts great emphasis on the quality of food being consumed by its believers.
For instance, with regards to cleanliness and hygiene, the Prophet advised Muslims to be clean before and after eating by partaking in wuduk. Islamic scholars have opined that this is an instruction to wash a person’s hands before and after eating.
The Prophet also stressed the importance of the cleanliness of food and drink to be consumed. It is also interesting to note that the Prophet also emphasised on the importance of the quality of food to be consumed.
It has been reported in various hadiths that the Prophet ate nutritious and healthy food and drink such as fresh dates, vegetables, honey and plain water. As for safety, we see from a hadith, that the Prophet had advised against drinking from a cup that is broken.
This is only logical as by doing so will increase the risk of being cut. Another good advice given by the Prophet is that one should not blow into a cup of drink in order to cool it.
This is sound advice as the action of blowing into a cup of drink will increase the risk of contamination of germs. The Prophet also mentioned the importance of slicing big portions of meat before eating it. He further advised that the food should be chewed properly before being swallowed.
According to the Prophet, this way would actually allow a person to enjoy his food more as well as help the digestion process. Another advice from the Prophet was to cover all food and drink which are not being consumed. Yet again, this is advice that emphasises on food safety.
Uncovered food and drink are exposed to contamination. It is also interesting that the Prophet reminded Muslims not to over-eat. He said that one third of the stomach was for food, a third for water and a third for air.The Prophet’s wisdom in giving the advice has been proven medically and scientifically that overindulgence in eating can bring forth illness and diseases. These traditions of the Prophet show that Islam puts great emphasis on food safety.
As a matter of fact, the Quran has clearly stated in verse 195 of Surah alBaqarah that “… and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction …” This general warning from Allah is applicable in all aspects of life. This includes food safety.
If Muslims in particular, and society at large ignore aspects of food safety, then this will “lead to destruction.” Therefore, it is imperative that Muslims, with the rich traditions handed down to us from the time of the Prophet, give due attention and care to aspects of food safety.
