KUALA LUMPUR – A tantalising dining experience with extravagant iftar buffet spreads accompanied by festive tunes is very unbecoming and against the spirit of Ramadan, at least according to one senior Islamic official.
Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) president Datuk Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini stressed that it is not Islamic culture to serve food in abundance, which eventually leads to waste.
According to a 2016 report published by the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Corporation, 200,000 tonnes of food went straight into the rubbish bin every fasting month.
Data in June 2018, according to a statement by WWF-Malaysia in 2019, revealed that 16,668 tonnes of food nationwide were wasted on a daily basis, which could be used to feed 12 million individuals.
The figure, WWF-Malaysia said, usually jumps 15% to 20% during the festive period.
During the fasting month alone, 20,088 tonnes of food was wasted daily – enough to feed one and a half times the Malaysian population.
Meanwhile, environmentalists have warned that Ramadan buffets are Mother Nature’s worst nightmare due to food wasted every night.
From an Islamic point of view, Ramadan buffets are very un-Islamic. It doesn’t go in tandem with Islam,” he told The Vibes.
He expressed disappointment in Muslims who gorge on lavish food when the holy month was meant to teach Muslims the pain and suffering of those in poverty who lack even the basic three-square meals a day.
From Islamic perspectives of philosophy, he said, those professing the Muslim faith are encouraged to go to the mosque to perform their prayers rather than be beguiled by live music and singers who are sometimes present at opulent Ramadan buffets.
“You (buffet operators) drag people to stay with entertainment and music. They will stay and eat more food when they are encouraged to inject life to mosques.
“When they start bringing children (to buffets), they are teaching the wrong values and culture to the young ones.”
In addition, he pointed out that restaurant owners and hotels are taking advantage of the people’s hunger after a long day of fasting by making money at the expense of the people.
Annuar, who does not subscribe to either buffets or binge eating, said it is wrong for the business community to market the “Ramadan buffet” term and charge their customers exorbitantly – up to over RM300 per person.
That is not what God asks you to do. The ones who are taking advantage are hotels and restaurants because, in reality, they are making money.
“Actually, I was waiting for an ulama or mufti to come out strong and discourage Muslims from patronising Ramadan buffets,” he said.
Sharing his perspective, Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff has also advised Muslims to eat in moderation in order to stay healthy.
Speaking to The Vibes, the newly appointed director-general reminded Muslims that Ramadan is a month to double their worship and avoid doing activities, which includes binge eating, that can reduce “pahala” (rewards).
“The habit of binge eating is quite contrary to the true philosophy of fasting,” Hakimah said.
“The Quran, in Surah Al-A’raf verse 31 reads: O Children of Adam! Take your adornment to every mosque, and eat and drink, but waste not by extravagance. Certainly, Allah likes not the wasteful.
“Therefore, let us be mindful of (food) waste, as wasting is the practice of Satan.”
Previously, dietitians have warned Muslims to steer clear of sumptuous iftar buffets at hotels and restaurants in order to avoid binge eating.
They concurred that gorging oneself after sunset on lavish and artery-choking foods would not only cause short-term effects but also long-term health complications.
However, Hakimah is of the view that prohibiting Muslims from breaking fast at the buffets is unreasonable, as it is an “interesting industry” during the holy month of spiritual reflection.
In Islam, she said, its disciples do not oppose any form of food – including buffets – as long as it is halal and clean.
“In fact, the existence of the Ramadan buffet has also helped to boost the country’s economy as well as provide opportunities for the Muslim community to break fast at locations (which serve food) that suit their taste,” she said.
While noting the excitement of breaking fast at different buffet locations, Hakimah said the preparation and operation at the all-you-can-eat feasts must be conducted in moderation and in accordance with the location and cost incurred.
Although the iftar buffets fall under the luxurious category, it is still allowed if there is no wastage and does not involve “haram” (prohibited) ingredients, she said. – The Vibes, April 24, 2022
