The Crime of Hunger

The generation of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) encountered levels of hunger most of us would struggle to understand. Hunger is not just in the form of rumbling stomachs, but the kind that affects mental capacity, inducing hallucinations and even posing life threats.

The Quran interconnects fear and hunger—expressing a definitive relationship between safety and food security.

The implication is clear - even in the depths of hunger, we should be willing to share our food with those less fortunate.

The profound teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), stand as an ultimate embodiment of this sharing spirit. Even when He faced extreme hunger during his lifetime, he embodied virtues such as kindness, compassion, empathy, courtesy, and laughter. His presence, attentiveness to others' needs, and body language toward people remained unaltered despite his state.

The stunning reality is that his hunger was most pronounced when he gained prominence, yet he repeatedly proved his unselfishness by sharing whatever little he had with those in need. Noticing his hunger was almost a task of the closest to him. Not because it was well hidden but because his spirit remained beautifully unchanged and undeterred by his suffering.

It shows us how he embodied the principle of sharing what we love. This selflessness is evident in the hardship his closest followers faced. They turned their hardships into opportunities for acts of generosity.

Think about how inspiring their courage is, that they remained steadfast in their faith despite the direst of circumstances caused by war and famine. The suffering they endured due to hunger only serves to highlight their exemplary character and elevate their standing in the eyes of Allah.

It’s significant to remember that hunger was used as a weapon against Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and the early Muslims. It was used as a method of psychological warfare, believing it would coerce them to either require or risk perishing from starvation.

Ironically, these tactics of enforced hunger are still being used today. Seeing their suffering in this perspective might remind us of our duty to extend our assistance to those in need. The act of withholding necessities such as food and water as a means of warfare or punishment is an abhorrent crime. One that we must strive ardently to put an end to.

In the end, the oppressed and the hungry are not just victims.

PS: Our partners at MATW are preparing seven trucks to enter Gaza this weekend. Make your contribution count when they need it the most, insha allah.