Food Waste at Feasts: An Islamic Perspective on Sustainable Practices for Mitigation

Abstract

Food waste is a significant global issue resulting having economic, social and environmental consequences. Food waste at feasts and communal gatherings are major contributor to global food waste. In Muslim-majority countries, where hospitality and generosity are deeply ingrained cultural values, food waste at weddings is particularly prevalent. Islam not only allows but also encourages festivities and considers feasting an integral part of social and religious life. The Prophet’s Sunnah strongly recommends walimah—a celebratory feast, especially for marriages—to the extent that he declared the smoke rising from the fire of a wedding feast as a sign of a valid publicly announced marriage. However, while Islam promotes feasting, it simultaneously calls for moderation, as reflected in both the Prophet’s teachings and his own practices. Unfortunately, modern weddings—particularly in terms of their significant food waste—often stand in stark contrast to these teachings.Food waste at feasts stems from multiple behavioral, cultural and social drivers that induce overproduction, excessive portioning and untimeliness of feasts leading to food waste. This article explores the comprehensive multi-faceted Islamic approach to mitigating food waste at feasts, drawing upon Quranic injunctions, Prophetic traditions, and historical practices. It highlights the sacredness of food and the principle of moderation as foundational elements of sustainable food management at feasts.Furthermore, this study examines key strategies rooted in Islamic teachings, including proper planning, timely attendance at feasts, and the shared responsibility of both hosts and guests in minimizing waste. While numerous studies have examined the statistical dimensions of food waste and proposed data-driven solutions, there remains a notable gap in addressing the issue from an Islamic perspective. Islamic teachings offer comprehensive solutions that not only provide practical guidance but also resonate with the religious values of Muslim communities, fostering a deeper commitment to sustainable practices. This study aims to bridge this gap by integrating Islamic principles with contemporary food waste mitigation strategies, offering a framework that align with Islamic values and modern sustainability efforts