Hunger (Al-Joua’)

Praise be to Allah Lord of the universes. Allah’s Blessings and Salutation be upon the most honorable of all the Messengers, our Master and Mawlana Mohamed, his family, companions, and followers till the Day of Judgment..

I was trying to write an article for this issue – as I usually do – but had nothing in mind to share with the respectful readers.  Then a friend of mine suggested writing about the rise in the cost of food.  I told him that I do not like to cause agitation.  My friend said: Then write to calm things down.  I said calming down talk does not affect hunger.  Hunger is like a merciless infidel (Al-Joua’ Kafir) and only food can defeat it.  My friend said: Then let this conversation be the subject of this meeting which truthfully represents the current conditions.

Hunger issue does not need provocation as it is the most provocative subject by itself.  To try to quiet down hunger with anesthetic words will never be successful. 

My friend said: Sometime ago I read about a story of wisdom regarding this issue where an elderly man was seen planting palm tree-shoots.  The spectators asked him if he was sure to live to eat from its dates.  The elderly man replied: They (the people before his generation) planted so we can eat, and we too should be planting so they (the coming generations) can eat.

The prophet (SAAWS) recommended that we plant even if there were only minutes before the end of one’s life on this earth.  This is in accordance with Prophetic Hadeeth which states “If the Hour of Resurrection comes while any of you has a palm shoot in his hands and he can plant it; let him plant it”

The Truth is what the Prophet (SAAWS) said.
Thanks to my friend.

There is no power or might except with Allah (SWT)

Original Arabic text in Behira Wal-Akalim Journal- Issue # 233