Muslim Festivals and Ceremonies — Page 7
Islam is a religion of moderation, therefore it forbids its followers to indulge in extravagance at any time. It does not allow them to go to extremes so as to stand on the brink of insanity either with joy or with grief and sorrow. It teaches them to eat what God has provided for them but to be moderate. The Holy Quran states: 'O mankind, eat of that which is lawful and wholesome in the earth; and do not follow in the footsteps of satan; surely he is your declared enemy. ' (2:169). It instructs its followers not to eat so much as to fill the whole stomach. The Holy Prophet of Islam has remarked: 'Fill up your stomach one-third with water and one-third with food leaving the rest empty for air'. The Holy Prophet also instructed his followers not to drink water or other beverages in one gulp, rather it should be consumed slowly and gradually, pausing at least three times. . Islam also instructs its followers to share their happiness with others, specially the needy and the poor. . The Holy Quran states: "The truly virtuous feed the poor, the orphan and the captive for the love of Allah, assuring them: We feed you to win Allah's pleasure only. We desire no reward nor thanks from you. " (76:9-10) "They are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but keep a balance between the two. ' (25:68) 'In their wealth those who ask and those who are unable to ask (eg: animals) have a right. ' (51:20). As regards the consumption of food, Muslims are asked not to waste any food. The Holy Quran states: 'Children of Adam, put your minds and bodies in a state of tidiness at every time and place of worship and eat and drink but be not wasteful; surely, He does not love the wasteful' (7:32) ' 7