Resisting Food Control and Upholding Truth

The global demand for halal food is rising — and not only because of the growth of Islam. More and more people, including non-Muslims, are drawn to food that is ethical, natural, and nourishing for both body and soul.

For me, my garden is the clearest example of this truth. Planting seeds, watching them grow, and harvesting with my own hands is more than a healthy habit — it is a spiritual act. It reconnects me to nature, to the earth, and to the idea that true sustenance comes from purity and intention. As Allah teaches us, what matters most is what lies in the heart. We are imperfect beings, yet God’s message is perfect. Living by this principle is the path to keeping both ourselves and our planet alive and well.

Today, many people are tired of food that is overloaded with additives and stripped of meaning. They long for something genuine. Urban gardens are beginning to spread, but what is still missing is the collective awareness — and the shared responsibility — to care for them.

I believe the future of food is halal. The work of the farmer will once again be a necessity, and local, homegrown production will become the key to protecting our economies and reducing waste. When local fishermen in Europe are forced to stop working for 40 days while markets are filled with imported fish, when farmers throw away tons of fresh produce while foreign goods are sold on supermarket shelves — something is deeply broken.

Halal offers a different way forward: local meat, handled with care, slaughtered only when needed, never through faceless global industries. Yet even here, labels and certifications can lose authenticity, and some nations have even tried to ban halal practices altogether. Why? Because a world that embraces halal — with its call for fairness, moderation, and respect for creation — threatens powerful industries built on excess: processed foods, alcohol, intoxicants. Islam stands against all that corrupts human beings and harms the environment.

And so, change must begin with us. Planting a garden. Choosing mindfully. Living with awareness. These are small acts, yet each one has the power to transform the future. Every individual matters. But the distractions of modern life — gambling, endless entertainment, fleeting pleasures — have pulled humanity away from its essence. We have forgotten to ask the most important questions: Who are we? Why are we here?

Surah Al-Insan reminds us that our true nature is the key to understanding the divine message. By returning to that nature — by living simply, consciously, and with gratitude — we rediscover who we are meant to be. And in doing so, we take part in healing not only ourselves, but also the world around us.

Honesty, Intention, and Halal Food

Surah An-Nahl (16:116) reminds us:

“And do not say, based on what your tongues describe falsely: ‘This is lawful and this is unlawful,’ to forge a lie against Allah. Indeed, those who forge lies against Allah will not prosper.”

In the context of food, this verse highlights the importance of truthfulness and integrity. Declaring something halal or haram is not merely a formality — it is a responsibility that carries spiritual weight. In today’s globalized food market, where industrial production and labeling can be misleading, this guidance is more relevant than ever.

By growing your own garden or sourcing food locally, you regain control over what you consume. You know where it comes from, how it’s grown, and that it aligns with ethical and religious principles. This is a direct application of the Qur’anic principle: avoid false claims, act with sincerity, and ensure that what you eat is truly lawful and wholesome.