”I am afraid this might be a date given in charity!“
Once, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was passing by a road when he saw a date lying on the ground. He (PBUH) picked it up; cleaned it and said:
”If I were not afraid that this is a date given in charity, I would have eaten it.“
Then the Prophet (PBUH) gave the date to one of his companions so that he could eat it, because the Prophet (PBUH) did not eat charity.
From this incident, the Prophet (PBUH) teaches us the value and respect of blessings. Even the wastage of a small date was not acceptable to him (PBUH),
so would Allah find it easy that we throw food in the trash?
Cook food according to your needs, there is absolutely no stinginess in it. If more food is made, it should be eaten the next day,
or stored in the refrigerator,
or given to a needy person, because the stomachs of Muslims are more deserving than trash cans.
Blessings are preserved by gratitude, and appreciating them is true gratitude.
(Arabic Writing - Adham Sharqawi)
Translator - Ubaid Waseem
Student Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama Lucknow