The Holy Quran, as the book of guidance and salvation, addresses the subject of consumption and the enjoyment of divine blessings in numerous verses. With profound and wise expression, it directs humanity towards balanced, pure, and responsible consumption. This writing, by reflecting on selected Quranic verses and the in-depth analyses of religious scholars, examines the concept of consumption, the permissibility and purity of blessings, and the associated social and economic responsibilities. The aim of this work is to present a comprehensive and coherent perspective of Quranic teachings regarding consumption, which not only considers the material aspects of life but also encompasses its spiritual, ethical, and social dimensions. This examination, with eloquent language and an organised structure, explicates Quranic principles for establishing a balanced and just society, where responsible consumption is regarded as a fundamental pillar in the realisation of justice and social sustainability.
O mankind, eat from what is on earth lawful and pure, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.
In this verse, the Quran addresses all human beings universally through the phrase "O mankind", regardless of their faith or disbelief, inviting them to partake in divine blessings provided that two fundamental principles are observed: permissibility (halal) and purity (tayyib). Permissibility refers to adherence to religious legal limits, while purity denotes cleanliness, desirable quality, and spiritual value of the blessing. This invitation emphasises not only material consumption but also the manner of utilising natural and divine resources, as if divine blessings flow like a pure stream accessible to all, yet their use must be accompanied by wisdom and purity.
The prohibition against following the "footsteps of Satan" serves as a warning to avoid behaviours such as hoarding, price-gouging, and exploitation of resources that disrupt economic and social systems. This prohibition guides humanity towards responsible and equitable consumption where not only individual needs but also collective rights are considered.
This verse affirms freedom in consumption with the phrase "whenever you will" (حَيْثُ شِئْتُمْ), conditional upon observing divine limits. Psychologically, this freedom alleviates anxieties caused by unnecessary restrictions and, economically, energises production and consumption cycles. It is as though the Quran invites humans to dance in harmony with nature, where consumption fulfils not only physical needs but also leads to spiritual and social balance.
The invitation to consume lawful and pure in this verse is a call to a balanced and responsible lifestyle, where humans benefit from divine blessings while refraining from satanic deviations, thereby preserving justice and equilibrium in society.
Eat of its fruit when it yields and pay its due on the day of harvest, and do not be wasteful. Indeed, He does not like the wasteful.
This verse recommends consumption of early fruits at the time of their ripening and stresses paying the due rights such as zakat or shares to the poor. Early fruits, like fresh gems from the heart of nature, hold a special place due to their freshness and nutritional and spiritual value. The prohibition of extravagance appears as a caution to preserve these natural jewels and maintain balance in their utilisation.
The advice to consume early fruits attends not only to physical health but also to psychological and social balance. The verse guides humans to enjoy blessings timely and while respecting others rights, as if nature and society in harmony teach humans how to benefit from blessings while upholding justice.
Due to antioxidants and nutrients, consuming early fruits helps increase lifespan, stimulate appetite, alleviate emotional distress, and reduce obsession, as confirmed by modern research. However, challenges such as the high cost of these fruits limit accessibility for the poor. The Quran, by emphasising paying others rights, invites reform of distribution systems and reduction of class disparities, as if every early fruit is not merely food for the body but an opportunity to nourish the spirit of justice in society.
This part of the Quranic verses invites humans to benefit from early fruits at appropriate times and with due regard for others rights. This guidance considers not only physical and psychological health but also the realisation of social justice and conservation of natural resources.
