Malnutrition

Malnutrition can be termed as a condition of poor health which is as a result of lack of proper feeding; or a lack of the right type of food and amount of nutrients needed by the body for healthy and even development.

Food, as we all know plays a very vital role in the healthy living and growth of all living organisms, and a lack of good food which is packed with vitamins and nutrients required by the body could result in immune weakness, making it easier for illness - causing germs to be able to penetrate our bodies.

Malnutrition tends to occur most often than not, in areas where there is a surge in population and a drop or reduction in generated income or revenue.

Malnutrition could also be as a result of natural and man - made crisis such as wars, famine and drought, harsh weather conditions, and a lot more.

So to speak,malnutrition is found more in poor, overpopulated and war ravaged localities of the world, especially in African countries and in some parts of Asia.

Personally, I feel that this issue of malnutrition in our climes is not insurmountable if the privileged members of the society come together to help the less privileged.

For most people,we have homes, we have families, some of us have a job/jobs, or other sources of income; we are healthy and fine - - all these are blessings from the Almighty God.

But then, He didn't give us all these blessings for just our personal benefits and enjoyment alone but he would be pleased if we use the things He has blessed us with for the betterment of other people, especially the less privileged in the society who has no means of paying back.

A lot of helpless kids are out there on the streets begging for alms as a means of survival.

We see them when we step out everyday.

They are hungry, tired, helpless and prone to attacks from hoodlums who might want to take advantage their helplessness and vulnerability. And yes, they could be feeling hopeless too! They could be feeling like there's no light at the end of the tunnel.

What makes us humane ?

I think it is the ability to show love and affection, and truly care about the needs of other people, whatever those needs might be.

In other words, helping one another grow.

Giving, or the act of giving rather,is one way we try to help other people.

Speaking religiously, there are five pillars of Islam : Sawn, Iman, Salat, Zakat and Hajj.

I'd like to speak a little on Zakat and Sadaqah.

Zakat is about the rich and well-to-do in the society giving a certain percentage of their properties to the poor and needy.

While Sadaqah on the other hand is about the average members of the society giving alms to the beggars and any other person in need, as many as the giver can afford to give.

The Holy books ( both the Bible and the Qur'an ) encourages us to give alms and render help to the poor and needy in the society - the child beggers, out of school children, people in Internally Displaced People's camps (if such area is a war ravaged area), widows and so on.

There are a lot of them. Let us cultivate the habit of giving, not to the aim of receiving back from them but giving because it is the right thing to do.

From my perspective, giving is more like planting a seed.

When you plant a seed is not when it would germinate and yield fruits - it would first have to go through all the process of fertilization and germination.

Same with giving. When you perform the act of giving or rendering help, its like you have sown a seed for your future; and its germinating somewhere, you never know - somehow would come through for you at the point of your own need.

Let us cultivate the habit of giving and remember, Nobody is an island.

I hope you enjoyed this read?

Have a pleasant weekend.