What does Islam say about israf (wastefulness) in eating and drinking?

The Quran directly commands believers to eat and drink without being excessive, immediately after describing the food and provisions Allah has made lawful, tying moderation to gratitude for that provision. Israf in this context covers more than gluttony — it includes over-ordering at restaurants, cooking far more than will be eaten, letting food spoil in the fridge, and throwing away edible leftovers out of habit rather than necessity. Elsewhere the Quran goes further, describing the wasteful as 'brothers of the devils,' a striking comparison meant to unsettle casual wastefulness rather than only extreme excess. This isn't a call to austerity or discomfort; the same verses that warn against excess also affirm that Allah has made good, enjoyable things lawful. The balance Islam asks for is conscious consumption: taking what you need, appreciating it, and not letting abundance turn into carelessness, whether that shows up in a wedding buffet, a grocery haul, or a takeaway order.

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