Food paradise at IIUM : Balancing budget and health

By, Muhammad Murshid Ridha bin Mohd Shukri

Diverse food options – this attracts students and visitors from both inside and outside the country. The university is home to students from various cultures around the world, making it a unique place for food lovers. IIUM offers a “food paradise” with a wide variety of dishes, ranging from local Malay cuisine to Middle Eastern and Korean foods.

For many students, the variety of food helps ease their homesickness by reminding them of their cultural roots while also introducing them to new Flavors. The food stalls and cafes at the IIUM are always busy with students eager to try the latest viral dishes without having to travel far.

However, with so many choices, students face a real challenge: balancing their budget while staying healthy. The easy access to tasty and affordable food can lead students to overspend and eat unhealthy items like fried foods and sugary drinks, which can cause financial problems and unhealthy eating habits.

MONEY-SAVING TIPS FOR STUDENTS

Financial stress is a common issue for many students. At the IIUM, food festivals often attract students to spend more money on various foods. Allah SWT mentioned in the quran:

 وَءَاتِ ذَا ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُۥ وَٱلْمِسْكِينَ وَٱبْنَ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا 

Meaning: Give to close relatives their due, as well as the poor and needy travellers. And do not spend wastefully.

Surah Al-Isra’ (26)

This verse advises against wasteful spending. The word تُبَذِّر comes from the root ب ذ ر, meaning ‘to sow seeds.’ Think of it as a parable of a man who has seeds and scatters them everywhere. Consider what a farmer does when he sows seeds—he does so with purpose. Now, imagine a person who wastes resources, scattering them like seeds without aim. This is similar to buying unnecessary items.

Wastefulness can also refer to unwise or inappropriate production. Avoiding waste is relevant to the rights of our close family members because they are more deserving of our financial support than others. It’s even more important if we waste money on things of no real benefit, especially if the spending encourages sin. For example, spending money on something we do not truly need.

To avoid financial problems, students are encouraged to plan their meals and set a weekly spending limit on food. By doing this, students can enjoy the campus food without worrying about money. Some students take the initiative to track their food expenses using budgeting apps or by writing them down in a small notebook.

HEALTHIER CHOICES FOR BALANCED NUTRITION

With so many food options available, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits, especially during stressful assignments and busy exam seasons. The Prophet S.W.T also advised his followers to make use of five opportunities before the arrival of five hardships. These opportunities are chances to perform worship more diligently and abundantly.

Ibn Abbas narrated that Rasulullah S.A.W said:

اغتنم خمسا قبل خمس شبابك قبل هرمك وصحتك قبل سقمك وغناك قبل فقرك وفراغك قبل شغلك وحياتك قبل موتك

Meaning: Make the most of five things before five others come: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your busyness, and your life before your death.

(Narrated by al-Hakim)

Furthermore, the Prophet S.A.W. also reminded that among the blessings often neglected by people are the blessings of health and free time. When people have these blessings, they are often wasted without being used for beneficial acts.

Ibn Abbas narrated that Rasulullah S.A.W said:

نغمتان مغبون فيهما كَثِيرٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ الصَّحْةُ وَالْفَرَاغُ

Meaning: Two blessings that many people overlook are health and free time.

(Narrated by al-Bukhari)

Essentially, maintaining health is a human responsibility as it is a trust from Allah over one’s own self. The body and health granted by Allah must be protected and cared for, and it is forbidden to harm oneself. Therefore, any actions that oppress, harm, or endanger are prohibited in Islam. In reality, the body we possess is actually a ‘loan’ from Allah, and when the time comes, it will return to Him at the appointed time. 

Hence, excessive behavior is forbidden by Allah because one of the consequences may be harm to one’s health. Even in food and drink, it is forbidden to consume anything haram or without benefit, as it can threaten health.

As we know, nutrition experts advise students to make small changes, like choosing grilled dishes instead of fried ones, adding vegetables to their meals, and opting for water instead of sugary drinks. IIUM’s cafeterias are increasingly offering healthier menu options to meet the demand for tasty yet nutritious food. From fruit bowls and salads to stir-fried vegetables, the choices are growing to satisfy students’ needs for healthy meals.

BEING ACTIVE AND MINDFUL AS A STUDENT

The wide variety of food at IIUM creates a “food paradise” that enriches campus life for students from different cultural backgrounds. However, to fully enjoy this experience, students are encouraged to practice smart budgeting and healthier eating habits. By setting spending limits, making wise food choices, and practicing moderation, students can enjoy the delicious food at the IIUM while maintaining their health and financial well-being.***