Jakarta — Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque and Rector of the Quranic Sciences University Jakarta, has expressed his strong support for President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s initiative to provide free nutritious meals for school children. Nasaruddin emphasized the importance of ensuring proper nutrition for children, citing its foundation in Islamic teachings.
“The idea of providing nutritious meals for young children in school is incredibly important for us to support. There are many Hadiths reminding us of the necessity of giving sufficient nutrition to children, especially during their brain development phase,” Nasaruddin told reporters on Saturday (May 12).
He added that such a policy should have been implemented long ago but welcomed its introduction now, saying it’s never too late to start something beneficial.
“Alhamdulillah, it’s never too late for a good cause. As the Grand Imam, I often mention in the media that special attention to children, especially regarding nutrition, is critical,” he said.
Nasaruddin recalled how Prophet Muhammad Shalallahu Alaihi Wassalam himself placed significant emphasis on caring for children, which makes the free meal policy both Islamic and religious in nature.
“The Prophet Muhammad Shalallahu Alaihi Wassalam devoted much attention to children. For instance, as narrated by Mu’awiyah bin Abi Sufiyah, the Prophet instructed that children should be taught to pray from the age of seven and even encouraged discipline by the age of ten. This underscores the importance of caring for children’s development—whether it be their nutrition, education, or the nurturing they receive from their parents,” Nasaruddin explained.
The Grand Imam also highlighted that this policy could provide a solution for orphaned and neglected children who may not have access to adequate nutrition.
“Once again, the Quran reminds us of the need to care for orphans. A raaitalladzii yukadzdzibu biddiin fadzaalikalladzii yadu’ul yatiim,” Nasaruddin quoted, referencing a verse that calls for special attention to the welfare of orphans.
Nasaruddin’s endorsement of the free nutritious meal policy reflects its deep roots in Islamic values, focusing on the well-being and holistic development of children. (RR)
