This article highlights the support of Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque and Rector of the Quranic Sciences University Jakarta, for President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s initiative to provide free nutritious meals for school children. Nasaruddin emphasized the importance of proper nutrition for children, citing Islamic teachings that stress the necessity of giving sufficient nutrition to children, especially during their brain development phase.
He commended the initiative, stating that it should have been implemented long ago but welcomed its introduction now, emphasizing that it’s never too late to start something beneficial. Nasaruddin reiterated the significance of caring for children, drawing examples from Prophet Muhammad’s teachings that emphasized the importance of children’s development in various aspects, including nutrition, education, and parental nurturing.
Furthermore, Nasaruddin believes that this policy could benefit orphaned and neglected children who may not have access to adequate nutrition, citing Quranic verses that stress the importance of caring for orphans. His endorsement of the free nutritious meal policy reflects its alignment with Islamic values that prioritize the well-being and holistic development of children.
