There are 795 million undernourished people in the world today. A similar number, 1 in 9 people, remain without access to an improved source of drinking water. 70% of the world’s surface is covered in water and yet water stress and scarcity is unevenly spread around the globe. In Sub-Saharan Africa the proportion of the population affected is closer to 40%.
Food and water are inextricably linked – crops and livestock are dependent upon water. Water is, in fact, the key to food security. A lack of either can have devastating effects on health, productivity and the environment.
Hussain ibn Ali along with his family and companions were denied food and water during their principled stand in Karbala 1400 years ago. This was in stark contrast to Hussain’s own actions, for when, on the battlefield, he had supplies to spare, he saw to it not only his adversaries – but even their horses – were watered. This tragedy continues to inspire charity in its most basic form – the sharing of the most simple of provisions: food and water.
During the holy month of Ramadhan, many will be fasting from dawn to dusk yet across the world there will be many without access to a morsel of food nor a sip of water. Who is Hussain will be highlighting this global disparity by hosting dozens of iftars (“breaking of the fast”) across the world to unite people of all faiths and traditions in combating global food and water poverty.
This month, join us as we seek to reduce global disparity, by giving food and water towards a noble cause. You can get involved here.
“The nourishment of the body is food, while the nourishment of the soul is feeding others” – Ali ibn Abu Talib, father of Hussain
