Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque and Rector of the Quranic Sciences University Jakarta, expressed his support for President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s initiative to provide free nutritious meals for school children. Nasaruddin stressed the importance of ensuring proper nutrition for children, stating that it is rooted 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 said to reporters on Saturday.
He mentioned that although such a policy should have been implemented earlier, he welcomed its introduction now, emphasizing that it is never too late to start something beneficial.
“The Prophet Muhammad Shalallahu Alaihi Wassalam paid significant attention to children. For instance, he instructed that children should be taught to pray from the age of seven and encouraged discipline by the age of ten. This highlights the importance of caring for children’s development—be it their nutrition, education, or the nurturing they receive from their parents,” Nasaruddin explained.
Nasaruddin also pointed out that this policy could help orphaned and neglected children who may lack access to adequate nutrition. He quoted a verse from the Quran calling for special attention to the welfare of orphans.
His endorsement of the free nutritious meal policy reflects its deep connection to Islamic values, focusing on the well-being and overall development of children.
