In Islamic tradition, Allah told Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and Hawwa (Eve) to live freely in Paradise but not to eat from a specific tree. While the type of tree isn’t specified in the Quran, some traditions mention wheat. When Adam ate the wheat, he was removed from Paradise.
Similarly, Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) interpreted dreams while in prison, including a significant one for the King of Egypt. The king dreamt of seven fat cows eaten by seven lean cows and seven green ears of wheat and seven dry ones. Yusuf interpreted this as seven years of plentiful harvest followed by seven years of famine. He advised the king to store wheat during the good years to use during the bad years. This plan saved Egypt and the surrounding regions during the famine, demonstrating Yusuf’s wisdom in planning and management.
In contrast, Pakistan, despite being an agricultural country, struggles with wheat crises every year. Although our fertile lands, especially in Sindh, produce abundant crops, poor planning and management lead to shortages. Even in years of good harvests, issues arise.
This year, farmers are protesting because they’re not getting fair compensation for their wheat. While the government set the price at Rs 3,900 per maund, farmers are being paid much less, between Rs 2,900 to Rs 3,200. This benefits middlemen but leaves farmers struggling. However, some argue that lower prices make wheat more affordable for poor people.
Farmers have said that Rs 3,000 per maund is a reasonable price, and even at this rate, large landowners make significant profits. But the desire for more profit leads to unfair practices and suffering for the common people. If everyone, including farmers, were content with fair profits, the situation could improve for all.
Islam teaches us to be content and fair in our dealings. Just as a grain of wheat led to Adam’s expulsion from Paradise, our handling of wheat today can lead to greater societal issues. Proper management and fair practices are essential for the well-being of everyone.
By learning from history and Islamic teachings, we can better manage our resources and ensure a fairer, more prosperous society for all.