JOURNAL ARTICLE

Holy waste: The unseen drivers behind plate waste and Arab hospitality.

  • Published In: Hospitality & Society, 2025, v. 15, n. 3. P. 229 1 of 3

  • Database: Hospitality & Tourism Complete 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Moufakkir, Omar 3 of 3

Abstract

This article investigates the persistence of plate waste within Arab Muslim hospitality despite Islamic teachings that prohibit wastefulness. Focusing on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the study reveals that excessive generosity, or karam, driven by social expectations, reputation concerns, and competitive hospitality norms, leads to over-ordering and food waste. Participants recognize food waste as haram (sinful) but often classify it as a minor sin, justifying their behavior through cultural pressures and belief in God's mercy and repentance. The article proposes redefining generosity as "Green Karam," aligning hospitality with Islamic principles of moderation and sustainability, and recommends faith-based awareness campaigns and policy interventions to address food waste in culturally sensitive ways.

Additional Information

  • Source:Hospitality & Society. 2025/09, Vol. 15, Issue 3, p229
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Ethnic and Cultural Studies
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:2042-7913
  • DOI:10.1386/hosp_00097_1
  • Accession Number:192636994
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