Bread, Milk, and Desperation

Yesterday, I stepped into a BP petrol station, one of the many that also houses a Marks & Spencer grocery outlet. After I’d paid for my fuel, something deeply unsettling unfolded before my eyes—a man, well-dressed and seemingly composed, was hurriedly filling his bags with the most basic of essentials: bread, milk, eggs. These were not luxuries, but simple staples of life. And yet, instead of heading to the counter, he ran. He sprinted out of the shop and disappeared down a side street.

At first, I was shocked. In the society we live in, we’ve been conditioned to judge by appearance. This man didn’t look like someone in need. His clothes were clean, his hair was neatly groomed. But as I stood there, grappling with what I had just witnessed, the reality hit me hard. This wasn’t just a case of theft—this was the tragic consequence of a system that’s failing its people.

What I saw yesterday is happening everywhere, in every corner of this country. Ordinary people are being driven to steal not out of malice, but out of sheer desperation. It’s not expensive gadgets or luxury items they’re taking—it’s food. The basics needed for survival. These aren’t professional thieves; these are people like you and me, trapped in a crisis where the price of survival has become too high.

While politicians and those in positions of privilege talk of a “shoplifting pandemic,” they’ve forgotten one crucial thing: these people they condemn are fighting to survive. Imagine, for just a moment, being a parent with nothing to feed your child. Imagine caring for an elderly parent who relies on you, but being unable to afford even the most basic provisions. This is the cruel reality of modern Britain in 2024, where people are forced to choose between starvation and a criminal record.

That man I saw—he’ll likely be caught. The police will arrest him, and he’ll face punishment. A criminal record will tarnish his name, making it nearly impossible for him to find work, if he hasn’t already lost his job. But the real crime is not his—it’s the system’s. Instead of addressing why people are driven to such desperate measures, the state punishes them, further entrenching them in a cycle of poverty and hopelessness.

We hear grand promises about a “Better Britain,” about economic growth, and balanced budgets. But let me ask you this: what good is growth if people are going hungry? What good is a strong economy if the most basic human rights—food, shelter, dignity—are out of reach for so many? A nation’s greatness is not measured by how much wealth it can hoard, or how many technological achievements it can claim. The true measure of a country is how it treats its most vulnerable.

The Islamic system recognises this, under the leadership of the second caliph, Umar ibn Al-Khattab, we see a model of governance built on compassion and responsibility. Umar would walk the streets at night, ensuring no one went hungry on his watch. It’s said that when he discovered a woman boiling stones in a pot to comfort her starving children, he immediately brought food and cooked for them himself. This was not charity—it was his duty as a leader to ensure that every person under his care was fed and looked after.

Islamic law also takes a merciful approach to theft. While strong punishments exist, they are waived for those who steal out of necessity. If someone is driven to steal food because they are hungry, the responsibility lies not with them but with the state, which has failed to provide. It is the duty of the state to ensure that no one has to face such desperation. 

A Plea to the Muslim Community

Mankind is suffering globally from the lack of basic needs. Whether in wealthy democracies or authoritarian Kingdoms, the only people who wake up free from worry about food, shelter, and warmth are the privileged elite. This world desperately needs the implementation of an Islamic system, one that prioritises basic human needs over materialistic ambitions. The materialism that dominates much of Western society may appear glamorous on the surface, but it’s rotting from within, pushing ordinary people to commit acts of theft simply to avoid hunger and becoming homeless.

As Muslims, we have a responsibility to one another. If you are struggling, please, don’t let pride stand in your way. Reach out to your neighbours, friends, and family. Islam teaches us the beauty of brotherhood, and there is no shame in seeking help when you are in need. You are not alone.

For those of us who are more fortunate, don’t wait for someone to come knocking on your door. Don’t make your blessings something people have to beg for. Offer, offer, and offer again. The wealth you have is not yours—it is a trust from Allah. By helping others, you will only increase your sustenance, not decrease it. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Charity does not decrease wealth.” And Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies the reward for whom He wills.”
— (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)

This is a promise from Allah. What you give in charity is multiplied, not diminished. When you give, you are not just feeding another person—you are inviting Allah’s blessings into your own life.

And when you give, do so with sincerity. Don’t give with the thought of “When will I get this back” or “Will I get this back?” That is not brotherhood. True brotherhood is rooted in generosity, compassion, and trust. It’s about seeing the best in others, not assuming the worst.