Pumpkin (Kaddo): A Natural Link Between Health, Green Economy, and Islamic Teachings

In today’s fast-changing world, people are becoming more conscious about healthy eating, sustainable agriculture, and ethical living. While many turn toward expensive and processed foods, simple and natural items like pumpkin (Kaddo) are often ignored. Pumpkin, commonly known as kaddo, belongs to the plant genus Cucurbita. Its botanical name is generally Cucurbita pepo, although other species such as Cucurbita moschata are widely grown in regions like Pakistan. Pumpkin is widely recognized as a nutrient-rich vegetable that supports a healthy lifestyle when included in a balanced diet. These varieties are well suited to local climates and are commonly used in daily cooking.

However, pumpkin is far more than just a common vegetable. It represents a powerful connection between nutrition, economy, environment, and Islamic values. From daily meals to religious teachings, pumpkin holds a unique place that is both practical and meaningful.

Why Simple Foods Matter Today

Modern lifestyles have increased dependence on processed and artificial foods, which often harm health over time. In my view, one of the biggest mistakes today is ignoring traditional and natural foods that are easily available and highly beneficial.

Pumpkin is one such example. It is:

• Low in calories
• Rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium
• High in dietary fiber

These qualities support digestion, strengthen the immune system, improve heart health, and help maintain overall well-being. Unlike many expensive foods, pumpkin is affordable and accessible to everyone.

Health Benefits in Daily Life

Pumpkin is not just nutritious—it is highly practical in everyday life.

• It is easy to cook and digest
• Suitable for children and elderly people
• Helps in maintaining a healthy weight
• Keeps the body hydrated due to its high water content

In many households, pumpkin is regularly used not because it is fashionable, but because it is simple, healthy, and reliable.                                                                                         The bright orange color of the pumpkin comes from high concentrations of Beta-Carotene. The body converts this into Vitamin A, which is essential for retinal health. In a Green Economy, promoting pumpkin consumption is a strategy for 'Bio-fortification'—using natural food to solve vitamin deficiencies in the population without needing expensive synthetic supplements.

Pumpkin in the Qur’an

Pumpkin is indirectly mentioned in the Qur’an in the story of Prophet Yunus (AS).

Allah says:

وَأَنبَتْنَا عَلَيْهِ شَجَرَةً مِّن يَقْطِينٍ

“And We caused to grow over him a gourd vine.”

(Surah As-Saffat 37:146)

Islamic scholars explain that the word “yaqteen” refers to a plant like pumpkin. This plant provided shade, nourishment, and healing to Prophet Yunus (AS) after a difficult trial.

This highlights an important message:

Natural foods are not only beneficial but can also be a source of comfort and recovery.                                                                                          As a chemist and environmental observer, I find the choice of the word 'Yaqteen' in the Qur'an scientifically significant. Gourd-producing plants like the pumpkin have exceptionally large leaves that provide a 'Micro-climate' of shade, which would have been essential for cooling the skin of Prophet Yunus (AS). Furthermore, pumpkins are roughly 90-94% water, making them a biological 'canteen'—providing hydration and electrolytes to a body in recovery.

Pumpkin in Hadith

The love of pumpkin by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is mentioned in authentic Hadith.

It is reported by Anas ibn Malik:

كُنْتُ أَصْنَعُ لِلنَّبِيِّ ﷺ مَرَقًا فِيهِ دُبَّاءٌ، فَكَانَ يُعْجِبُهُ الدُّبَّاءُ

“I used to prepare broth for the Prophet ﷺ containing pumpkin, and he liked pumpkin.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari)

In another narration:

فَجَعَلْتُ أَتَتَبَّعُ الدُّبَّاءَ مِنْ حَوَالَيْهِ

“I saw him picking and eating the pieces of pumpkin, so I started liking it from that day.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari)

These narrations teach us:

• Simplicity in eating
• Preference for natural foods
• Appreciation of healthy and beneficial items

My Personal Experience in Charsadda District

I live in a village in Charsadda District, where agriculture is the main source of livelihood. In Pakistan, a large portion of the population depends on farming, and our region is well known for producing fresh vegetables.

Whenever I visit the local vegetable market, I often choose pumpkin. One reason is that eating pumpkin is a Sunnah, and I also personally enjoy its taste—especially when it is cooked with meat or prepared as halwa.

My interest in pumpkin increased during my studies at Madrassa Hifz-ul-Quran in Charsadda, where I learned about its mention in Islamic teachings along with its health benefits. This made me realize that pumpkin is not just a simple vegetable, but a food with both nutritional and spiritual value.                                                                                                                                                          The scholars at Madrassa Hifz-ul-Quran taught us that the pumpkin grows quickly and has no trunk, yet it produces a fruit that is heavy and full of benefit. This is a lesson in Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)—that Allah can provide great strength and sustenance from humble, soft-stemmed plants.

Pumpkin and the Green Economy

Pumpkin also plays an important role in promoting a green economy.

1. Low-Cost Farming

Pumpkin is easy to grow and requires very little investment. This makes it ideal for small farmers, especially in rural areas.

2. High Yield and Storage

A pumpkin plant produces multiple fruits, and the vegetable can be stored for weeks or even months without expensive storage facilities. This reduces food waste and increases profitability.

3. Income Source for Farmers

In regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, many farmers grow pumpkin as a reliable source of income. Its consistent demand in markets ensures financial stability.                                                                                                                                                      While we often sell pumpkins as whole vegetables in Charsadda, there is a massive opportunity for Value-Addition. Pumpkin seeds, often thrown away, are rich in Zinc and Magnesium and are sold globally as a premium health snack. In a Circular Economy, we could process these seeds locally, providing a second stream of income for our farmers from the same harvest.                                                                                            Economic Statistics: The Rising Value of Pumpkin.                                                                                                                                                  1. Growth in Pakistan

As of the latest FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) reports for 2024-2025, Pakistan’s pumpkin and gourd production has increased by over 57% since 2019. This growth highlights the pumpkin as a "Rising Star" in the Green Economy, as more farmers recognize its resilience to climate fluctuations.  

2. Export Momentum

Pakistan’s export value for fresh pumpkins reached approximately $1.74 Million in 2024. Major buyers include the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain. This is a direct example of how a "Sunnah Food" is supporting our national foreign exchange reserves.  

3. Regional Focus (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

The 7th Agricultural Census (2024-2025) indicates that KP (including our district, Charsadda) remains a vital corridor for vegetable production. The region's loamy soil and traditional irrigation systems are perfect for high-yield gourd cultivation.

Cultural and Culinary Importance

Pumpkin is widely used in traditional cooking, especially in South Asia. It can be prepared in different ways:

• Curries and vegetable dishes
• Meat-based recipes
• Soups
• Desserts such as halwa

Its mild taste and soft texture make it a versatile ingredient in many cuisines.

Why Muslims Should Prefer Natural Foods Today

In today’s world, people are moving toward processed and packaged foods, which often harm both health and lifestyle. In contrast, Natural foods are simple, fresh, and provide long-term health benefits without harmful side effects.

In my observation, farmers and rural communities usually eat natural foods. They prefer fresh vegetables, simple meals, and avoid artificial or stored foods. Because of this, they often live healthier and more balanced lives.

In our village, people follow a simple lifestyle. They value fresh food, respect nature, and try to follow Islamic teachings in their daily lives. Natural foods like pumpkin are an important part of this way of living.

Pumpkin is especially valuable because:

• It is fresh and natural
• It is easy to cook
• It is affordable for everyone
• It is connected to Sunnah

This shows that choosing natural foods is not only good for health but also supports a lifestyle based on simplicity, balance, and faith.

A Lesson for Modern Life

From my perspective, pumpkin represents a forgotten connection between:

• Health
• Sustainability
• Faith

In a time of increasing food waste and unhealthy diets, returning to simple foods like pumpkin can improve both physical and spiritual well-being.

Conclusion

Pumpkin is a simple yet powerful food that connects health, economy, environment, and faith. Its benefits make it an ideal example of how natural resources can support both modern needs and traditional values. It supports a healthy lifestyle, strengthens local economies, promotes sustainable agriculture, and reflects Islamic teachings.

Adopting such natural foods in our daily lives is not just a habit—it is a step toward a more balanced, responsible, and meaningful way of living.

About the Author

ABID ULLAH ABID

Founder of the blog Green Economy and Islam

greeneconomyislam.blogspot.com

I write about sustainable living, agriculture, and Islamic perspectives based on personal experience, study, and observations from rural Pakistan.                                                                                                                                          References

Al-Qur’an: Surah As-Saffat (37:146).

Sahih al-Bukhari: Hadith 5433 (The Prophet's ﷺ love for pumpkin).

Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC): Guidelines for Cucurbit Cultivation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Journal of Food Science and Technology (2025): "Nutritional Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Pakistani Pumpkin Varieties.                                                                                          Tridge (2026): Market Overview: Pakistan Fresh Pumpkin Suppliers & Price Trends.  

FAOSTAT (2025): Agricultural Production Statistics - Series No. 121 (Pumpkins, Squash, and Gourds).  

Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (2024): 7th Agricultural Census: Integrated Digital Count Main Findings.

IndexBox (2025): Global Pumpkin Market Analysis and Forecast to 2035.