Monday, January 25, 2016

Islamic guidance toward maintaining physical health....

~Eat Less & stay healthy~

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah upon him) said: “The human does not fill any container that is worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat what will support his back. If this is not possible, then a third for food, a third for drink, and a third for his breath.” [Jami at-Tirmidhi]

Commentary: Eating and drinking is not the be all and end all of man’s life. The main purpose of our creation is to fulfill our oath of allegiance to Allah and earn our place in Jannah. To do so a healthy body helps and a healthy body is maintained by keeping a part of our stomachs empty at meal times. We need to stop eating while we still feel a little hungry. To constantly keep eating till we feel satiated causes our stomachs to go bad. We would, therefore, be well advised to eat only as much as is necessary.

Islam’s holistic approach to health includes treating our bodies with respect and nourishing them with, not only faith, but also with lawful, nutritious food. A major part of living life according to the Creator’s instructions is implementing a suitable diet. Choosing wholesome food and avoiding the unwholesome is essential to good health. Allah says in the Qur'an, “Eat of the good things which We have provided for you.” (Qur'an 2:172) “Eat of what is lawful and wholesome on the earth.” (Qur'an 2:168). The Qur'an contains many verses of advice about healthy eating that relate to the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual health.

Also fasting two days a week -- Mondays and Thursdays, is the Sunnah way towards maintaining good health, all of the above has been scientifically proven.

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