Importance of Health in Islam is rooted in its practices. Islam has shown us a lifestyle that is healthy both physically and spiritually.
The practical knowledge we have gained about Importance of Health in Islam is from three main sources: the hadith, the Qur’an, and recommendations from present healthcare authority. Let’s look at the diet recommendations made by the following sources:
Hadiths on Health
According to the hadith, the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) cautioned us against overeating:
“Don’t indulge in over-eating because it would quench the light of faith within your hearts”
Another often quoted hadith advises that one should fill the stomach with one-third of drink and one-third with food, leaving the remaining one-third empty.
Also Read: 15 Best Foods mentioned in the Quran and Hadith
Quran on Health
Allah (swt) has advised us to “eat what is lawful and good in the Earth” (2:168). Further reading of the Qur’an reveals which foods are healthy: honey (16: 68–69), herbs and vegetables like corn (55:12, 80:27–32), and fruits like bananas(56: 28-33), dates, grapes, pomegranates, and olives (6: 99–141).
Additionally, he advised us to consume fresh fish and birds, as well as the meat and milk of specific animals;
“He created cattle for you, wherein is warmth and many gains, and you eat thereof” (16:5, 22:28).
“For you there is in the cattle a lesson; We give you to drink what is in their bellies from betwixt the chime and the blood pure milk, easy and palatable for those who drink it” (16:66).
“He it is Who made the sea of service that you might eat fresh (fish) meat from it” (16:14, 35:12).
“And the meat of fowls of what they like” (56:21).
It is crucial to remember that all of these items should be eaten in reasonable quantities:
“eat and drink and do not commit excesses; indeed He does not love those who are excessive” (7:31).
Fasting is both a required and advised dietary practice in Islam (2:183), and it may have physical benefits, particularly for overweight people. Those who complete a month of supervised fasting show signs of weight loss, lower blood sugar, and lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, we are able to avoid long-term consumption of foods that increase our risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease thanks to our better self-control, self-restraint, and discipline. Additionally, this self-control and resolve are transferable traits that affect other facets of our lives, empowering us to make adjustments to strengthen our character and advance spiritually. Fasting proves to hold great Importance of Health in Islam
Also Read: Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan in Islam
Modern Healthcare on Health
Food and the proper way to consume it, as prescribed by the Qur’an and as practiced by the Ahlul-Bait, are in line with the balanced diet that is currently recommended by health experts. For instance, the Qur’anic reference to the ratio of fruits and vegetables to meat is said to be about 3:1 [2: part 2], which is consistent with the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) advice to consume “plenty of fruit and vegetables” along with “some meat, fish, and other non-dairy sources of protein”.
The BHF also advises eating “wholegrain types wherever you can” and consuming a variety of starchy meals such bread, rice, potatoes, and pasta.
This is consistent with what The Prophet and Hazrat Ali (PBUTB) did, as mentioned above. We now understand that wholemeal meals are advised as a source of fiber to enhance digestion, help diabetics control blood sugar levels, and to aid in weight loss in obese people.
The traffic light labels seen on the majority of food packaging are very helpful in following the aforementioned suggestions; they provide guidance on the appropriate consumption of each food group and daily calorie intake. (It is crucial to remember that the aforementioned suggestions are for people trying to maintain a healthy weight; for those who are underweight or overweight, modifications are needed.)
Consider three informational sources once more: the Qur’an, the hadith, and contemporary health authorities, as we now shift our focus to the function of exercise in sustaining physical health. We will also briefly explore community-based actions that can be implemented before offering five key recommendations for leading a physically better lifestyle.
Physical Activity
Similar to other major religions, it can be difficult to discover allusions to physical activity in Islamic literature; as a result, it may be assigned less importance than other religious obligations.
Importance of Health in Islam
The Qur’an and Prophetic traditions, which have a common theme of retaining respect for the body, are references that support physical activity. Dr. Al-Khayat, a Middle Eastern representative for the World Health Organization, has located a few references to this effect, including:
“Do not with your own hands throw yourself into ruin” (2:195)
and the hadiths:
“Your body has a right over you”
“A stronger believer is better than a weak believer”.
However, one must examine further Islamic teachings to uncover more explicit recommendations regarding exercise.
Islam’s basic pillars, which include mandatory prayers, the Hajj, and Ramadan fasting, include frequently disregarded types of exercise. There are linked bodily benefits even though the main motivation for such deeds is the spiritual reward.
According to Alawi, regular hand motions, bowing, and prostration are effective forms of whole-body training since they help to maintain and strengthen the joints in the arms, back, thighs, feet, abdomen, and neck. Additionally, advantages for blood circulation and digestion have been suggested. There are also physical-demanding rituals performed during the Hajj and Umrah, such as the Tawaf (seven circumambulations of the Ka’aba) and Sa’y (seven rounds of brisk walking between the mounts of Safa and Marwah). Walking is a recommended physical activity in Islam, as evidenced by the previous description of these activities as sporting ones. The Qur’an makes numerous references to people who walk on Earth [(25:63), (17:37), and there is one verse in particular that suggests the Prophet used to stroll through the markets:
They say, “What sort of messenger is he that eats and walks in the markets?… (25:7).
According to Dr. Kasule, Harvard Professor of Islamic Medicine, the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) would always walk quickly in the form of “harwalat,” which is equivalent to brisk walking, whilst going about his daily business. Additionally, it has been reported that the Prophet ran/walked in races alongside his wife Aisha;
“I raced with the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) and beat him in the race. Later, when I had put on some weight, we raced again and he won.” [11, 16(p26),17].
The aforementioned verses and hadith not only advocate for walking and running as forms of physical activity but also demonstrate that both men and women can benefit from these activities equally.
It may be accurate to argue that Islam is a way of life that requires physical exertion if Allah should, in fact, make acts involving physical exertion such as Salat and Hajj wajib, and the execution of other physically strenuous activities that are permitted by Sharia is therefore encouraged [16].
Fencing, Swimming, archery, foot racing, wrestling, and horse racing are some of the “Islamic” sports that were widely practiced during the time of the Prophet (PBUH). The hadith that follows backs up this assertion.
“Any action without remembrance of Allah is either diversion or heedlessness excepting four acts: Walking from target to target (during archery practice), training a horse, playing with one’s family, and learning to swim.” [19]
Authorities on Health
Regular physical activity is considered to be essential for enhancing cardiovascular health as well as boosting energy, mood, and self-confidence, and lowering anxiety and stress. Modern health recommends 30 minutes of moderately intense activity five times per week. Exercise of a moderate level causes “you to breathe more heavily than usual”. This might be done by swimming or fast walking, as the Prophet advised and demonstrated.
Community initiatives to enhance physical well-being.
It might not be entirely false to say that while organizing gatherings for the Islamic community, we spend a sizable amount of money on hiring a reputable speaker, reserving a location, and advertising the events—all the while looking for the least expensive cuisine. Sadly, the least expensive foods are frequently the least healthy.
Even though they are generally disregarded, the culinary choices made during these gatherings have a big impact on the community, especially the younger members. Islam is a comprehensive faith that encourages living a full life. Thus, we should strive to find more nutrient-dense food options with the goal of fostering an Islamic lifestyle that seeks to safeguard and encourage healthy living. This is crucial for influencing young people’s opinions about diet. It is likely that spending money on this aspect of meetings will pay off in the long run, resulting in healthier people who are better able to carry out their Islamic obligations and support their families and the Muslim community. It’s also important to organize physical activity and provide the necessary resources.
To improve social relationships, team sports should be prioritized. Additionally, attention should be paid to inadequate facilities for women.
Conclusion
It is clear from the Holy Qur’an and Ahlul-Bait that there is a lot of Importance on Health in Islam and traditions that diets high in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits are preferable. Furthermore, it is essential to consume all such items in moderation. Every Muslim should prioritize maintaining good physical health. It offers several emotional, psychological, and most importantly spiritual advantages in addition to extending life. Islam views physical fitness as requiring excellent nutrition and exercise, which can be seen as a means of achieving spiritual and moral fitness. Indeed, it may be necessary to remind us that pursuing bodily well-being while really hoping to win Allah’s favor constitutes worship.
We hope you learned the Importance of Health in Islam. So start working out, going out, and eating healthy!
