Islam offers a specific set of instructions which Muslims should dutifully follow. This article will touch upon one of the instructions which God Almighty has given us: leading a Healthy Life.
Islam enforces being able to look after our health. We have been ordered in the Holy Qur’an (Surah Anfal, verse 61)[1]
“And make ready for them whatever you can of armed force and of mounted pickets at the frontier”
The Holy Qur’an orders you to be prepared at all times for going against your enemy; this can also be interpreted as staying healthy and fit to be ready to fight the enemy. The fight doesn’t always need to be in the form of war but can be seen as sports or any form of competition.
Soldiers have to train on a daily basis to stay slim, building up strength for running. The Holy Prophet (saw) stated
“for the soul to prosper, the body must also be physically healthy”.
The Promised Messiah (as) summarised “The Holy Qur’an laid stress on physical cleanliness and postures and their regulations in relation to all worship and inner purity and spiritual humility. Reflection confirms that physical conditions deeply affect the soul”.[2]
When we consider this philosophy, it seems that it is correct: the body impacts the soul. Allah has commanded members of Jamaat to spread the message to all corners of the world for which it is necessary for us to have a strong and healthy body. The Qur’an, the Holy book has restricted Alcohol: They ask thee concerning wine and the game of hazard. Say: ‘In both there is great sin and also some advantages for men; but their sin is greater than their advantage.’[3] There is a great sin in wine drinking. The last portion of the verse tells us that there is greater harm in wine and gambling than the benefit. No sane man will approach or do anything that has a greater harm than benefit for him. Alcohol can be very dangerous. It is the major cause for road accidents and can cause lots of medical issues such as strokes, liver disease, heart disease, sleeping disorders and depression.
Islam strongly promotes healthy living and as smoking is considered unhealthy, it is not encouraged. In the Qur’an, it states “and cast not yourselves into ruin with your own hands” [Surah Al-Baqarah verse 196]. By smoking we are making our own hands the cause of our destruction. In the UK, every year, around 120,000 people die from smoking.[4] Smoking can cause lots of medical issues.
Living a healthy life also means taking part in sports and to be active. The Holy Prophet (saw) said, “A strong believer is better and dearer to God than a weak believer, though in both is good.”[5] Being active also means that you are more energetic in worshipping God. It also reduces obesity which is something the UK is facing today.
Sleep is very important if you want to be leading a healthy life. The Holy Prophet (saw) recommended adequate sleep. A good sleep reduces tiredness making you feel more energetic and productive. The recommended amount of sleep for an adult is 7-10 hours.
Lastly, eat in moderation. The Islamic teaching states that your stomach should be filled by ⅓ of food, ⅓ liquid and ⅓ with air.
The Promised Messiah has prescribed the best method to maintain a normal weight:
• Stop eating when there is still some hunger
• Eat simple food
• Avoid spicy and fatty foods
• Try to do your own chores
• Keep a habit of walking at a fast pace
• Offer daily prayers
Following from this, Hazrat Musleh Ma’ood (ra) has said “the habit of exercise is encouraged so that the human body gains activeness, agility, stamina and speed. The body parts remain trim and well fit allowing motivation of man to exceed”.
Written by: Mizna Uppal and Manaal Uppal
Reference:
1) Surah Anfal, verse 61
2) Chapter 2: Al-Baqarah, verse 220
3) The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam page 8
4) https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/hyp/stopsmoking2.htm
5) Tirmidhi
