Islamic Teachings About Beneficial And Harmful Diets

Islam being the perfect religion and complete code of life provides explicit guidelines and commands about each and every aspect of the life. Same is the case with diet and there are many verses in the Holy Quran which deal with the issue of what to eat and what not to eat and how much to eat for that matter. 

Furthermore, the basic purpose of these restrictions and obligations is to make believers realize that there is a sacred relationship between body and soul. Therefore everyone should take proper care of his body and soul because humans have not been produced by Allah just to eat and enjoy. They have been assigned a greater purpose to accomplish in this world. Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran,

                “Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose.”  (3:191)

How important is health:

It is therefore absolutely important for stern believers to keep their bodies in perfect health so that they can successfully assist souls in attaining what they have been created for. For this particular reason certain foods have been banished by Islam due to their adverse effects on the body whereas others are permissible because they are wholesome for health. During holy Quran reading we find man verses addressing this issue. For example,

                “O’ Believers! Eat of the good and pure (lawful) that We have provided you with and be grateful to Allah, if you truly worship Him.”  (2:172)

Four prohibited food items:

                “He (Allah) has only forbidden you (from eating) dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that (animal) over which the name of other than Allah has been invoked.”  (2:173, 16:115)

It is clearly evident from above mentioned verse that Allah has particularly prohibited four foods for Muslims. These four things are banned due to the reasons known only to Allah but according to some researches, these foods are deleterious for human health in general. Beast meats are harmful for the physical health of the person whereas the food that is eaten without taking the name of Allah is detrimental for spiritual well being of the individual.

Apart from these things, those animals are also prohibited that were killed by a sudden blow, headlong falling, strangulation, partially consumed by other animals, those that were not slaughtered and those who were sacrificed for objects other than Allah Almighty.

Status of Alcohol in Islam:

                They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin, and some profit for men; but the sin is greater than the profit." They ask thee how much they are to spend; say: "What is beyond your needs." Thus doth Allah make clear to you His Signs: in order that ye may consider  (2:219)

Wine or all alcoholic drinks are unlawful for Muslims because the evils offered by alcohol are much more and bigger than supposed benefits. Intoxications destroy a human being socially, morally, physically and most importantly spiritually. Masses indulge so much in drinking liquors that they cannot identify the dangers that lurk inside this deceptive drink. Man becomes semi insane and does not know what he is doing. In this state a person is more dangerous to society than anything else.

Balanced diet and Islam:

In modern world everyone talks about benefits of balanced diet but if these people learn Quran online or through any other method they will learned that Islam proposed balanced diet for good health some 14 centuries ago.  

Islam does not talks only about restrictions but also gives useful tips about balanced diet that is rich in all sort of nutrients and mineral important for human health. Quran has mentioned some foods like meat, fish, fresh milk, cheese, vegetables and fruits as an integral part of human diet. Allah Says in Holy Quran,

                “And the cattle, He has created them for you, in them there is warmth (clothing) and numerous benefits, and of them you eat.” (16:5)

Similarly, there are many other verses about different foods like,

                “And the flesh of fowls that they desire.”  (56:21)

Moderation was taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

In many of his Hadiths, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised Muslims to eat moderately because overeating can cause many problems for stomach and can lead to development of many diseases.  He has been quoted to have said,

 "No human ever filled a container more evil than his belly. The few morsels needed to support his being shall suffice the son of Adam. But if there is no recourse then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for his breath." (Ahmad and At-Tirmidhi)

Holy Prophet (PBUH) taught etiquettes of eating to Muslims. He advised Muslims to wash their hands before and after the meal and keep meals covered. He also asked Muslims to start eating with the name of Allah and always eat with right hand.  Not to eat if you are not hungry and never eat to full capacity and in the end be grateful to Allah Almighty.

Conclusion:

From the above mentioned facts, it is once again established that Islam is a divine and true religion that talked about cleanliness and hygiene 1400 year ago. Unlike so called modern health authorities that are emphasizing over these things now. This is yet another gem of an example of truth that Islam encloses.