|
 What strikes your mind when someone mentions worship? Most people would answer a ritualistic act performed in a prescribed place in a set manner, or something along those lines.
In Islam, every act done in day-to-day life is considered as worship if done in accordance to the ways prescribed by God (Allah). Eating, an act done to fulfill physical needs, is considered as a form of worship when done in the way prescribed by Allah and Prophet Muhammad (sas) with the proper intention.
Food plays a prevalent role in an individual’s life. There is no denying that food is one of the necessary requirements for the survival of a human being.
Islam acknowledges the importance of consuming food to nourish the body and mind. Only when the body is healthy can the mind be healthy.
Food in the Qur’an
The Qur’an and Sunnah recommend food rich in nutrients. (You people: eat of what is on earth, lawful and wholesome] (Al-Baqarah 2:168).
The Qur’an also says what means: (So eat of (meats), on which Allah’s name hath been pronounced if ye have faith in his signs] (Al-An`am 6:118).
(The game of the sea and its food are permitted to you] (Al-Ma’idah 5:99).
(Pure milk, easy and agreeable to swallow for those who drink) (An-Nahl 16:66).
(He it is who produceth gardens with trellises and without, and dates, and tilth with produce of all kinds and olives and pomegranates, similar and different, eat of their fruit in season] (An-Nahl 16:141).
Live to Eat, or Eat to Live?
 Islam emphasizes the concept of moderation in eating. Muslims are expected to eat for survival, to maintain good health, and not to live for eating. Moderation in dietary habits can help people to lead healthy and balanced lives. Modern research has proven that excessive eating and improper diet can increase the chance of diseases such as obesity, high cholesterol, heart diseases, and diabetes.
With regards to food, as with many other subjects in Islam, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, overeating has been strongly discouraged in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
(Eat and drink and be not immoderate. Verily Allah does not like the transgressors] (Al-A`raf 7:31).
The Qur’an also says what means:
( Eat of the good things We have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein] (Taha 20:81).
In addition to the Qur’an, many hadiths, or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (sas) encourage moderation.
The Prophet said, “No man fills a vessel worse than his stomach. A few mouthfuls that would suffice to keep his back upright are enough for a man. But if he must eat more, than he should fill one third (of his stomach) with food, one third with drink and leave one third for easy breathing” (Ahmad).
Reading these Qur’an verses and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (sas), some people may think that Islam is too caught up with details of everyday life. Why is so much attention given to something like food and eating when there are more important things like charity, mercy, love, and piety to be discussed? This stress on daily details of life is, however, part of the worldview of Islam. The essence of Islam lies in the relationship between the human being and his or her Creator: God (Allah). Therefore, Islam lays down suggestions and rules for living in order to promote the maintenance of the kind of living that achieves the best results for this relationship. Consequently, Islam believes that optimum spiritual health can only be achieved if one is physically sound.
Food With Healing Properties
There are many Qur’an verses and Prophetic sayings that recommend certain foods, such as honey, dates, figs, milk, and olives, for their healing properties.
For example, the Qur’an mentions the healing properties of honey:(And thy Lord inspired the bee, saying: Choose thou habitations in the hills and in the trees and in that which they thatch; Then eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of thy Lord, made smooth (for thee). There cometh forth from their bellies a drink divers of hues, wherein is healing for mankind. Lo! herein is indeed a portent for people who reflect ] (An-Nahl 16:68-69).
The date, a fruit known for its rich nutrient value, is also recommended.
Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. |
