Whenever we talk about religion, what comes to mind and the focus of any conversation shall be spirituality and the relationship of anyone with his creator and his fellow human beings. But in Islam, religion is also about keeping health and well-being for one’s self as a religious matter too which he may be rewarded for by doing. Allah said in the Quran,
“And do not put yourselves into destruction.”
This avoidance of destruction is understood to denote the spiritual which relates to avoiding sins and physical which relates to our health and well-being.
Prophet Muhammad said, “Two blessings of Allah have been belittled by people, health and free time.”
Allah also described the Quran as a healing when He said, “Say, it is for those who believed, a guide and healing.” Quran 41:44.
He also said, “We sent down the Quran as healing and mercy to those who believe.” Quran 17:82.
This verse meant that reading, contemplating and acting upon the Quran is spiritual which is by purifying the heart and taking away ignorance and doubt from it and may also be used as physical medicine through the recitation of supplications from the Quran in a process known as Ruqya in order to relieve one’s self or others of pain or illness and by seeking Allah’s protection.
It was narrated by both Imam Al Bukhari and Imam Muslim that Prophet Muhammad used to recite Suratul Falaq and Suratun Nas on himself.
Prophet Muhammad even taught the Muslims to always pray for well-being. It was narrated from ‘Abdurrahmaan ibn Abi Bakrah that he said to his father: O my father, I heard you supplicating every morning by saying, “O Allah, grant me soundness in my body; O Allah, grant me soundness in my hearing; O Allah, grant me soundness in my sight, there is no god but You.” And you repeat it three times in the morning and three times in the evening. He said, “Yes, O my son; I heard the Messenger of Allah supplicating with these words and I like to follow his Sunnah.” Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Abu Dawud.
Also, Islam’s prohibition on eating pork, drinking intoxicants, taking drugs, smoking cigarettes are all forms of staying healthy and avoiding diseases as much as possible. This is stressed upon the Muslims as much the same way they needed to avoid sins like worshipping others other than Allah, backbiting, lying and others.
PROPHET MUHAMMAD’S HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Miqdam ibn Ma‘di Karib said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah said: “The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is enough for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to keep him going, but if he must fill his stomach, then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for air.” Narrated by Imam At Tirmidhi.
One of the so-called modern diseases is obesity which is almost always directly linked to overeating. People today tend to eat more food and ingest more calories than what they need for a day. This practice of avoiding overeating, however, is not only physical but of spiritual significance as well because Islam recognizes that being moderate in eating and regular fasting is spiritually beneficial too.
This advice of Prophet Muhammad on teaching the Muslims not to overeat is a form of teaching them that prevention is more important than cure.
Another practice of Prophet Muhammad is eating olives. He said, “Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree.” Narrated by Imam At Tirmidhi.
Prophet Muhammad even involved himself in recreational activities and even tolerated it. He used to race with his wife Aishah and took part in some wrestling matches with his companions. He also allowed some Abyssinians to play with their spears in their mosque. All these are Prophet Muhammad’s way of keeping himself and his companions strong in worshipping Allah and prepare themselves for any eventuality of war against their enemies.
THE MUSLIM OUGHT TO BE STRONG
Prophet Muhammad said, “The strong Muslim is better than a weak Muslim.” Narrated by Imam Muslim.
Scholars interpret this that a Muslim who is strong is most able to do acts of worship if he should decide to do it. Many acts of worship in Islam require physical strength and stamina such as performing Hajj and Omrah, standing in prayer for Tahajjud and Tarawih in Ramadhan and others.
Muslims are allowed to engage themselves in sports especially those that do not prevent them from worshipping Allah and may benefit them physically and spiritually such as martial arts and others. But it should be clear to the Muslim that the goal is not the sports itself but the goal is still the attainment of the pleasure of Allah.
Health advice in the Quran and the practices of Prophet Muhammad are very beneficial because they come from Allah Himself and His prophet. We all know that the Quran is Allah’s words and Prophet Muhammad’s actions are inspired by Allah to teach us the methodology of this religion.
Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever focuses all his concerns on one issue, namely the Hereafter, Allah will suffice him and spare him the worries of this world. But whoever has many concerns about different worldly issues, Allah will not care which of these worries will cause his death.” Narrated by Ibnu Majah.
The scholars interpret this that life after death is more important but it does not mean that life in this world is not important. The Muslim should do everything that will help him secure for himself and his loved ones the mercy of Allah by keeping himself and his family healthy in order to perform good deeds.
A healthy lifestyle is only most fitting be practiced by anyone who wishes to live his life for Allah and do things for His pleasure alone in moderation. Moderation is key to success in this world and the Hearafter.
