The Islamic Approach To Good Health

Islam works on the idea of prevention rather than cure. Muslims are encouraged to adopt a lifestyle that stops us getting ill in the first place.

Certain foods and drinks that are forbidden in Islam work on this exact principle. All are forbidden because they are filthy and harm the mind and body.

Here are just a selection of prophetic advice, aimed at ensuring we do not get ill
in the first place.

Our beloved Prophet (S.A.W) said: ‘The children of Adam fill no container worse than the way in which they fill their stomach. Let the children of Adam have a few mouthfuls to strengthen the loins. If possible, one third of the stomach is for food, one third for drink, and one third for one’s breath. (Al-Nasa’i, Al-Tirmidhi)’ (Ibid. p. 11)

Hazrat Ali ibn al-Husayn ibn Waqid (R.A) said: ‘Allah put all medicine into half an ayah when He (S.W.T) said: “......And eat and drink but do not spend extravagantly because certainly He does not like the extravagant”.(Irfan ul Quran Surah Al Araaf, Ver31) & (Ibid. p. 11)

Do not eat one meal immediately after the other. (Ibid. p. 9)

Exercise mildly before a meal, but not immediately after it. (Ibid. p. 9)

The Prophet (S.A.W) forbade eating the following together at the same meal:

(1) Milk and Fish (2) Vinegar and Milk (3) Fruit and Milk (4) Lettuce and Fish
(5) Garlic and Onions (6) Dried meat and Fresh meat (7) Grapes and excessive Aubergines (Ibid. p. 10)

The Prophet (S.A.W) has also forbidden consuming uncovered food and drinks, meaning when it is left uncovered over night. This could lead to potential
contamination.

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) forbade eating whilst lying down. (Ibid. p 13)

Walking after dinner is beneficial and performing Salah has the same effect. (Ibid. p 13)

Drinking very cold water should be avoided. It results in hoarseness and cough. Constant use of cold water leads to bloody eruptions, catarrh ( build up of mucus in airway or cavity of body e.g. nose, throat, sinus etc) and chest pains. (Ibid. p. 101)