A healthy and happy life is no accident, in addition to healthy genes; it depends on good habits of mind and body. By following Islamic teachings one is already adopting good habits of mind and body. Take for example the beliefs how they nurture positive attitudes, worship and rituals how they train a person to take seriously social responsibilities and moral values how they help in building personal relationships. Similarly, by expressly forbidding drinking alcohol, smoking, gambling and eating pork, Islam has laid solid foundations for a healthy lifestyle, a safe and hygienic way of living.
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged people to have a good breakfast early in the morning, to always have a light supper in the evening and discouraged overeating. He (peace be upon him) would say “Fill the stomach one-third with food, one-third with water and leave one-third empty. “The Quran, in fact, forbids overeating: “eat and drink but do not overeat” (Holy Qur’an Surah Al-A’raf, 7:31).
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) constantly preached the message of health, he knew that healthy bodies carry healthy souls. On one occasion the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The example of the stomach is like a pond. There are outlets in all directions from it. If the stomach is healthy then the rest of the body will be healthy”. He (peace be upon him) also said: “The stomach is a place of diseases” meaning diseases start from here and thus emphasizing the kind of food we eat and the amount we consume. The best policy he suggested was to eat little when you are really hungry.
Islam teaches us etiquettes of eating and living a healthy life and to be moderate in our diet. When it comes to our daily diet, it has been scientifically proven that eating too much can contribute to weight gain and obesity, and all the health concerns raised from it. Similarly, eating too little can result in our body not receiving the nutrients it needs for proper development and survival. That’s why Islam emphasis moderation in diet.
Make your choice – Eat consciously and chose a “Healthy Diet” for yourself and for your children and family:
“With it He produces for you corn, olives, date-palms, grapes and every kind of fruit: verily in this is a Sign for those who reflect” – (Holy Qur’an Surah An-Nahl, 16:11)
Useful Tips for Healthy Life:
Physical exercise increases muscle tone, improves flexibility, enhances endurance, strengthens the heart and fights depression. Exercise also helps achieve significant weight loss. Aerobic exercise fights heart disease and high blood pressure, and reduces the risk of diabetes, while weight training increases muscle strength and reduces fat, increases bone density, fights back pain and arthritis, and improves overall mental health.
Start with 30 minutes of walking each day.
Secretariat
Central Health Board (CHB) of Africa Federation
Date: 13th May 2019