“O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.” (Qur’an 2:172)
Our Creator continues: “Then you will surely be asked that Day about pleasure.” (Qur’an 102:8)
Every person has a mind and can freely decide how to nourish themselves. Today’s times allow us to try many different foods from all over the world. But how much of it is healthy and how much harms our health?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The son of Adam fills no vessel worse than his stomach. A few mouthfuls are sufficient for the son of Adam to keep his back straight. But if it must be more, then one third [of his stomach] for his food, one third for his drink, and one third for his breath.” (Tirmidhi 2380, Ibn Majah 3349, Imam Ahmad Musnad 4/133)
Ibn Qayyim continues in his book with this hadith, saying:
There are three levels of food:
- The level of necessity
- The required level
- The level of excess
The Messenger said that enough to keep his back straight is sufficient. He is neither exhausted nor decreases. If there must be more, then he should divide one third [of his stomach] for his food, one third for his drink, and one third for his breath. This is indeed much healthier for the heart and body. When the stomach is stuffed with food, there is no room left for drink. An overdose of fluid intake causes constrictions in the airways. This triggers fatigue and distress. It can be equated with someone carrying a heavy load on their back. Stuffing oneself weakens performance and the body. Only sufficient meals can strengthen.”
5 Healthy Foods Recommended in Islam
Black Seed Oil in Islam
Studies have scientifically proven how black seed works.
This miracle remedy is:
- Antibacterial
- Kidney protecting
- Anti-inflammatory
- Blood pressure lowering
- Antidiabetic
However, we Muslims knew the effects of the cure-all over 1400 years ago: Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “In black seed there is healing for every disease except death.” (Bukhari 5688, Muslim 5728)
Honey in Islam
This miracle remedy is much more effective against infections and injuries than medicine! Did you know that honey promotes serotonin production in the brain? The golden juice fulfills the conditions for this hormone-like substance.
In the Qur’an in Surah 16 (An-Nahl- Bee) Verses 68 and 69, our Creator says: “And your Lord inspired the bee: ‘Take for yourself among the mountains, houses, and among the trees and [in] what they construct. Then eat from all the fruits and follow the paths of your Lord laid down [for you].’ There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed, in that is a sign for a people who give thought.”
Olive Oil in Islam
“The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will.” (24:35) Ibn Umar narrated the well-known hadith: “Use olive oil to anoint yourself, for it comes from a blessed tree.” (Al-Bayhaqi)
Scientists from the ACS found that there were very few Alzheimer’s patients in Mediterranean countries compared to other countries in the world. Their assumption was the excessive consumption of olive oil. Today, new studies show that the oil contains a substance called oleocanthal. This substance is supposed to protect the nerve cells from the typical damages of Alzheimer’s!
Vinegar in Islam
Vinegar is one of the oldest remedies used by mankind against many different diseases. The Egyptians, Romans, Persians, and Greeks – all made vinegar.
It was narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh (2051), and by at-Tirmidhi (1840) and Ibn Maajah (3316), from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “What a good condiment vinegar is.”
Today, it is known that apple cider vinegar lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels. This miracle weapon has a cancer-fighting effect and reduces not only appetite but also weight gain.
Quince in Islam
The Messenger of God (born 571) knew before Hildegard of Bingen (born 1098) that quinces are good for the heart. The fruit contains the active ingredient caffeoylquinic acid. It keeps the arteries elastic and protects them from calcification.
In a tradition, it is reported that Talha said; “I approached the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. He had a quince in his hand. As I sat down he rolled the quince to me and said: ‘Take it Talha, for it soothes the heart and removes stress from the soul.’ ” (Ibn Majah 3369) Ibn Al Qayyim explains that eating a quince before a meal can lead to constipation. Therefore, it should be consumed grilled or cooked with honey.
Alhamdulillah, that Allah has created a variety of healthy foods for us!
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