While in a casual chat with one of my dear Sisters about “ways not to do the most” but still ensure that your body is as fit and healthy as it can be. A topic that is probably common to most of us, She said “just because you weren’t directly given, does not mean that Allah did not want it for you”
There are a thousand and one good ways to interpret this But I thought about the provision that Allah has given to us. This statement made me reflect on the value of a healthy diet and lifestyle, avoiding what Allah s.w.t has told us to stay away from i.e things that may be toxic to our body and soul versus proper use of what Allah has made permissible for us to consume.
O ye who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you, and render thanks to Allah if it is (indeed) He whom ye worship
Qur’an 2:172
In different parts of the world depending on the culture and way of life of the people; Naturally occurring plants and roots are used in different ways and forms. From medicines to herbs, spices, teas and Skin treatments and care. E.g Turmeric, in many West African cultures, is used to alleviate indigestion, to prevent high blood pressure whereas in East Africa, it is mostly used for beauty, skin treatments, in teas, masala spices and in the elderly.
Bay leaves used to enhance the aroma and taste of food, is used in other cultures along with black cumin and other herbs as a space cleanse with calming effects on the mind and many many more.
You see, Everything that has been made permissible for us, Be it in the barks of trees, roots, herbs, fruits, clean water, vegetables and animals from the provision of our Rabb are all that we need for the necessary daily needs of nutrients, Energy requirements, sustaining a balanced healthy body both internally and externally.
From basic sunnah like sitting while drinking or the analogy of dividing the belly into a third for water, another third for food and the last third left for air (Tirmidhi; An Nasai) to other examples and lead ways mentioned in the Qur’an and described in the Hadith and Sunnah of the prophet S.A.W.
The ability to unlock the endless benefits of natural remedies in all that has been provided by our Lord, and intentionally choosing to maintain your body, mind and environment while keeping in mind that ” The physical body is an Amaanah from my Lord, and I am accountable for it” is a role reserved for us as Human beings.
Allah will ask us on the Day of Judgement about all the blessings that He has given us in this life. Amongst those blessings will include our good health and our food and drink.
Surat Al-Takathir, Verse 8 – Then, on that day, you shall be asked about the delight
As Muslims, we know that Islam is a complete way of life and will touch on every aspect of our wellbeing as humans. We are instructed from our holy book to eat well, drink that which is of good but to avoid excesses and uncontrolled eating which may lead to obesity and all of the consequences of it.
Surah Al -araf verse 31 – O children of adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive, indeed, he likes not those who commit excess.
Avoid Having a potbelly, for it spoils the body, cause diseases and makes doing prayer tiring
Umar RA
An Active day started with ginger, cinnamon cloves, black seed and Honey Tea, and continued with regular Intakes of clean water and meals that have as many fresh greens and masala as it contains Calories and ends with the calming fragrance of incense containing bay leaves & just a few seeds of black cumin as you wash off your turmeric, coffee and pure coconut oil scrub in a bath is a good way to go.
written by
Olagunju Abisola ashiat
