Living a Healthy Life in Islam

The religion of Islam has always emphasized the importance of health and wellness. For centuries, Muslims have recognized the value of living a well-rounded, clean and healthy life. For these reasons alone, the Islamic religion and culture has instilled great values of taking care of the mind, body, and spirit in order for the Muslim to fulfill the obligations placed on them by Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.

We will take a closer look at how the Muslims attempt to stay healthy and purified, the forbidden aspects of the religion, and medicinal practices within the religious culture.

Health is considered a great blessing of Allah and also a trust from the Almighty God (A'dab-e-Zindagi, 2007:15). Muslims strongly believe that health is important, for if one was unhealthy, then they would not have the ability to continue to do good deeds. Muslims have strong faith in the Almighty Allah. They believe that they must do good deeds in this life, by doing charitable works, taking care of their family, building a strong Islamic community, and most importantly worshiping Allah, so that they may abide in the eternal abode of Paradise.

Testifying there is only One God and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the servant of God, the continuous prayers 5 times daily, the paying of charity, the fasting during the month of Ramadan, and the rigorous visit to perform Hajj at Mecca, all constitute a healthy lifestyle if these 5 pillars are going to be fulfilled. If the Muslim is unable to fulfill these obligations due to an illness, these pieces of the faith may be hard or impossible to accomplish.

Since morality, reason, knowledge, and faith are basic elements of the human life, Muslims must take care of their health in order to maintain a healthy growth within these departments. They are encouraged to be cheerful, glad, alert and active. (A'dab-e-Zindagi, 2007:15). Ways to attain this inner and outer happiness is through worship of the one true God, Allah and doing what He has ordained on mankind. Man is encouraged to live a simple and moderate lifestyle. Over excess has the tendency to cause men to become stressed and overworked. Even during worship a person should not push themselves to the limit where they are unable to perform and carryout their religious act. According to a hadith, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once saw an old man who was dragging and supported on either side by two of his sons. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) inquired: "What has happened to this old man?" The people told him: "The man had vowed to travel to the House of Allah (Masjid) on foot." The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) observed: "It is not the will of Allah that this old man should torment himself" and then urged the old man to ride towards his destination. (A'dab-e-Zindagi, 2007:16). From this hadith, Muslims must take into consideration that tormenting oneself is not favored and that one should take the easy route if they are in a weak state in order to avoid hurting the body.

Cheerfulness, happiness, and modesty are characteristics of a healthy and righteous Muslim. Smiling is an outward expression, which shows one's happiness to others. That is why smiling is strongly recommended by people in Islam and is also looked upon a being a charitable act. Hazrat 'Abdullah bin Harith (may Allah have mercy on him) reported: "I never met a man who smiled more often than the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him)."(A'dab-e-Zindagi, 2007:16). Since Muslims are expected to follow the ways of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), they must do their best to smile as much as possible in order to reap the rewards and benefits of Allah on the Day of Judgment.

Muslims believe that staying healthy is one of the keys to having a wonderful life. They also believe that Allah, God in Arabic, has forbidden them from certain items that may jeopardize their health. Alcohol is one of the top prohibitions in Islam. This type of intoxicating drink is considered to be Haram, or forbidden. Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was asked about Al-bit', he (peace be upon him) said: "All drinks that intoxicate are Haram (unlawful to drink)." (Bukhari 5585) (Sahih Muslim, 2000: 694). If one were to take on the many effects of drinking alcohol, they would find many aspects of the intoxicant that has the ability to effect health. Liver damage, alcoholism, aggression, slurring of speech, impaired driving and operating of machinery are only a few of the negative side effects of drinking alcoholic beverages. These several outcomes can be detrimental or even deadly when it comes to the body's health. Allah says in the Qur'an, the Muslim holy book, "O you who believe! Intoxicants and games of chance and sacrificing to stones set up and dividing by arrows are only an uncleanness, the Shaitan's work; shun it therefore that you may be successful." (Qu'ran, V: 90) Muslims believe that not only alcohol, but all intoxicants, including drugs are Shaitan's (Devil's) handiwork; therefore God has forbidden the believers to go near them. For these reasons, Muslims are encouraged to stay clear of the dangers of drinking alcohol and using drugs.

Muslims also believe that if they drink from the wine of this world they will not be able to enjoy the wine of the hereafter, or the eternal abode of Paradise. Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "He who drinks liquor in the world and does not repent from it (i.e. stops drinking alcoholic drinks, and begs Allah to forgive him before his death) will not drink in the next world unless he repents." (Bukhari 557) (Sahih Muslim, 2000: 695). This passage is very important to the Muslims because they strongly believe that Allah has created wonderful rivers in Paradise for their enjoyment. One of the rivers being that of wine, and is described as being delicious to drink and pure of intoxicating effects. Allah says in the Qu'ran, "Upon them shall be garments of fine green silk and thick silk interwoven with gold, and they shall be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord shall make them drink a pure drink." (Qu'ran LXXVI: 21) This verse encourages the believer to strive to attain the pleasures of Paradise, which includes drinking a pure drink.

Food is a very important aspect of health. Depending on the type of food a person eats; they may be subject to healthy or unhealthy responses. Allah says in the Qu'ran, "And eat of the lawful and good (things) that Allah has given you, and be careful of (your duty to Allah), in Whom you believe." (Qu'ran, V: 88) This verse indicates that there are good types of food that should be eaten. Many Muslims believe that eating vegetables, fruits, drinking plenty of water, and eating Halal meat is a sure way to keep the body healthy.

Halal meat is very important when it comes to the Islamic beliefs. Halal means that an animal has to be slaughtered by the cutting of the throat while the person slaughtering says "Bismillah" (In the name of God) over the animal. This type of slaughtering must be carried out by a Muslim and must be done in a humane way. The blood is supposed to be drained from the animal's neck so that there are not any intoxicants floating about within the body. Many Muslims will only eat this type of meat, however, some Muslims are not as strict when it comes to this dietary rule.

Pork is strictly forbidden within the religion of Islam. This type of meat is considered unclean, impure, and unhealthy. Allah states in the Qu'ran, "So eat of the lawful and good food which Allah has provided for you, and thank the bounty of your Lord if it is Him you serve. He has forbidden for you only the carrion and blood and swine flesh and that which has been immolated in the name of any other than Allah; but he who is driven thereto, neither craving nor transgressing, Lo! Then Allah is Forgiving, Merciful." (Qu'ran XVI: 114-115) This verse states to the Muslim that they have to refrain from the blood and flesh of swine and any other type of meat that is slaughtered not in Allah's name.

Muslims are aware of the unhealthy aspects of eating the meat because pork has the ability to cause a person to become overweight, have high blood pressure, and the potential forming of trichinella spiralis, which is a roundworm parasite within the body. (Childs, 2).

Premarital sexual relations are also strictly forbidden in Islam. People are encouraged to marry young so that they can fulfill their desires in a lawful manner. Both men and women are expected to become married before an opposite sex relationship can take place. Boyfriend and girlfriend relationships are forbidden in Islam. If a man is thinking about marriage the women must have a Wali, guardian, who is willing to chaperone her and her potential husband on any and all dates. Once the couple is married, they are able to engage in sexual intercourse. These strict rules have a huge impact on the health of the Muslim community. The STD rate is extremely low among the Muslims. According to an article titled "Harvard University: Muslim Areas in Africa Have Lower Rates of HIV Infection," researchers found that among 38 sub-Saharan African countries, the percentage of Muslims in the population negatively predicted HIV prevalence. "A survey of published journal articles containing data on HIV prevalence and religious affiliation showed that six of seven such studies indicated a negative relationship between HIV prevalence and being Muslim," the study stated. (US Centers for Disease Control, 2004).

Staying healthy is one thing, however, what does the Muslim do when they become ill? There are several Hadiths of the Prophet (peace be upon him) using different types of medicines to cure different types of ailments. Sickness is not always a misfortune in Islam. Muslims believe that when they suffer and they are patient, Allah will remove some of their sins.

Despite the great effort of Western Medicine to find cures for diseases such as: Cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other non-curable or hard to cure ailments, Muslims believe that God has made a healing for every disease, and that He has placed the medicine within the Earth for mankind's benefit. Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Every disease has a medicine, so if the medicine is used, one gets cured by the Power of Allah." (Mundhiri, 2000: 775).

One of the most fascinating medicines is that of the Nigella seed, which is a small, black seed also known as Kalonji. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saying "There is healing in black seed for all diseases except death."(Mundhiri, 2000: 776). Muslims strongly believe that the Nigella seed can provide a healing for any disease if taken accurately for the prescribed time and by the power of Allah. Kalonji removes the obstruction of any part of the body, expels the gases and strengthens the stomach, it is an Anti-Helminthic, it is useful in chronic cold. The oil of Kalonji is effective in Alopecia. The seed can help with Asthma and diffuses the toxic effects of Bee and Wasps. Continuous use of kalonji is effective in mad dog biting. Fumigation of kalonji is useful in respiratory diseases. The seed helps paralysis, facial Palsy, migraine, amnesia and palpitation. It is also an expectorant and antipyretic. This phenomenon is very much effective and significant in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. Nigella seed rids the body of kidney and urinary bladder stones, if taken with the syrup of honey. It can be used for jaundice if taken with milk it can be very effective. Hemorids can be healed with this medicine, and the list goes on. (Khan, 1999).

The Muslims also consider honey to be a great healer. There are many hadiths that indicate the regular use of ingesting honey by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in order to alleviate him from ailments.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is an amazing health benefit for the Muslim. Many non-Muslims are astounded by the intense commitment of the Muslims towards refraining from food and water for an entire day. However, for the Muslim, fasting is not only an act of worship, but also a way to keep the body cleansed and healthy. According to Will Carrol, detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph glands, and skin." This process is precipitated by fasting because when food is no longer entering the body, the body turns to fat reserves for energy. "(Carrol, 2003). Fasting actually helps the body get rid of any toxins that may potentially harm it.
Fasting also helps the body to heal in a significant way. The healing process during a fast is precipitated by the body's search for energy sources. Abnormal growths within the body, tumors and the like, will not have the body's full support of the body's supplies and therefore, are more susceptible to autolysis. The production of protein for replacement of damaged cells (protein synthesis) occurs more efficiently because fewer 'mistakes' are made by the DNA/RNA genetic controls which govern this process." (Carrol, 2003). Muslims use the month of Ramadan to help them learn self-restraint and control and gain a closer relationship with their Creator.

Muslims realize the value and beauty of living a healthy and pious lifestyle. Whether they give a quick cheerful smile to others, or pass up the opportunity to drink the most expensive alcoholic beverage, or if they spend an entire day starving while completing their fast, they all have one thing in mind, that is continuing to worship Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.

References

1. Al-Mundhiri, Al-Hafiz A. Sahih Muslim. Vol. 1. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Darussalam, 2000.

2. Burns, Barima. "Ramadan Herbs: Herbs in Hadith." Islam Online. 24 Sept. 2007 .

3. Caroll, Will. "The Health Benefits of Fasting." (2002). 30 Nov. 20077.

4. "Harvard University: Muslim Areas in Africa Have Lower Rates of HIV

Infection. "The Body (2004). 30 Nov. 2007 .

5. Islahi, Muhammad Y. Etiquette of Life in Islam. Okhla: MMI, 2007.

6. Khan, Dr. M. Laiq A. "Tibb-Al-Babvi." Islamic Voice 13 (1999). 24 Sept. 2007 .

7. Muslim Health Network. 30 Nov. 2007 .

8. Noble Qur'An. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Darussalam, 1996.