DAY 28: THE FOOD OF THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ advised us to maintain a moderate diet; eating too much or too little can cause health hazards. Islam has made many foods permissible. However, extravagance or consumption in excess is sinful and prohibited. It was not from the practice of our beloved Prophet ﷺ to eat to the stomach’s fill. He ﷺ would abstain from food or drink as a form of fasting or preferred to fulfil the needs of others before his own, Subhanallah!
Eating too much may lead to weight gain and other associated health risks, including spiritual harm. Excessive consumption of food hardens the heart, according to Fudayl Ibn Iyad (may Allah have mercy on him). It also leads to drowsiness and makes difficult to control one’s desires. Therefore, sunnah promotes eating in moderation in order to maintain optimal health and energy.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But, if he must (fill it), then one-third of food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.” [Sunan Ibn Majah 3349 | Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)]
May Allah ﷻ safeguard us from all that He has prohibited and grant us the ability and opportunity to uphold our physical and spiritual health by following the sunnah.