More than just a religion consisting of spiritual teachings, Islam is very aware of all aspects of human life. One of those aspects is human health. In Islam’s perspective, health is a very valuable God’s gift. Consequently, we have to take care of the gift. The question now is how to take care of our health? Does Islam explain the way to do it? Yes, of course. Islam explains the way. I will write it down for you.
To be healthy, there are at least four keys we should know. Firstly, nutrition. Secondly, rest. Thirdly, physical exercises. And fourthly, medicals.
Nutrition: What We Eat and Drink Everyday
To eat and drink is a must for everyone. For this reason, God creates liquids, plants and animals in the earth in which we live. Islam guides us to consume only ‘good’ and healthy food. On the other hand, it’s forbidden in Islam to consume ‘bad’, unhealthy and dangerous food. What does ‘good’ and ‘bad’ means here? Food is to be said ‘good’ in condition that it’s halal (legally permitted to consume) as well as nutritious. Whereas, food is to be said ‘bad’ in condition that it’s haram (legally forbidden to consume), unhealthy, or dangerous. Haram food includes alcoholic drinks, pig meat, blood, and some others as stated in islamic law.
Besides, it’s forbidden in Islam to eat or drink excessively (more than our body’s need). Prophet Muhammad said: “Do eat and drink based on your body’s need only. Eat no more than one-third of your stomach volume. Drink no more than the other one-third of the stomach. And let the last one third for your breath.”
Rest: Duration and Manner
For the sake of human health, not to sleep at all because of doing rituals is forbidden. Why? Because God knows that human body needs to rest. Rather than forbidding humans to sleep, Islam gives some guides how long and in what manner somebody should sleep everyday. For example, it is recommended to go to bed as early as possible. Of course this assures that our body have enough rest. It is also not suggested to sleep on our stomach (facing our bed). Of course it is a very good suggestion for such a way is not good for our body’s breathing mechanism.
Physical Exercise : Such As Riding Horse and Swimming.
Having physical exercise is a must in Islam. For instance, Islam commands all parents to train their child to ride a horse as well as to swim. Prophet Muhammad said: “God loves a physically strong man more than a physically weaker one.” This is a proof that Islam really suggests physical exercise to increase our body’s health and strength.
Medicals : Struggling Against Disease
There are some food recommended by Prophet Muhammad to eat regularly, especially when we are sick. Those food are black seed and honey. It is believed that the two food may function as medicine. It is also strongly suggested for every muslim to go to a doctor or consume some medicines whenever he is sick.
