ABU DHABI // Good health is one of the greatest blessings that Allah has bestowed on mankind, worshippers will be told on Friday.
This week’s sermon reminds people of the importance of appreciating one’s health and taking the required measures to maintain it.
The Quran and Hadith are rich with instructions on the importance of maintaining a healthy body through balanced eating, exercise and rest.
“Islam has taught us preventive measures against catching illnesses. The Prophet Mohammed, Peace Be Upon Him, instructed us to cover food and drink containers so they don’t get polluted,” says the sermon.
The Quran also recommended choosing food that is beneficial to one’s health. A verse says: “They ask thee (O Mohammad) what is made lawful for them. Say: (all) good things are made lawful for you. And those beasts and birds of prey which ye have trained as hounds are trained, ye teach them that which Allah taught you; so eat of that which they catch for you and mention Allah’s name upon it, and observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is swift to take account.”
Another verse warns against overeating. “And eat and drink, but be not prodigal. Lo! He loveth not the prodigals.”
The Prophet Mohammed also instructed people to wash their hands before and after eating and to maintain moderate eating habits.
He said: “Nothing is worse than a person who fills his stomach. It should be enough for the son of Adam to have a few bites to satisfy his hunger. If he wishes more, it should be: One-third for his food, one-third for his liquids, and one-third for his breath.”
He also gave instructions on how to avoid catching or spreading diseases.
“If you hear plague is in a country, do not enter it, and If it (plague) be in a country where you are staying, do not go out fleeing it.”
hdajani@thenational.ae
