The Islamic approach to good health

a. The causes of disease.

In the case of illness, the scholars have highlighted the actual causes of it into six. Al-Suyuti writes that they are:

i. Air, Air is essential to keep the self evenly balanced. As long as the air remains pure, it acts as an invisible protection.

Each season produces diseases compatible with it, and expels what is incompatible. For example, summer causes bile but cures cold diseases.

Cold air strengthens and improves the digestion system. Hot air has the opposite effect. 

ii. Food and drink. 

iii. Bodily movement and rest. Movement causes warmth in the body and vice versa. 

iv. Emotional movement and rest. This means things like anger, joy, anxiety and shame. 

v. Waking and sleeping. 

vi. Emission and retention. 

b. Prevention before cure.                                                        

Islam works on the idea of prevention rather than cure. Muslims are encouraged to adopt a lifestyle that stops that getting ill in the first place.

The certain foods and drinks that are forbidden in Islam works on this exact principle. All are forbidden because they are filthy and harm the mind and body. 

Here is just a selection of prophetic advice, aimed at ensuring we do not get ill in the first place. 

a. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"The children of Adam fill no container worse than the way in which they fill their stomach. Let the children of Adam have a few mouthfuls to strengthen the loins. If possible, one third of the stomach is for food, one third for drink, and one third for one’s breath." (Reported by Al-Nasa’i, al-Tirmidhi)’[1]

b. Ali ibn al-Husayn ibn Waqid said: ‘Allah put all medicine into half an ayah when He said:

“Eat and drink but not excessively.” (Surah Al-'A`raf: 31).[2]

c. Do not eat one meal immediately after the other.[3]

d. Exercise mildly before a meal, but not immediately after it.[4]

e. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade eating the following together at the same meal:

(i) Milk and fish (ii) vinegar and milk (iii) fruit and milk (iv) lettuce and fish (v) garlic and onions (vi) dried meat and fresh meat (vii) grapes and excessive aubergines.[5]

f. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade consuming uncovered food and drinks.[6]

g. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade eating whilst lying down.[7]

h. Walking after dinner is beneficial and performing Salah has the same effect.[8]

i. Drinking very cold water should be avoided. It results in hoarseness and cough. Constant use of cold water leads to bloody eruptions, catarrh and chest pains.[9]