Modern wellness and nutritional sciences are the contemporary versions of the food ethics and habits of our Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
You are what you eat’, goes the old adage. Connecting the dots between this proverb and the noble ways of our beloved Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), the natural question to ask is: What did Rasulullah (‘Apostle of God’) eat?
Long before the study of nutrition was established as a discipline of science, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) practiced and preached good food habits as an integral part of the Islamic faith. Just look at fasting in the month of Ramadan – one of the obligatory acts of worship in Islam – for proof of Islam’s respect towards the connection of the body, mind and soul.
The Quran as our life guide makes plentiful mentions and suggestions of the foods of a believer. First and foremost, good foods must be halal (permissible) and beneficial for our health. More specifically, the Quran glorifies a variety of food items – from grains to fruits – as just a few of the countless signs of God’s mercy. Furthermore, while the Quran encourages the believers to appreciate the good things in life, it also advises against extravagant consumption.
Mindful Eating
Indeed, moderation is a key tenet of Islam, and every aspect of the Prophet’s life – including his choice of foods and his dining manners – reflected this principle.
Many hadiths (prophetic traditions) report on foods that the Prophet enjoyed; foods that are still available to us today. For example, he was fond of melon and cucumber, and was once narrated as having enjoyed some pumpkin in curry.
Other traditions reveal food items that the Prophet recommended either for their health benefits or to cure certain ailments. These include honey for upset stomach, olive oil for skin ailments, milk to act as both food and drink, barley to counteract heatiness, and highly nutritious dates – all of which are among the most powerful natural foods of the 21st century.
Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was said to have always been very respectful of his foods. Even when he was served simple fare such as bread and vinegar, he would enjoy it. If he did not want to eat, he would state so, but he never criticized a meal.
It is very much apparent that for the Prophet, the manners of eating were at least as important as the food itself. 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.”
Many other traditions explore in detail how the Prophet approached his meals, from the supplications that he uttered to his conduct when entertaining guests. The noble man highly encouraged the sharing of foods as well. In one tradition, he firmly stated, ‘A believer is not the one who eats his fill when his neighbor is hungry.’
Conscious food choices and good eating habits that emphasized moderation were probably some of the reasons why Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) very rarely fell sick. In fact, he was frequently described as a vigorous man with a slim stomach and a healthy, glowing complexion.
Above all else, the Prophet’s philosophy of food recognized that foods are God’s blessings that should be cherished and shared among mankind. Moreover, the lifestyle of our Prophet (peace be upon him) reminds us that just like any other activity in a Muslim’s life, eating is an act of worship that can bring a wholesome goodness to the body, mind and soul.