The Importance of Sunnah Foods: Prophetic Diet and Nutrition in Islam

The Importance of Sunnah Foods: Prophetic Diet and Nutrition in Islam

To quote an oft-repeated statement, Islam is a way of life. It is not merely a religion with set ways of worshipping that can be separated from worldly life, but a complete guide to living, prescribed by the Creator Allah SWT, to gain His Pleasure and ultimately, Reward. It is important for the believers to seek the knowledge that would assist them in learning the recommended way of living, and what better way to do that than to learn from the righteous and fulfilling life of the Holy Prophet ﷺ himself?

Sunnah and Its Importance

The life of the Prophet ﷺ, his actions, sayings and teachings are accumulatively referred to as the Sunnah. The very importance of the Sunnah can be comprehended from the fact that after the Holy Quran, it is considered the second most important source of Islamic Law, being a thorough and comprehensive guide to multiple aspects of life from mundane actions like eating, drinking, going to the bathroom to etiquettes of socializing and voluntary worship and more. The Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ has been passed down to us through the recordings of Hadith (the sayings, the actions and teachings of the Prophet ﷺ which have been meticulously compiled in the authentic books of Ahadith. Allah SWT clearly refers to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as being the ideal model for the believers in the Quran:

There is indeed a good model for you in the Messenger of Allah ﷺ - for the one who has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah profusely. (33:21)

Like other everyday matters, the guidelines of eating and drinking have been extensively discussed in both the Quran and the Sunnah, presenting a wholesome set of rules that is pleasing to Allah SWT and beneficial to one’s health. Allah SWT in His Infinite Wisdom has made food integral for the survival and nourishment of both mind and body; and the benefits of certain foods have been emphasized for ideal nourishment. 

Modern times, however, have witnessed unhealthy trends in food consumption where eating has been demoted to being a means of warding off ennui, providing entertainment, filling the stomach fast or simply painstakingly done for the purpose of never-ending diets. Resultantly, a series of perpetual warfare against one’s body is initiated through the two extremes of binging and limiting diets, which can potentially cause health problems like obesity and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Instead of the mindfulness our religion encourages, we have embraced mindlessness in our food consumption, aided by the constantly growing fast-food culture.

It is without doubt, that the success and the spiritual well-being of the believer lies with following the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Gearing towards adopting the dietary regulations recommended by none other than the Prophet ﷺ, will definitely boost a general rise in individual wellbeing as well as a discernible decline in gastroenterological illnesses. Many Islamic groups have begun awareness campaigns regarding the Prophetic Diet and its Benefits. DEENIN counts itself among those names who are striving to revive the Sunnahs of eating and drinking to inculcate the love of the Prophet ﷺ within their ranks along with creating awareness of the preferred foods of the Prophet ﷺ with their health benefits to educate the Muslim Ummah.  

Dietary Habits and Recommendations of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

It is prudent and advisable for the believers to incorporate the practices of the Prophet ﷺ to gain maximum benefit, reward and blessings. Certain habits and key instructions from the Sunnah have been highlighted below. 

Eating in Moderation: As a rule, Islam advises moderation in everything, including eating and drinking. This greatly assists in achieving a balance between starvation and gluttony which is necessary for not just a believer’s physical health, but spiritual well-being as well. Allah SWT says in the Holy Quran:

‘Eat and drink but avoid excess’ (Quran, 20:81). 

A hadith narrated by Tirmizi further advises Muslims to leave ‘one third of the belly with food, another third with drink and leave one third empty for easy breathing.’ 

Balanced Diet: With nutritionists and dieticians highlighting the importance of balance diet today, it comes to no surprise to the Muslims that more than 1400 years ago, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had emphasized the need for consuming a light diet in moderation. Other than very occasional partaking of meat, the Prophet's ﷺ  diet consisted of Dates, figs, grapes, milk, honey, olive oil, vinegar, watermelon, barley, pumpkin, squash, and any other available vegetables. Interestingly, these cover a range of foods from the different food groups science has categorized. 

Hygiene: The importance of maintaining hygiene is strongly emphasized in Islam, so much so that it is declared as being half of faith. The Prophet ﷺ reiterated the need for cleanliness and hygiene in numerous Ahadith, including proper food handling and preparation. He advised the washing of hands before and after every meal as well as keeping food containers covered and safely stored to avoid contamination.

Some of the Sunnah actions of eating/dining are: 

1. Washing Hands Before and After Eating 

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘When you eat, wash your hands before you start, and wash them again after you finish.’ (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book of Food, Hadith 3766)

The above hadith highlights the importance of this hygienic practice to help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, along with having other benefits and virtues like simply getting the reward for following a Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.

2. Eating with Your Right Hand 

Several narrations of the Prophet ﷺ mention the instruction of eating food with the right hand. 

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘When one of you eats, let him use his right hand, and let him eat what is in front of him.’ (Sahih Muslim, Book of Drinks)

3. Reciting Bismillah Before Eating

It is important for the believers to recite the name of Allah before eating as an acknowledgement of Allah’s blessings and invoking his mercy. 

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘When one of you wants to eat food, let him say Bismillah, and if he forgets to say Bismillah at the beginning, then let him say Bismillah Fi Awwalihi Wa Akhirih (In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end).’ (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Food, Hadith 3267)

4. Eating Together

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: ‘Eat together and do not separate, for the blessing is in the company.’ (Sunan Ibn Majah 3287)

Eating together is a quality of the believers that makes it easier to strengthen genuine social bonds and build a solid Muslim community that fosters unity and brotherhood. 

5. Never Criticize Food

In a hadith by the notable companion, Abu Hurairah RA it is narrated that the Prophet ﷺ  never criticized any food. If he liked it, he would eat it and if he did not like it, he would leave it. (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 3370; Muslim, 2046)  

It is thus a Sunnah to be thankful of the food Allah has provided us with and avoid criticism of it.

6. Food That Falls on the Ground

The companion Anas ibn Malik RA narrated that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ ate, he would lick his three fingers. Anas said: “And he said, ‘If any one of you drops a piece of food, let him remove any dirt from it and eat it, and not leave it for the Shaytan.’ And he commanded us to clean the plate, and said, ‘For you do not know where in your food the blessing is.’” (Narrated by Muslim, 2034)

7. Praising and Showing Gratitude to Allah SWT

As acknowledgement of food and sustenance being amongst the major blessings of Allah SWT, it is a Sunnah to praise Allah SWT before and after finishing the meal.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “When a servant of Allah eats his food and praises Him for it, Allah forgives his past sins.” (Sahih Muslim, Book of Zakat, Hadith 1784)

In another hadith the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Allah is pleased with the servant who eats a meal and praises Him for it, and the servant who drinks a drink and praises Him for it.” (Riyadh-us-Saliheen 436). 

8. Foods as Medical Treatment

Interestingly, the way some foods were recommended by the Prophet ﷺ for treatment of certain illnesses or maladies has given rise to the field of study now referred to as Prophetic Medicine. Many doctors today are now strong advocates for including the use of food in modern healing as a novel curative option that is devoid of any side effects. Indeed, in a hadith narrated by Ibn Majah, the Prophet SAW is reported to have said:

‘The one who sent down the disease sent down the remedy, and for each disease, Almighty has given a cure.’

Significance and Health Benefits of Sunnah Foods

Carbs. Proteins. Fats. 

These three components of diet have been the subject of innumerable discussions and unsolved debates amongst nutritionists and dieticians. Where one group finds more benefit in a particular component, another group strongly advocates for its avoidance. Indeed, it will not be wrong to say that if one takes care to follow all these groups, nothing would be safe to eat. 

Any good and balanced diet should consist of foods that promise vital nutrition for maintaining optimum health and a strong immune system. The latter is achieved through consumption of nutritious foods that have the required minerals and vitamins to ward off illnesses and bacterial and viral infections, often leading to the particular food being labelled as a natural healing treatment. 

For believers, there lies a wealth of benefits in the Sunnah diet, which is not just healthy, but includes foods that prevent diseases, make one feel good about themselves and stay physically and mentally fit. Indeed, Allah SWT is All Knowing and All-Aware, choosing the healthiest and the most nutritive for the diet of his Prophet ﷺ, which even non-Muslims have recognized for being integral to natural treatment. Some of the food mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah have been highlighted with their importance and benefits.

• Dates: Dates appear frequently in the Ahadith, being a staple for the Arabs. The Prophet ﷺ used to plant date trees himself and encouraged eating them. Dates are low in fat and free from cholesterol. They are not just rich in vitamins and minerals but a healthy source of dietary fiber, vitamin-A, iron, Potassium, calcium and manganese. Fresh dates should also be eaten at the time of childbirth. Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: 

“He who eats seven ‘Ajwa dates every morning will not be affected by poison or magic on the day he eats them.” (Bukhari)

• Barley: Barley is highly beneficial in combating hot in-temperament illnesses and general weakness. Barley helps in curing fever and treating coughs and sore throats when soaked in water. Additionally, the high fiber content in barley assists in regulating bowel movements, preventing constipa
  
  tion, and improving overall gut health.

 According to a hadith narrated by a Companion RA:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ entered upon us, and with him was ‘Ali bin Abu Talib, who had recently recovered from an illness. We had bunches of unripe dates hanging up, and the Prophet ﷺ was eating from them. ‘Ali reached out to eat some, and the Prophet ﷺ said to ‘Ali: ‘Stop, O ‘Ali! You have just recovered from an illness.’ I made some greens and barley for the Prophet ﷺ and the Prophet ﷺ said to ‘Ali: ‘O ‘Ali, eat some of this, for it is better for you.’”(Ibn Majah 3442)

• 
  Honey: Honey has numerous health benefits which have been referred to in the Ahadith of the Prophet ﷺ. Indeed, its healing properties are so extensive that it is considered to cure ailments varying from stomach and appetite issues to controlling phlegm. It is particularly helpful in curing sore throat and coughing, especially when taken with warm water.
  
  More importantly, it is rich in antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties which makes it a great wound healer. Honey also induces the action of the antibodies of the immune system. It comes to no surprise that many people regularly partook of honey during the COVID-19 pandemic to boost immunity and to ease the pains and coughs in the absence of proper medication. Regarding the healing power of honey, The Prophet SAW said, ‘Healing is in three things: cupping, a gulp of honey or cauterization.’ (Bukhari 5681)
  
  
• Figs: Figs are low in calories as well as being good for bones. They are a very good cure for stomach disorders. Research has shown that figs have the ability to inhibit tumor formation and development of cancer cells. The virtue of this fruit can be seen through its reference in the Holy Quran where Allah ﷺ takes an oath on it when he says:

 ‘I swear by the fig and the olive.’ (Quran, Surah At-Tin)

• 
  Milk: Both the Quran and the Hadith highlight the status of milk due to its benefits. There are multiple Ahadith about the Prophet’s ﷺ preference of milk. The benefits of milk include strengthening of bones, renewing vision and healing ulcers.  

The Prophet ﷺ used to recite a specific dua when he would drink milk. 

 Milk is also mentioned in the Quran in these words: 

“Pure milk, easy and agreeable to swallow for those who drink.” (Quran 16:66)

• Olives: Olives are not just a part of the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ but also the Prophets Alaihim salam preceding him. Olive oil is recommended and prescribed as an excellent treatment for skin and hair, delaying old age, and inflammation of the stomach. It is also mentioned in the Quran:

The Prophet ﷺ said: 

• Vinegar: Vinegar has a soothing impact on the body and protects it from toxins in the stomach. The Prophet ﷺ used to take it as a condiment. 

In a hadith from Muslim (2052), the companion Jabir ibn ‘Abdillah RA narrates that the Prophet ﷺ asked his family for condiments and they said: We do not have anything but vinegar. He called for it and he started eating it, saying: “What a good condiment vinegar is, what a good condiment vinegar is.”

• 
  Melon: Melons are low in calories, contain many vital vitamins and minerals along with having high water content. They have anti-cancer properties while helping to treat kidney ailments, stomach ailments and heart conditions. 

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to eat melon with fresh dates, and he used to say: The heat of the one is broken by the coolness of the other, and the coolness of the one by the heat of the other.” (Abu Dawood 3836)

• Pumpkin: Like so many other foods from the Prophet’s ﷺ diet, pumpkins are highly beneficial for curing heart ailments and fighting certain cancers. Pumpkin was one of the Holy Prophet’s ﷺ most favored vegetables. It comes in a hadith narrated by Anas RA: 

“A tailor invited the Messenger of Allah ﷺ to a meal which he had prepared. Anas said: I went along with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ barley bread and soup containing pumpkin and dried sliced meat. Anas said: I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ going after the pumpkin round the dish, so I have always liked pumpkins since that day.” (Abu Dawud 3782)

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