When it comes to our health, Islam places the utmost importance on preserving and cherishing it. When we look after our health, we have the ability to experience life to the fullest, as we have more opportunities to do good for the sake of Allah (SWT).
One of the ways in which we protect our health and keep our minds and bodies well-nourished is by eating well. In hadith, it is narrated by Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Allah is Tayyib (pure) and accepts only that which is tayyib (pure and wholesome). Allah (SWT) has commanded the faithful to do that which He commanded the Messengers, and the Almighty has said: “O Messengers! Eat of the tayyib (pure and wholesome) things and do right.” (Sahih Muslim)
In this Sunnah, we are recommended to eat foods that are good, healing and nutritious. Foods that are packed with nutrients that make you feel energised, prevent you from getting sick and help you stay physically and mentally fit.
However, in a world where we have so many superfoods in the market that claim to provide us with the best health benefits, it can be hard to determine which foods are truly healthy for us. To help, we’ve compiled a list that takes us back to our roots and the Sunnah. Here are three of our beloved Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) favourite foods that you can incorporate into your diet and benefit your health!
Dates
“If anyone is fasting let him break his fast with dates. In case he does not have them, then with water” (Abu Dawud and Hakim)
From breaking our fast to the gifts we bring back from Hajj, dates are a staple food within our lives as Muslims. A number of ahadith also note that dates were the favourite fruit of the Prophet (PBUH), who often professed its benefits to our health.
For our spiritual health, in particular, the 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).
Dates are, in turn, extremely rich in nutrients. Such nutrients include iron, calcium, potassium, several vitamins and fibre. Other benefits dates have are anticancer properties, as well as properties that aid in liver detoxifying, reducing the risk of diabetes and helping build strong uterine muscles during pregnancy
Discover more about dates here.
Honey
“There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for people. Verily, in this indeed a sign for people who think” (Al-Nahl 16:69).
More than just food, honey is a great source of energy with many nutrients. When added to hot water, it is especially healing in the morning and for diarrhea.
On its own, with its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, some of the many aliments honey can help with include strengthening the stomach, eliminating phlegm and boosting immune systems. With these properties, honey is also used to heal cuts and wounds – as it has been trialled and proven in countries like Syria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Likewise, in hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “You have two medicines: honey and the Quran.” (Ibn Majah).
As a Sunnah to consume, the everyday benefits honey provides are bountiful. And in addition to serving as both a natural remedy for hunger and certain sicknesses, it can also be used as a meat preservative, hair conditioner, eye salve, mouthwash and more!
Discover more about honey here.
Black Seeds
In a hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah, the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Hold on (use this seed regularly)! Because it is a remedy (cure) for every disease except death." (Bukhari)
Black seeds, also known as black cumin or kalonji, are widely used across the world for medicinal purposes. Rich in healing and medicinal properties, they are beneficial in the treatment of cancer and diabetes. Their antioxidant properties also allow black seeds to have useful effects in treating chronic inflammatory and auto-immune diseases.
Traditionally, black seeds provide the most health benefits when crushed and mixed with other substances such as honey and water or oil. As an oil, black seed oil shows good results in treating asthma and hypertension. It can also be used for inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, as well as a general skin care product.
Discover more about black seeds here.
No action or habit of our Prophet (PBUH) was ever done without reason or wisdom. As a figure most beloved to Allah (SWT), following this Sunnah of our Prophet does more than just benefit our physical health. It draws us closer to our Creator, Allah Almighty.
May Allah (SWT) it easy for us to incorporate eating these foods of the Sunnah into our diets and understand the full extent of their benefits, Ameen!
keywords: prophetic foods, prophet muhammad (PBUH), favourite, sunnah, benefits, hadith, health benefits