Ethics of Eating in Islam
When we hear the word “worship”, the first thing that comes in our mind is some ritual act performed in a specific manner. But it is the beauty of Islam that everyday tasks are also acceptable as worship if it is done in accordance with the way prescribed by Allah and with good intention.
Eating is one of the most essential needs for living and everyone has to eat in order to live but if we eat in a proper way guided by Prophet Mohammed Peace Be Upon Him, it will be counted as worship in our account. Islam acknowledges that healthy food is necessary for physical and mental health.
You people: eat of what is on earth, lawful and wholesome) (Al-Baqarah 2:168).
He it is who produceth gardens with trellises and without, and dates, and tilth with produce of all kinds and olives and pomegranates, similar and different, eat of their fruit in season] (An-Nahl 16:141).
Live to Eat, or Eat to Live?
[su_quote]Islam emphasizes moderation in every aspect, and so is in eating. Muslims eat in order to survive and to maintain healthy living. Islam wants a purposeful life from believer so it discourages living to eat. Muslims are ordered to stay moderate in dietary habits and to avoid overeating which is a cause of many diseases in humans. Therefore excessive eating is strongly discouraged in Islam.[/su_quote] Allah Says in Quran:
[su_quote] (Eat and drink and be not immoderate. Verily Allah does not like the transgressors][/su_quote](Al-A`raf 7:31).
Prohibited Foods in Islam
It is a well-known fact that prevention is better than cure. Islam forbids certain items because they are not good for health and have harmful effects on human health. In Islam carrion, blood, the flesh of swine, etc are not allowed because they are not good for our health. The use of alcohol and other intoxicants is also restricted to Muslims. In Quran Allah Subhan Wa Taala says:
Alcohol is also prohibited. (They question thee about intoxicants and games of chance. Say: In both is a great sin, and (some) utility for men; but the sin of them is greater than their usefulness. And they ask thee what they ought to spend. Say that which is superfluous. Thus Allah maketh plain to you (His) revelations, that haply ye may reflect] (Al-Baqarah 2:219).
Eating and Drinking Etiquette
Islam has also defined proper etiquette for eating and drinking and Islam stresses following these etiquettes. Some examples of these etiquettes are washing hands properly before every meal, never eating unless hungry, never indulging in excessive eating, eating, and drinking while sitting, starting with the name of Allah before every meal.
Following the ethics and etiquette of eating one can live a healthy life because no one knows better about our dietary needs except Allah, who is the creator of all. Following his ordered way of life, we can be successful in this life and hereafter.
