The Qur’an
“O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Quran), and a healing for that which is in your hearts.” [Qur’an; 10:57]
“And We send down from the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe…” [Qur’an; 17:82]
Hadith
Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) Health and free time for doing good.” [Sahih Bukhari]
“The human does not fill any container that is worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat what will support his back. If this is not possible, then a third for food, a third for drink, and third for his breath.” [Tirmidhi]
“A believer eats in one intestine (is satisfied with a little food), and a kafir (unbeliever) or a hypocrite eats in seven intestines (eats too much).” [Bukhari]
Narrated Qatadah Ibn Malhan al-Qaysi: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to command us to fast the days of the white (nights): thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of the month. He said: This is like keeping perpetual fast. [Abu Dawud]
It was narrated that Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger of Allah used to be keen to fast on Mondays and Thursday.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i]
Islam is a complete way of life and therefore even covers how we take care of our bodies. Who else but our Creator can give us the best methodologies to look after the body that He designed?
The consumption of and abstaining from food plays a major role not only in physical health but also in emotional and spiritual health. The stomach is a vessel that can drive passion, anger, and greed. When the stomach is satisfied, sexual passion rises (hence the hadith advising the act of fasting for one who is unable to satisfy his desires in a moral manner). A satiated stomach is also the breeding ground for vain desires such as the pursuit of fame and recognition and also evil inclinations such as conceit and hatred. Hunger, on the other hand, drives humility and a weakening of these lower desires.
As mentioned in the hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) encouraged intermittent fasting and this was over 1400 years ago. Modern day research is showing us the value of these habits, with fads such as that of fasting two days a week. Gluttony, on the other hand, is the root of diseases.
Restraint in consumption leads to a more active state of being, whereas being completely satiated all the time leads to laziness and reduced mental alertness. Hunger softens the heart and helps in the purification of one’s self from immoral characteristics. It also reduces the propensity to engage in sin and worship becomes easy. Over-consumption leads to oversleeping and wasting of time, whereas the less one eats, the more he is able to work (within certain limits).
Further Resources
[Video] Best Exercise For Happiness by Sister Dunia Shuaib
The Role of Prophetic Medicine in the Management of Diabetes
Bangladesh Prophetic Medicine Foundation