For the healthiest Ramadan ever, be like Muhammad (ﷺ)

Our bodies are a trust from Allah (SWT) that we are responsible for maintaining. With global health concerns like cancer, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes on the rise, Ramadan is an ideal opportunity to introduce small dietary changes to the family table and build new eating habits.

Allah (SWT) makes it easier to do good deeds in the month of blessings. If we apply ourselves with sincerity, we can establish new routines that last well into the future.

Intermittent Fasting Beyond Ramadan

Modern science is gradually recognising the benefits of fasting. Many of us have already experienced the remarkable cleansing and healing process it offers during Ramadan, but did you know that fasting was a regular part of our Prophet’s (ﷺ) life?

He would fast every Monday and Thursday, and on the 13th, 14th and 15th of the lunar month. On days when he wasn’t fasting, he and his family rarely had more than one meal a day, which presents a strong case that the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions fasted intermittently:

It was narrated by Aishah (RA): “The family of Muhammad (ﷺ) did not eat two meals in one day but one of them was dates.” (Bukhari)

Prepare Simple Feasts

After a full day of fasting, a lavish spread at Iftar time is certainly something to look forward to! Yet the only feasts the companions of the Prophet enjoyed were those held at weddings.

We know from the hadith about the wedding banquet that Rasulullah (ﷺ) hosted for his marriage to Safiyyah (RA), and that it comprised of dates, dried yoghurt, butter, and a sweet dish called hais. This was simpler than most starters served today.

Avoid Processed Foods

Eating clean food of a high-quality is an important aspect of Halal living. But what kind of food did the Prophet (ﷺ) eat on a daily basis? We know from the hadith that the food which made up the Prophet’s (ﷺ) regular diet consisted of the following:

• Dates
• Barley Bread
• Yoghurt
• Olive oil
• Cucumber
• Honey
• Milk
• Gourd
• Meat on occasion and in moderation

The list makes a strong case for avoiding heavily processed foods and relying on too much meat.

Pause Before A Second Plate

The prophetic tradition highlights the importance of moderation. With stomachs rumbling by sunset, it can be tempting to overindulge on the Iftar table. When faced with such a situation, it’s helpful to pause and take 30 minutes to appreciate what’s already been eaten before making any decisions.

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must [fill it], then one-third of food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.” (Ibn Majah)

As we observe the fast this year, we are reminded how the Sahabah and prophets could not bring themselves to eat unless they shared their food with someone less fortunate.

This Ramadan, join this meaningful practice by giving a small Sadaqah donation of £50 to feed a patient for 10 days. By donating £150, you can share your Iftar for the entire month. Donate securely online in your choice of currency below.