The Quran has not restricted itself in merely mentioning the permissible and impermissible foods but goes to the extent of giving useful tips regarding a balanced diet, a diet which contains most if not all the useful ingredients required for the growth, strengthening and repairing of the human body. These ingredients include animal protein, fat, calcium, iron, salts, etc.
The most balanced diets consist of meat, fish, fresh milk, cheese and fruit. Both direct and indirect references have been made regarding the aforementioned.
The reference regarding the importance of meat protein in the human diet is given in the following verse:
“And the grazing livestock He has created for you; in them is warmth and [numerous] benefits, and from them you eat.” (16:5)
In this verse special reference has been given to the importance of eating despite having said,
“…numerous benefits…” Reference regarding other types of meat has also been given such as the meat of fowls in the following verse:
“…And the meat of fowl, from whatever they desire.” (56:21)
Fish has always been considered as a food of very high protein and is very important for human consumption. The holy God says:
“…And from them both (fresh and salt water) you eat fresh tender meat (fish)…” (35:12)
The usefulness of fresh milk is stressed in these words:
“And indeed, for you in grazing livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from what is in their bellies - between excretion and blood - pure milk, palatable to drinkers.” (16:66)
The benefits of fruits as good nourishment can be understood from this verse:
“And from the fruits of the palm trees and grapevines you take intoxicant and good provision. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who reason.” (16:67)
Similarly there are verses which cover the whole range of fruits, salads, and vegetables which also play an important role in a nutritious, balanced diet:
“And it is He who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees - of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.” (6:99)
Islam, being a complete religion, also teaches and advises the believer as to what the best method of eating is. The believers are advised to be moderate in every aspect of life. Direct reference has been made in the Noble Quran regarding moderation in eating and drinking.
“…And eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” (7:31)
Moderation - The Teachings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)
The best of teachers, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is reported to have clarified the meaning and limit of moderation in a tradition in which he is reported to have said that one’s worst weakness is one’s belly. If you must eat make sure you fill one third of your stomach with food, one third with water and leave one third for air (empty).
In another narration, the reason for moderation has been clearly stated. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said:
“The stomach is the tank of the body and the veins go down to it. When the stomach is healthy the veins come back in a healthy condition, but when it is in a bad condition, they return diseased.”
In short, believers are advised to always take care of their stomachs and refrain from foods and practices that might pollute the stomach with various diseases. In order to do so the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have advised believers to always stop eating before their stomachs are completely full i.e. stop eating when the urge to eat more is still present.
The Etiquette's of Eating and Drinking
Islam teaches us many other etiquette's of eating and drinking. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) made a point of developing remarkably clean and healthy eating habits among his followers. He asked the companions to wash their hands before and after, to start eating with the praise of God, to eat using the right hand, not to eat until they really felt hungry, not to eat and drink excessively. Finally, by praising and thanking God for the food and drink, for making it easy to swallow and for producing an exit for it.
From all that has been mentioned, the importance of healthy eating, a balanced diet and hygiene can be understood in the light of the Quran. Islam has stressed on the importance of these things right from the start unlike health authorities, which have just recently begun to stress its importance. This could be counted as just another gem that manifests the perfection of Islam.