The ManicaPost
Islam approaches the issue of good health in a wholistic manner which is very striking in every regard!
Cleanliness — the first step to good health
Islam’s attitude towards cleanliness is unmatched by any other faith because cleanliness in Islam is an act of worship that draws people closer to Allah Almighty (The Creator).
One of the important instructions that a Believer deducts from the Life and Teachings of the Last and Final Messenger of God Almighty – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) is to cherish health and truly realise its value as a blessing from Allah Almighty. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), clearly said that “There are two blessings whose true value many people do not appreciate: health and free time”.
Thus one must realise that the true way to thank Allah for the gift of health would be to preserve it in accordance with His Divine instruction as portrayed through His Last and Final Messenger, Muhammed (Peace be upon him). Allah says in the Holy Qur’aan, “If you give thanks, I will give you more; but if you are thankless, lo! My punishment is dire.”(Qur’aan Ch 14 : v7).
Abu Bakr (the Companion of the Prophet) said, “I heard the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saying : ask Allah Almighty for perfect faith and sound health, no one ever gets anything, after sound faith, better than sound health” .
In light of all the above , one clearly understand the Prophetic statement “The strong believer is better in the eyes of Allah than the weak believer”. Strength here could be taken as strength in faith and character as well as strength in body and soul. We need to recognise the bounties of the Almighty upon us and be grateful to Him for all these bounties. In practice, the expression of this gratefulness will be through maintaining sound practices towards ensuring firm faith and good health. We need healthy bodies and souls in order to truly worship our Creator and fulfil His commands with regard to striving on earth for the betterment of humanity at large.
Pollution and irresponsible environmental behavior . Islam teaches environmental awareness to such a degree that one must avoid every form of pollution be it by way of litter, garbage, irresponsible practices in relieving oneself, etc
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to admonish people for the irresponsible pollution or infection of the environment. He labelled certain actions as “the actions that provoke curses”. Among these actions are the urinating & relieving oneself in the shade or where people take shelter, on the roads, public thoroughfares & in areas of public amenity, etc.
◆ For further information on Islam please contact: Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars Publications Department
P.O. Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare
Tel: 024-2614078 / 024-2614004
e-mail: [email protected]
