How to Follow the Sunnah of the Prophet pbuh for Health and Longevity
The article summarizes some of the practices that the prophet pbuh taught us to improve our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. These practices are based on the sunnah, which is the way of life of the prophet pbuh, and the best guidance for us in every aspect of life. The text covers topics such as eating, fasting, exercising, taking supplements, sleeping, managing stress, learning, having a purpose, and being optimistic. These topics are relevant for anyone who wants to live a healthy and long life, according to the Islamic perspective. The title reflects the main theme and purpose of the text, and also attracts the attention of the reader.
The sunnah of the prophet pbuh is the best guidance for us in every aspect of life, including health and longevity. The prophet pbuh was a perfect example of moderation, balance, and wisdom in his eating, drinking, sleeping, exercising, fasting, praying, and other habits. He taught us many beneficial practices that can improve our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Some of them are:
Eat less and eat healthy. The prophet pbuh said: “The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.” [Sahih Muslim] He also advised us to eat from what is lawful (halal) and good (tayyib), and to avoid what is harmful or doubtful. He preferred simple foods such as dates, milk, honey, barley bread, olive oil, vinegar, etc., and ate fruits and vegetables in season. He also liked meat occasionally, but not excessively.
Fast intermittently. The prophet pbuh used to fast regularly on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as on some other days such as the white days (13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month), the day of Ashura (10th of Muharram), and most of the month of Sha’ban. He said: “Fasting is a shield (from sins).” [Sahih al-Bukhari] He also encouraged us to fast in the month of Ramadan, which is obligatory for every Muslim who is able to do so. He said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] Fasting has many benefits for our health, such as detoxifying our body, regulating our blood sugar levels, enhancing our immunity system, reducing inflammation, etc.
Exercise regularly. The prophet pbuh was physically fit and strong. He used to walk fast, run, ride horses and camels, swim, wrestle, archery, etc. He said: “A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than a weak believer.” [Sahih Muslim] He also encouraged us to take care of our bodies as a trust from Allah. He said: “Your body has a right over you.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] Exercise can help us prevent or treat many diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, etc., as well as improve our mood and mental health.
Take supplements. The prophet pbuh used to take some natural remedies for his health problems or as preventive measures. Some of them are: black seed (nigella sativa), which he said: “It is a cure for every disease except death.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]; honey, which he said: “Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Quran is a remedy for all illness of the mind, therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Quran and honey.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]; dates, which he said: “Whoever eats seven 'Ajwa dates in the morning, neither magic nor poison will harm him that day.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]; olive oil, which he said: “Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it is from a blessed tree.” [Tirmidhi]; and cupping (hijama), which he said: “The best treatment is cupping, it removes blood, lightens the back and sharpens the eyesight.” [Tirmidhi]. These supplements have various benefits for our health, such as boosting our immunity, lowering our cholesterol, improving our digestion, etc.