The Foods and Diet of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Anyone who examines and reflects upon the foods of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will realize that he did not combine contrasting foods in one meal. For example, he did not mix milk with fish, milk with anything sour, two hot foods, two cold foods, two viscous foods, two astringent foods, or two laxative and softening foods.
He also avoided very hot food, leftover boiled meat that was reheated the next day, spoiled, foul-smelling foods, salty foods, and pickles. All these types of food can be harmful and may cause the body to deviate from health, balance, and moderation.
For human health, well-being, and cleanliness, Allah has given us a concise and inclusive instruction: «كُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلا تُسْرِفُوا» Translation: “Eat and drink, but do not waste.”
The body’s cells are constantly engaged in metabolism. When decay and cell death increase, body temperature decreases because excessive moisture loss destroys the body and leads to poor digestion. If this continues, all moisture and heat will eventually be exhausted, bringing a person to the end of their life as ordained by Allah, thus concluding their existence.
Instructions on Hygiene Regarding Animal Contact
Animals that are impure and whose saliva carries viruses, such as dogs, contaminate any vessel they touch with their tongues or saliva. Islam provides a notable instruction in this regard: if an animal drinks from a vessel, the vessel should be washed once with soil and three times with water, as the viruses from a dog’s saliva can be easily eliminated by the sulfur often found in soil.
Avoiding Infectious Diseases
Diseases can spread from one person to another. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) specifically advised caution regarding infectious diseases, such as leprosy, saying: “Flee from the leper as you would flee from a lion.”
Hygiene Recommendations for Women
Many women’s genital diseases result from neglecting fundamental hygiene practices, such as vaginitis (painful inflammation of the vagina), which can lead to infections in the fallopian tubes, uterus, and even spread to the abdomen. Key factors in maintaining genital hygiene include:
1. Wearing loose clothing.
2. Removing pubic hair to prevent microbial buildup, as menstrual secretions can spoil the surrounding hair, providing a perfect environment for microbial growth.
During defecation, hair in this area can also become contaminated with feces, which is rich in microbes. Therefore, it is essential for all individuals to cleanse the area after using the bathroom, as one cannot perform prayers in a state of impurity, and purification (through washing) is obligatory.
Islam’s instruction on removing hair in this area has significantly contributed to personal hygiene. When cleansing, women should first clean the vulva and then the anal area to prevent any contaminated hand from touching the vaginal area.
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