Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 196
196 Here, then, is a gradation which is elastic and takes account of the immediate as well as the ultimate purpose of food and drink. That which is on the whole harmful is prohibited altogether, except in case of extreme necessity, when the preservation of life must take precedence over any possible harm that might be done to the individual concerned. Even then the exemption or relaxation is only in respect of the minimum quantity that would meet the immediate need. Thus restricted, the harm itself, if any at all in such a case, would be reduced to the minimum, and once the need has been met, the prohibition would continue to operate. Out of that which is permissible, only clean and wholesome articles may be used as food and drink. This has a relative aspect, also. That which is wholesome has a wider range for a healthy adult and a very restricted one for a child or an invalid. Even clean and wholesome food and drink must be used in moderation, and that again is a relative matter, having regard to the needs of each class and individual. Finally, not only the immediate purpose of food and drink, but also the ultimate purpose, namely, the promotion of the moral and spiritual values, must be kept in view. That which is prohibited as being harmful, whether in the matter of food and drink or in any other connection, is abstained from at all times. In the month of Ramadhan during the period of fasting there