Steps to Exercise — Page 16
- 16 - not only did he pronounce the name of Allah before eating and drinking, he also used to enjoin his Companions to do the same. The conduct and traditions of the Holy Prophet carry very ne points of wisdom. Food not only affects the spiritual and physical state of man, it also affects his mental state. Whatever is dominant in the mind at the time of eating or drinking affects the heart and soul as well. If the mind is inclined towards Allah and becomes a nucleus of purity, the effect of the food consumed in that state will also be righteous. The proof of this preposition is also available from medical research. Medical practitioners, when advising frail and week patients, advise them to resist irritation and remain happy while eating their meals so that food can be digested in better manner. Conditions of ‘Purity’ Islam not only establishes the type of food but also lays down restrictions on the condition of edibility. Permissible foods that may be in a state that is injurious to health or may have adverse effects on the society are disallowed. All fruit and meat that have started to rot or the food that may give unpleasant or bad odour, is forbidden in spite of being permissible. Hadhrat Jabber narrates that the Holy Prophet said, “he who eats from that smelly plant (referring to onions and garlic) should not come near our mosques. The angels also feel harmed from everything that harms human beings. ” (Bokhari and Muslim). However, cooked onion is not included in this instruction because it does not cause any mouth odour that could cause discomfort to others. It is stated on Hadhrat Aisha’s authority that the last meal that the Holy Prophet of Islam ate contained onion as a part of the recipe. Therefore this condition of permissibility is not only concerned with edibles but also it is enjoined to pay attention to the state of edibility. There are ne points of wisdom in this teaching. Before we enlarge on this however, it is important to talk about some issues concerning purity and cleanliness of the body to maintain a proper sequence. Cleanliness is Half the Faith No religion has put greater emphasis on the cleanliness of body than Islam. A beautifully small statement of the Holy Prophet illustrates this point. Hadhrat Abu Malik Asha’ari narrates that the Holy Prophet said,