13/04/2020
THIS DAY HAVE I PERFECTED YOUR RELIGION: Salaams/peace to all, In light of the latest facts on the most vulnerable affected by the pandemic are the usual suspects—communities of ‘color’, particularly those with pre-existing conditions: asthma, diabetes and, of course, hypertension or high blood pressure. It’s no secret that among the primary factors that exacerbate some of these ailments stem from the socio-economic conditions based on institutional racism here in America. The by-products of economic disparity between rich and poor often leads to the lack of quality health care for poor people. Next is Ignorance -- beginning with the medical community not reaching out to make people aware of the behaviors that may negatively impact them, including the most important factors: diet and portion control.
Most of my Muslim brothers and sisters are aware of several religious traditions based on scripture and prophetic statements that serve as important means of guidance in this matter. Although medical science acknowledges some of the facts consistent with the religious information, most people do not understand or are slow to adopt them.
Some basic examples are: the pig/pork is one of the animals whose flesh is forbidden to Muslims while the manner of slaughtering animals lawful to Muslims is also an important factor. Muslims know this as Zabiha/ Halal that consists of cutting the jugular veins of the animal so the blood flows out, similar to the original method of animal slaughter prescribed for the Jews. This helps ensure that any disease or virus carried in the blood of the animal is passed out. (Remember mad-cow disease?) This is also why the shed blood of an animal is unlawful for consumption along with the manner of the animal’s death, as certain pagan rites were connected with animal slaughter prior to the advent of Islam. (Al-Qur’an 5:3) Drug and alcohol consumption are universally understood as playing a major role in adversely affecting an individual’s or communities’ health.
The Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (pbuh) and Ali Ibn Abu Talib (rah) were reported to have said, “the center or seat of illness is the stomach”. This means what we consume is a primary means for maintaining good health and a major source of illness as well. The Holy Qur’an and the prophetic narratives also teach moderation in all things. Thus, self-discipline and restraint are characteristics of the successful in this world and the next. It is the neglect of this golden rule especially in dietary matters that is reflected in the rise in obesity from consuming sugar in a variety of forms that is a forerunner of diabetes. In short, acknowledging and maintaining what Islam has classified as lawful (halal) and unlawful (haraam) has always proved its’ value in the affairs of humanity.
