Your Body Has a Right Over You

The Internet has done a tremendous amount for the human race. It would be impossible to list all the ways it has improved lives for so many people all over the world in some shape or form. However, it has also led to a lifestyle change that is really detrimental, and that is our reduction in physical activity. We're living in times that don't necessitate much movement for even basic day-to-day things. You can get groceries delivered to your home, pay bills online and even pursue an education without leaving your bedroom. As the world continues to become more and more technologically advanced (and dependant) we need to pay more attention to the habits we are forming.

Alhamdulillah, we have been blessed with Guidance on everything. There is plenty of timeless advice in the Quran and Sunnah, but I will focus on a few golden rules/ reminders that can aid us dealing with the shift.

Eat in Moderation 

Like the 80/20 rule, a study published by the National Weight Control Registry showed that 97% of the people who reported successful weight loss had changed their eating habits. We are what we eat. 80% of the work is what you eat, 20 % is exercise.

"The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few morsels to keep him alive. If he must fill it, then one-third for his food, one-third for his drink, and one-third for air." (al-Tirmidhi)

This is timeless advice right in our Sunnah, we don't need research to tell us this. The quality of & quantity of what we eat is such an important part of our faith if only we reflect on it as such.

Salah as a Pillar of Islam

Built into our day our five wonderful breaks. An opportunity for us to disconnect from whatever wordly matter occupies us to connect with the Creator. It is also a great way for us to improve our blood flow by getting some movement in our day. Often times we can be sat in front of a computer screen or TV and not realize how many hours have gone by. Salah as a pillar of Islam is a reminder that our physical and mental well-being is something that needs consistent effort on the daily. Disconnecting from the dunya to engage with Allah is a lesson in humility & focus. There are mental exercises are just as important as physical exercise.

Your Body Has a Right Over You

Observe the fast sometimes and also leave (it) at other times. Stand up for prayer at night and also sleep at night. Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, and your wife has a right over you." (Bukhari)

This hadeeth is a comprehensive reminder of the importance of taking care of your body. When something has a right over us, we give it time and attention, we care for it. If we are maintaining healthy eating habits that is one major component, the other being exercise in any shape or form.The most beautiful thing about the deen is that we can seek Allah's pleasure in all of these acts, even exercise if we do it with that intention.

Cleanse Yourselves 

The Prophet (saw) said, "cleanliness is half of faith" Wudu as part of our daily routine definitely achieves that, but it is not just a means to attain spiritual but also physical cleanliness. Not doing so is surely going to have an impact on our health over time so once again, an act that we engage in so regularly is allowing us to maintain our health. Though this is a physical act, it is a spiritual one too if we engage in it more mindfully. A culture where people are transfixed to screens and limit movement is also one that often does not engage in such a cleanse. Alhamdulilah, we are blessed that this is built into our faith. We all know what a refreshing feeling wudu can be after being glued to a chair working on a screen, or perhaps having a busy day not getting the opportunity to focus. Though the correlation is not clear in theory, it is surely felt in practice.

These are just a few of the messenger of Allah's (saw) timeless life tips. Ones that aid us in maintaining a balance in our lives that keeps us focused towards success in all realms, physical, mental and spiritual.