3349. Miqdam bin Madikarib said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: ‘A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach, It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one third for food, one third for drink and one third for air.’” (Sahih)

Sunan Ibn Majah – Volume 4 – English Translation by Nasiruddin al-Khattab – Published by Darussalam – First Edition 2007

The ease with which we can get foods from around the world, have food and drink delivered to us same day, the line-up of restaurants open until early in the morning not forgetting the many forms of entertainment that distract us away from our purpose in life, our lack of exercise and ease of travel have all culminated into the ‘obesity epidemic’ that you’ve likely witnessed or heard about.

At this time when pockets are tightening it makes perfect sense to take a new path towards a ‘Sunnah lifestyle,’ fitness lifestyle. The ‘Sunnah’ is the way, life and rulings that our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived by as do his followers, to this day. His way is the best way to follow since in following him, we will be loved by Allah (the mighty and majestic).

Say, ˹O Prophet, ˺ “If you ˹sincerely˺ love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

Qur’an – Surah Ali-Imran – Ayah 31

All other ways may have some good in them (coupled with bad) but to find a balanced approach that will truly lead to success we must follow the example of the Prophet and his Companions. And what was the way of the Prophet (peace be upon him) with regards to eating except balance and taking what was necessary to keep your back upright.

Mankind fills nothing worse than his stomach because it is a bodily need that needs to be fulfilled only ending upon death, accelerated by our inability to control our desires. How many issues do we face in life due to what we consume; the way to abate these issues is by returning to a balanced lifestyle.

Fitness, fasting and moderate eating cost very little in comparison to the health bill we end up paying in taxes if we men lead from the front. Leaving your wife, children or mother to do the shopping is leaving off a responsibility; we as men must safeguard and guide our households.

Being extravagant and wasteful in eating and spending wealth shows little gratitude to Allah (glorified be he) or insight or care for what is going on in the community and country in which you live right now. Food banks are being sent luxury foods that have been overstocked while staple goods aren’t getting a look-in!

To me, the ‘fitness lifestyle’ is about living with vitality, drive, balance and determination to grow in mind and body. If my diet, training, sleep, relationships and so on are in line with the Sunnah I’m on a winning course.

If you’d like to read more about the Prophetic directive on health and food, fitness and so on, check this article by Sheikh Abu Khadeejah of Salafi Publications [Click Here].

Thanks for reading my post and if you’d like to learn about food, diet and start a training programme from your home why not join my 8-week course ‘The Old Medicine?’ Just send me a message [Click Here] with your name, age, weight and training history – we’ll arrange a free consultation.