If you have been wanting to bring about a change in your current eating habits and adopt a healthier way of life, what better role model is there to follow than the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) led a life of balance, moderation and had an extremely nutritious diet.
Here is a list of foods that the Prophet used to have in his everyday life:
1. Dates
Dates are extremely nutritious, rich in fibre, Vitamin B-6 and minerals such as Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Manganese, Copper, etc. that must be included in our daily diet. They are also known to be devoid of cholesterol and contain minimal fat. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to have seven dates every single day. According to a hadith, He who eats seven ‘Ajwa dates every morning will not be affected by poison or magic on the day he eats them. (Al Bukhari 5445)
2. Figs
Figs are one of the fruits of Paradise and was favored by the Prophet (Peace be upon him) as well. They tend to be a good cure for stomach ailments, piles, gout diseases and strengthen bones in the human body as they contain a lot of nutrients and antioxidants. Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) has also mentioned figs in the Quran: By the fig and the olive. (Quran 95:1)
3. Milk
Milk is essential for strengthening the bones and teeth as it is rich in Calcium. It also cures gastric ailments, renews vision and improves human memory. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) loved having goat and camel milk. Milk is also mentioned in the Quran: We give you drink from what is in their bellies – between excretion and blood – pure milk, palatable to drinkers. (Quran 16:66)
4. Meat
According to the Prophet (Peace be upon him), meat is the king of foods as it is full of protein and minerals like zinc, iron, etc. These minerals are essential for bone strength and play a vital role in maintaining the human immune system and body tissue.
5. Grapes
Grapes were another favourite food item of the Prophet (Peace be upon him). It also has a lot of health benefits, which include the purification of blood and are really good for the kidneys and bowel movement as well.
6. Honey
Honey is a natural cure for almost all types of illnesses. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to drink a glass of water mixed with honey every single morning. Honey is considered to cure all ailments, ranging from stomach issues, appetite issues and controlling phlegm.
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: Healing is in three things: cupping, a gulp of honey or cauterisation. (Bukhari 5681)
7. Olive Oil
Olives are also one of the foods of Paradise, and Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) swears upon them in the Quran (as mentioned above). It is really beneficial for skin and hair treatments and is also used for healing when it comes to stomach inflammations etc.
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: Eat of its oil and use it (the olives), for indeed it is from a blessed tree. (Tirmidhi 1852)
8. Barley
It is highly effective for curing fever, with its immense nutritional value. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to have it in the form of bread, dough and porridge. It has a lot of health benefits when it comes to different ailments and combating weakness. According to a hadith:
“The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) entered upon us, and with him was ‘Ali bin Abu Talib, who had recently recovered from an illness. We had bunches of unripe dates hanging up, and the Prophet (Peace be upon him) was eating from them. ‘Ali reached out to eat some, and the Prophet (PBUH) said to ‘Ali: Stop, O ‘Ali! You have just recovered from an illness.
I made some greens and barley for the Prophet (Peace be upon him), and the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said to ‘Ali: O ‘Ali, eat some of this, for it is better for you. (Ibn Majah 4:3442)
9. Melon
Melons are high in water content and low in calories. It contains various Vitamins and minerals along with anti-cancerous properties. And can also contribute towards the cure of kidney ailments, stomach ailments and heart conditions. It is also known for its anti-aging properties and skin treatments.
The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) used to eat melon with fresh dates, and he used to say: The heat of the one is broken by the coolness of the other, and the coolness of the one by the heat of the other. (Abu Dawud 3836)
10. Pumpkin
It was one of the Prophet’s most favoured vegetables. It is immensely beneficial for the lungs and combats birth defects in humans. Also, it serves as a cure for diseases like asthma, high blood pressure, some types of cancer and heart ailments.
A tailor invited the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) to a meal which he had prepared.
Anas said: “I went along with the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him), barley bread and soup containing pumpkin and dried sliced meat. And I saw the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) going after the pumpkin round the dish, so I have always liked pumpkins since that day.” (Abu Dawud 3782)
All these food items listed above have great health benefits and should definitely make it to your month’s grocery list! If you start including these food items in your daily diet, your health is sure to improve, after all, it is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
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