Healthy Living: A Trust, A Responsibility

 

Introduction;

Health is a divine favor — but more than that, it is a trust. Like every trust, it demands protection, responsibility, and gratitude. Often, people begin to value health only after it declines. But the wise, those of insight and reflection, protect what they have been given while it still remains.

In this article, we explore how caring for our health is not merely a personal concern — it is a moral, even religious, duty.

1. Eat in Balance, Not in Excess

The Qur'an gives us a clear principle: “Eat and drink, but do not be excessive. Indeed, He does not like the extravagant.” (Surah Al-A'raaf: 31)

Modern science echoes this: overconsumption leads to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. But Islam pointed to this long before — that food must be wholesome and measured. The goal is not just to feed the stomach, but to nourish the soul through discipline.

Junk food, processed sugar, and overeating are not simply bad habits — they’re a form of slow self-harm. The wise choose food that supports clarity of thought and spiritual balance.

2. Movement: The Forgotten Sunnah

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived a physically active life — walking regularly, riding animals, and even racing with his companions. His body was neither idolized nor ignored — it was maintained as part of spiritual discipline.

Today, a 20-30 minute walk, light cardio, or stretching can restore not only the body, but the mind. Movement is not an interruption — it is alignment with the natural rhythm of human design.

3. Sleep: The Gift We Undermine

Night is created for rest. The Qur’an says: “And We made your sleep for rest.” (Surah An-Naba: 9)

Yet in the modern age, many of us trade this divine design for late-night scrolling and screen-time. This is not freedom — it is subtle exploitation. Sleep restores hormonal balance, mental clarity, and emotional stability. Disrupting it for entertainment is unwise, and in the long run, costly.

4. Mental Peace Requires Moral Clarity

Many health issues are rooted not in the body, but the mind — guilt, hatred, jealousy, unresolved anger. These are not abstract emotions; they have real effects on your body’s heart rate, immunity, and hormone levels.

The one who speaks the truth, gives thanks, and treats others with justice lives in a state of natural ease. This is not just good behavior — it is mental hygiene.

5. Health is Not About Image — It's About Integrity

The modern obsession with body image — flat stomachs, six-pack abs, and filtered skin — often distracts us from what truly matters. The real question is not, “Do I look fit?” but, “Am I honoring the trust given to me?”

The body is not an idol to be sculpted for likes — it is a gift to be guarded with care. Seeking health for attention is ego; seeking health for responsibility is integrity.

6. Helping Others Improves Your Own Health

Science confirms what the deen teaches: helping others improves your own emotional well-being. Acts of kindness release “feel-good” hormones like oxytocin and dopamine, which reduce stress and anxiety.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.” (Tabarani)
Serving others is not just rewardable — it is healing for the soul.

Conclusion

Living healthily is not a trend — it is a trust. It reflects gratitude to the Creator, responsibility toward one’s family, and respect for one's own being. The lifestyle we choose today becomes the legacy we live tomorrow.

Let us not wait for illness to awaken appreciation. Let us rise — not for vanity, not for fame — but because health is dignity, health is amanah.