By Mahfooz Ahmed (International Islamic University Malaysia)
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
﴿يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ كُلُوا مِمَّا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ حَلَـٰلًا طَيِّبًا وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ﴾
All praise and glory be to Allah (SWT), the Almighty, the Creator of all that exists. He is the Sustainer of life, the Giver of death, and the Provider of all sustenance. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his family, and his companions. Allah (SWT), in His Glorious Qur’an, has guided us towards a righteous way of life. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 168, He commands: “O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy” (Qur’an 2:168). In this verse of the Qur’an, according to the Tafseer of Ibn Kathir, “After Allah (SWT) stated that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him and that He Alone created the creation, He stated that He is the Sustainer for all His creation, and He mentioned a favour that He granted them; He has allowed them to eat any of the pure lawful things on the earth that do not cause harm to the body or the mind. He also forbade them from following the footsteps of Shaytan, meaning his ways and methods with which he misguides his followers, like prohibiting the Bahirah (a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and nobody was allowed to milk it) or Sa’ibah (a she-camel let loose for free pasture for the idols and nothing was allowed to be carried on it), or a Wasilah (a she-camel set free for idols because it has given birth to a she-camel at its first delivery and then again gives birth to a she-camel at its second delivery), and all of the other things that Shaytan made attractive to them during the time of Jahiliyyah.”
during the time of Jahiliyyah.” Similarly, the phrase “halalan tayyiban” in the Qur’an can be understood as comprising two key concepts: “halal” (permissible) and “tayyib” (good or pure). According to the Ma’arif al-Qur’an, the essence of “halalan tayyiban” is akin to “opening a knot,” symbolizing the removal of restrictions. This implies that what is deemed halal is free from prohibitions. The esteemed Companion Abdullah ibn Abbas narrated that during pre-Islamic times, people arbitrarily deemed certain foods unclean and refrained from consuming them. However, Allah (SWT) sent His Prophet (SAW) and revealed His Book, clearly delineating what is lawful and unlawful. Thus, what Allah has declared lawful is indeed lawful, what He has
Similarly, the phrase “halalan tayyiban” in the Qur’an can be understood as comprising two key concepts: “halal” (permissible) and “tayyib” (good or pure). According to the Ma’arif al-Qur’an, the essence of “halalan tayyiban” is akin to “opening a knot,” symbolizing the removal of restrictions. This implies that what is deemed halal is free from prohibitions. The esteemed Companion Abdullah ibn Abbas narrated that during pre-Islamic times, people arbitrarily deemed certain foods unclean and refrained from consuming them. However, Allah (SWT) sent His Prophet (SAW) and revealed His Book, clearly delineating what is lawful and unlawful. Thus, what Allah has declared lawful is indeed lawful, what He has declared unlawful is unlawful, and what He has remained silent about is permissible. Abdullah ibn Abbas recited: Say: I find not in the message received by me by inspiration any (meat) forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it….” up to the end of the verse (Qur’an 6:145). (Sunan Abi Dawud Book 27, Hadith 3791).
The divine wisdom behind Allah (SWT) making certain foods permissible and others prohibited is deeply rooted in the objectives of Shariah, which aim to preserve and protect the well-being of individuals and society. One of the primary objectives is the protection of life and health. Foods that are deemed harmful to the body or mind are prohibited to safeguard human health. Additionally, the concept of “tayyib” ensures that permissible foods are not only lawful but also wholesome and beneficial. Another objective is the preservation of faith and morality. By prohibiting certain foods, such as those associated with idolatrous practices or intoxicants, Allah (SWT) protects the spiritual purity and moral integrity of believers. Furthermore, these dietary laws foster a sense of discipline and obedience to divine commands, reinforcing the believer’s submission to Allah’s will. Ultimately, the dietary guidelines in Islam are designed to nurture a balanced, healthy, and spiritually fulfilling life, aligning with the broader goals of Shariah to promote justice, mercy, and wisdom.
The values associated with consuming only permissible foods and avoiding the non-permissible are integral to the Islamic way of life, reflecting a deep commitment to spiritual and ethical principles. Firstly, adhering to these dietary laws embodies the value of obedience to Allah (SWT), demonstrating a believer’s submission and devotion to divine guidance. This obedience fosters a sense of discipline and self-control, essential virtues in the journey of faith. Secondly, consuming halal and tayyib foods promotes the value of purity, both physical and spiritual, as it ensures that what nourishes the body is clean and beneficial, thereby positively influencing one’s spiritual state. Additionally, this practice upholds the value of gratitude, as believers recognize and appreciate the bounties provided by Allah (SWT) and make conscious choices to consume them responsibly. Furthermore, by avoiding non-permissible foods, Muslims cultivate the value of integrity, as they consistently align their actions with their beliefs, reinforcing their moral and ethical framework. Collectively, these values contribute to a holistic lifestyle that nurtures the body, mind, and soul, fostering a harmonious relationship with oneself, the community, and the Creator.
The commands from Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAW) concerning lawful and good foods are clear directives to guide all humans in their dietary choices, ensuring that their consumption only aligns with divine wisdom. In the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) explicitly instructs all humans to consume what is “halalan tayyiban” (lawful and good), emphasizing the importance of both legality and wholesomeness in their diet. This command is not merely about physical sustenance but also spiritual nourishment, as it encourages humans to be mindful of what they consume and its impact on their faith and well-being. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) further elucidated these commands through his teachings and practices, highlighting the significance of avoiding doubtful matters and ensuring that one’s sustenance is pure. He emphasized that the acceptance of a believer’s prayers and acts of worship is closely linked to the purity of their earnings and consumption. Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Allah the Almighty is Good and accepts only that which is good. And verily Allah has commanded the believers to do that which He has commanded the Messengers. So, the Almighty has said: “O (you) Messengers! Eat of the tayyibat [all kinds of halal (legal) foods] and perform righteous deeds.” [Qur’an 23:51] and the Almighty has said: “O you who believe! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you.” [Qur’an 2:172]” Then he (saws) mentioned [the case] of a man who, having journeyed far, is dishevelled and dusty, and who spreads out his hands to the sky saying “O Lord! O Lord!” while his food is haram (unlawful), his drink is haram, his clothing is haram, and he has been nourished with haram, so how can [his supplication] be answered? [Muslim] (Hadith 10, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi). By adhering to these commands, Muslims demonstrate their commitment to living a life that is pleasing to Allah, characterized by integrity, mindfulness, and gratitude. These divine instructions serve as a constant reminder of the interconnectedness between one’s physical actions and spiritual state, guiding believers toward a path of righteousness and holistic well-being.
The universal laws of consuming only lawful and good foods reflect a timeless and natural order established by Allah (SWT) that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. These laws are rooted in the innate human inclination towards purity, health, and well-being, aligning with the fitrah (natural disposition) that Allah has instilled in every individual. By adhering to this Sunan, Muslims fulfil religious obligations and engage in practices that promote physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual elevation. The emphasis on consuming “halalan tayyiban” ensures that individuals are mindful of the sources and quality of their food, fostering a sense of responsibility towards oneself and the environment. This practice encourages sustainable living and ethical consumption, as it requires consideration of the impact of one’s dietary choices on the broader ecosystem. Furthermore, these universal laws serve as a means of uniting the global Muslim community, as they share common dietary principles that transcend geographical and cultural differences. By following this Sunan, believers align themselves with a divine order that promotes harmony, balance, and well-being, reflecting Islamic teachings’ comprehensive and universal nature.
The command to consume only lawful and good foods is directed universally to all of humanity, as evidenced by the Qur’anic verse “O mankind” (يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ), highlighting its relevance and applicability to every individual, regardless of faith or background. This universal directive highlights the comprehensive nature of Islamic guidance, which seeks the well-being of all people. The wisdom behind this command is evident in the natural consequences faced by those who deviate from it. For instance, individuals who consume unlawful wealth or engage in dishonest means of earning often find their spiritual practices, such as prayers, lacking efficacy, as highlighted in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) above. Similarly, those who consume unlawful foods, such as carrion, blood, or pork (Qur’an 6:145), may experience adverse health effects, reflecting the protective nature of these divine prohibitions. These consequences serve as reminders of the inherent wisdom in adhering to Allah’s commands, which are designed to safeguard individuals’ spiritual and physical health. Following these guidelines encourages humanity to live in harmony with divine laws, ensuring a life of balance, health, and spiritual fulfilment.
Lastly, the proofs for the importance of consuming only lawful and good foods while abstaining from the bad and unlawful are firmly rooted in both the Qur’an and the Sunnah, providing clear and compelling evidence for these dietary guidelines. In the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) repeatedly emphasizes the consumption of “halalan tayyiban” (lawful and good), as seen in Surah Al-Baqarah (Qur’an 2:168) and Surah Al-Ma’idah (Qur’an 5:88), where believers are instructed to eat what is lawful and pure. These verses highlight the divine wisdom in ensuring that what nourishes the body also nurtures the soul. The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) further reinforces these commands, as he consistently advocated for consuming pure and wholesome foods, warning against the spiritual and physical harms of unlawful consumption. For instance, the hadith mentioned earlier states that Allah is pure and accepts only that which is pure, emphasizing the importance of purity in all aspects of life, including diet. Additionally, the detrimental effects of consuming unlawful foods, such as health issues and the rejection of prayers, are practical proofs of the wisdom behind these divine commands. Collectively, these proofs highlight the comprehensive nature of Islamic dietary laws, which aim to protect and enhance the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.
In conclusion, the adage “You are what you eat” resonates profoundly within the Islamic framework, where dietary laws are not merely about physical sustenance but are deeply intertwined with spiritual and moral well-being. This concept often attributed to the French author Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, who in 1826 wrote in his famous book titled “Physiologie du goût: ou Méditations de Gastronomie” (Physiology of Taste; or Meditations on Gastronomy), “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are,” reflects a truth long established in the teachings of Allah and His Messenger (SAW). In Islam, consuming lawful and good foods is a divine command that shapes not only one’s physical health but also one’s spiritual state and character. By adhering to these dietary guidelines, humans align themselves with a holistic lifestyle that nurtures the body, mind, and soul, fostering a harmonious relationship with the Creator and the creation. The wisdom of these commands is evident in the natural consequences faced by those who deviate from them, highlighting the importance of purity and integrity in all aspects of life. Ultimately, the Islamic dietary laws serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness between our choices and their impact on our overall well-being, guiding us towards a path of righteousness and fulfilment.
As we strive to adhere to these divine guidelines and understand their profound wisdom, we are reminded that our knowledge is limited and that the ultimate understanding belongs to Allah alone. Allahu A’alam (Allah knows best).