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EATINGETTIQUETTESINISLAM
Duasbefore/AfterEating|FOOD&DRINKPERMITTED&PROHIBITED

EatingHabitsinIslamAnextractfromhttp://www.islamtheabsolutetruth.com/eating.html

ThereligionIslamhasoneofthemostcomprehensiveeatinganddietaryhabitsandoneevenwondersastowhyallthestrictrulings.This
istruebecausethestomachisoneofthosebodilyorgansthatislargelyunstableinelectricaltermsandwhenthereisovereatingorthere
isjunkfoodingested,thisoverstressesthestomachandtheorgansconcernedwithdigestionbecomechemically and electrically at fault.
Theresulting faults in the surrounding energy would not only cause alimentary and digestive disorders, but also mental disorders. Such a
personwouldhaveweakandlowchargeenergysurroundinghimmakinghimmorevulnerabletounsteadyfieldsofenergy.

IslamProhibitsOverEatingandPrescribesGoodDietaryHabits
Thereissubstantialevidencetolinkovereatingtonumerousdiseases.Islam'sprescription comes to us from a tradition byAli (AS), who
said:

Donotsitforfoodunlessyouarehungryanddonotleavethetablebutyoustillhaveanappetiteforit,andchewyourfoodin
yourmouthwell.(BiharulAnwarVolume24,Page245.alMajlisi,1627(AR)

(Truly)Overindulgenceoffoodcausesvariouskindsofdiseases.(GhurarulHikamPage359)

Forinstance,theProphet(S)onlydrankwaterhalfhourbeforeandafterhismeals,andneverduringmeals.Itisalsoreportedinauthentic
traditions that he never combined certain foods and kept his intake to a minimum. He did not eat fish and yogurt together, or drink milk
with fish, and he did not eat anything sour with it or immediately after it. He never mixed in the same meal two hot foods or two cold
foods.

Now, we may understand the introduction of low charge energy to that person's force fields after ingesting several foods (with different
chemistry, different base, different taste, and different infoenergy) at once or drinking water during meals. All this creates faults within
the energy system and diseases originate from here. Of course, proponents of the human energy theory firmly believe that before any
chemical imbalances can take place, and before symptoms occur, the faults in the energy appear first, and this can be felt. Mixing foods
withdifferentchemistryandmorphologywouldcontainwithinthemdifferentinfoenergyaswell.

EatingwithWashed,WetHands
Washing hands before meals is yet another concept in Islam and many other religions. Further admonition is not to dry our hands and
proceedtoeatwithwethands.Thisconceptisnowclearbecauseifweweretowashourhandsandthendrythemwithatissue/towel,we
are likely to introduce low charge energy into the energy fields of our hand. This towel is normally used for many other purposes and by
differentpeople,oreventissue/towelthatiscleanbutfilledwithfaultsfromthesurroundingair,ortheuniversalenergy.Theunadulterated
andpureinfoenergyofwaterwouldalsobecontaminatedoratleastalteredwiththeinfoenergyinthetowel.Therefore,toeatwiththose
handsmaybeunhealthy.

The Prophet (S) was also observed to draw his wet hands over his face whenever he washed his hands after eating (alMajlisi, 1627). To
maintain the higher kind of energy purity, one needs to avoid contact with towels or tissues after washing hands before eating. Physical
contactwiththebacteriaandvirusesintowelsandtissuesisalsosomethingtoconsiderandthereasonwhymanyorganizationsincluding
manyreligionsadvisethewashingofhandsbeforeeating,butMuslimshavebeenfurtherrecommendedtorefrainfromdryingtheirhands
untilcontactwithfoodismade.

A case in point, Muslims have also been recommended not to dry themselves after performing ablution for prayer. The higher rate of
vibrations in the energy fields of the personhavingperformedablutionshouldremainuntilthe start of prayer. Water has the ability to do
justthat.

Inmodernbathrooms,thereareblowdrierslocated(insteadoftissue)andthisisamuchbetterwaytodryoneshands.
Fromanutritionalpointofview:
Everything we do to our food changes its subtle electrical reality, its electrical matrix and how it interfaces with our body. (Heistand and
Coleman,1999)

If we eat junk food, food that has been sprayed and preserved, food that has been flavored or frozen, these foods will have confusing
energy that has been adulterated, and by eating these foods we will be developing faults in our network of energy. The results of such
insultstoovereatingandeatingpreservedfoodsarechronicfatigue,intestinaldisorders,stomachulcers,andsoforthallbecauseofan
electricallyandchemicallyunstablestomachbroughtaboutbyourimproperingestionoffoodorovereating.Islam,therefore,hasadvised
itsfollowerstoabstainfromjunkfood(thoughthereligionhasnotmadethesefoodsforbidden),sprayedandpreservedfoods,etc.foods
thatareunnatural.

InElixirofLove,oneoftheShaykhRajabAli'sdevoteesrelatedabouthimthattheShaykhwasonceholdingasessioninoneofhisfriends'
house.Beforestartinghistalk,hefeltsomehowweakduetohungerandaskedforsomebread.Thehouseholderbroughthimhalfaloafof
breadforhimtoeat,andthenhestartedthemeeting.Thefollowingnighthesaid:

LastnightImadesalutationstotheholyImams(AS)butIdidnotseethem.Ipleadedtofindthereason.Iwastoldintuitively,Youhadhalf
ofthatfoodandthehungeralleviated.Whythendidyoueattheotherhalf!Havingsomefoodenoughforbody'sneedisallright,butextra
tothatwouldcauseveilanddarkness.

RemembranceofAllah(SWT)isPrescribedBefore,During,andAfterEating
IntheInvocationofKumayl,Ali(AS)remarks:

O' He! Whose name is a remedy. Remembering Allah (SWT) and reciting several small invocations before eating have been greatly
endorsed in Islam and other religions, and Muslims are supposed to perform this small act of worship before meals. Scientists have only
nowproventhebenefitsofdeepbreathingandrelaxation(astateproducedwheninvokingAllah(SWT)inprayer)before,during,andafter
meals. This practice has been well researched to increase nutrient absorption and allows the body to introduce the correct and healthy
enzymes to break down the foods. True, blessings, prayer or silent contemplation before eating will improve digestion, assimilation and

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well being on all levels. The free flowing fields of energy and favorable infoenergy released during these small episodes of prayer will
undoubtedlyaffecttherateofabsorptionandelimination.

Itisreportedthatbesideswashinghands,MuqaddasArdabeli(oneofthegreatIslamicJurist)alwaysperformedablutionbeforeeating.The
powerfulandpositiveeffectsofablutiononone'senergyfieldshasbeennoted, increasing the assimilation and productivity of the food at
thephysicalandenergylevel.
Duasbefore/AfterEating
EatingintheSameTablewhereAlcoholisservedisForbidden

alKulaynihasnarratedthroughhischainfromAbuJa'far(AS)thathesaid:
Allah never raised any prophet but it was in Allah's knowledge that when He would perfect his religion it would include prohibition of
intoxicants.Intoxicantswerealwaysunlawful,eventhoughtheyarecarriedawayfrom(one)traitto(another)trait.Andifitwereimposed
onthemalltogether,itwouldhavecutthemoffshortofreligion.

As Allah (SWT), Most Sublime, Most High commands us in Qur'an: Theyaskyouconcerningalcoholandgambling?Say!Inthemare

greatsinandsomeprofitformen,butthesinisgreaterthantheirprofit.(alQur'anChapter2,Verse219)

O you who believe! Intoxicants and games of chance, idols and divination by arrows are only an abomination of Satan's
handiwork.Sostayawayfromthemsothatyoumaybesuccessful.

TheShaytanonlydesirestocauseenmityandhatredinyourmidstthroughintoxicantsandgambling,andkeepyouawayfrom
rememberingAllahandfromprayer.Willyouthenabstainfromthem?(alQur'anChapter5,Verses9091)

alTabaTabai (AR)quotesazZamakhasharithathehaswritten:

Threeverseswererevealedonthesubjectofintoxicants:Theyaskyouaboutintoxicantsandgamesofchance.(alQur'anChapter 2,
Verse219)

SomeMuslimsthenleftitandsomecontinuedtodrink,untilamandrankit,beganhisprayers,andtalkednonsense.Thenwasrevealed:

Oyouwhobelieve!Donotgonearprayerwhenyouareintoxicateduntilyouknow(well)whatyousay.
(alQur'anChapter4,Verse43)

Still some Muslims continued drinking it until Umar drank it then he took a jawbone of a camel and bashed with it the skull of Abdur
Rahman ibn Awf, and then sat lamenting those (unbelievers) who were killed in the battle of Badr, reciting the poem of alAswad ibn
Yaghfur:

Howmanyspears(i.e.braves)andnobledrinkersare(thrown)InthewellthewellofBadr?Howmanynoblesandfeedersofhumpsare
(here)InthewellthewellofBadr?DoesIbnAbiKabshahthreatenusthatweshallbemadealiveagain?Andhowcan(happen)thelifeof
ghosts and skulls? Is he helpless in averting death from me? And will raise me (again) when my bones become rotten? Well, who will
conveymymessagetotheBeneficent(God)ThatIamabandoningthemonthoffast.SotellAllahtostopmydrinkfromme,AndtellAllah
tostopmyfoodfromme.

ThePolytheistsofQuraishusedthisnicknamefortheProphet(S)inasneeringmanner.
This (news) reached the Messenger of Allah (S) and he came out enraged, dragging his cloak along he raised something that was in his
handtostrikehim(Umar).Sohe(Umar)said,IseekrefugeinAllahfromthewrathofAllahandthewrathofHisMessenger. Then Allah,
theGlorified,theSublime,sentdown(theverse),TheSatanonlydesirestocauseenmityandhatred...Willyouthendesist?SoUmar
said,Wedesist.(RabiuAbrar)

The adulterated infoenergy and the negative effects on the human energy and the universal energy field from intoxicants can be further
explainedbynarratingthefollowingtraditionfromalRidha(AS)whohassaid:
Allah(SWT)forbadethedrinkingofwine,sinceitcausescorruption,disturbanceandintoxicationofthemind.andbecomesthe
cause of all the sins including murdering, and accusing falsely chaste woman of adultery and committing adultery, lessening
abstinence,andrefrainingfromforbiddendeeds.(WasailShiaVolume17,Page22)

Drugexpertsdescribealcoholasthemostdangerousdrugonearth.Waterloss,vitamindeficiencyandelectrolytedepletionarefewofthe
healthhazardsofalcohol,besidesliverdamage,pancreasdisorders,andmajorpsychiatricillnesses.Becauseoftheadversesideeffectsof
thisdrugandafewothers,Islamhasprohibiteditsuseeveninsmallquantities,asthedrugisalsoaddictive.Thefaultswithinthefieldsof
energycreatedfromingestingsuchadrugisdisturbingandthereasonwhywehavealistofillnessesthatarealcoholrelated:
Nausea, vomiting, flushing, mental excitement or depression, drowsiness, impaired perception, stupor, coma, even death may occur.
(Gosselin,R.E.et.al.,1984)
MuhammadibnAbdillahnarratesfromoneofhiscompanionsthathesaidIsaidtoAbuAbdillah(AS)MayIbemadeyourransom!Why
didAllahforbidthedeadanimal,bloodandfleshofswine?Hesaid:Asforintoxicants,Allahhasmadeitunlawfulbecauseofitseffect
and disorder. Verily! The one addicted to liquor is like the idol worshipper. It creates in him tremor and takes away his radiance. It
destroyshissenseofhonor,andinciteshimtoindulgeinunlawfulactivitieslikebloodshedandfornication.Whenheisintoxicated,thereis
noguaranteethathewouldnotassaultsexuallythewomenwhoarewithintheprohibiteddegree(likemother,daughterorsister)without
beingawareofit.Theliquordoesnotleadthedrinkerexcepttoeverytypeofevil.(ManLaYahdhuruhulFaqih)

Apparently, Muslims have also been recommended to avoid eating where people eat and drink forbidden drinks, behave shamelessly and
perform forbidden acts. The reason for this advice is clear, and is because that person would be sharing his or her infoenergy with
alcoholicswhohavedisharmoniousenergypatternsandcontaminatedinfoenergyfromthe alcohol, which will contain memories of abuse
andintoxication.Thissharingofenergy(withalcoholoralcoholics)wouldnotonlyadulterateone'senergysystem,accordingtoDye(2000)
butalsomakehimweakandpronetoevil,lustfuldesires.Themindworkslessconvincingifitsenergyfieldsarelowchargedandblocked.

Thesameappliestoallotheraddictiveelementssuchascocaine,marijuana,etc.Nowonderalcohol,likemusicleadstoothermajor sinful
acts.Drinkingalcoholisconsideredthemotherofallvices.Usingsimilarexplanations,weshallexplainhowmusicalsoleadstoadultery,a
sayingoftheProphet(S),andhowtruthfulhewas.ThisisanotherreasonwhytheAimmahhavelinkedalcoholtoothersinfulacts.

ThenegativeeffectsofalcoholatthephysicalandenergylevelinthesurroundinguniversalenergyhavebeenwellexplainedbyAli when
hesaid:
IfadropofliquorfallsintoawellandaminaretisbuiltonitsnearbylandIwillnotreciteAdhan(proclamationtoprayer)fromitandifit
fallsintoariverandinitsdrybedgrowsgrass,Iwillnotletmyhorsegrazeonit.
Itisreportedthat in one instance the enemy of alNaqi(AS), the Shiite Tenth Infallible (AS) was unable to pick up a glass that contained
alcoholinitandwantedtogiveittotheImam(AS).Inotherwords,alcoholitselfrefusedtobepickedupandgonearoneofthe cleanest
individualsonthisearth.Weallhavehadsimilarexperienceswhereinwerelatetotheobjectinquestionlikeaglassofwaterspillingon
usjustbecauseitisdirtyandthewaterdoesnotwantthepersondrinkingit,atripthatwassuddenlychangedorcancelled,andsoforth.

IslamRecommendsSaltBeforeandAfterEachMeal
Salt is one of the best foods you can take before and after meals, and the recommendation by the Prophet (S) is very current and

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important.ItisreportedthattheProphet(S)alwaysusedtohavesaltbeforeandaftermeals,andhesaidthatapersonwhodoesthisact
isprotectedfrom70typesofdiseases(curses),amongwhichleprosyistheminorone.Islammadethiscallingbecauseofthebenefitsof
salt (sodium chloride) to the physiology and the human energy system, in particular when taken before and after meals, when it has the
mostmeritduringthedigestionprocess.

Without salt we cannot live. Salt ensures the transmission of electrical nerve impulses to and from the brain and the contractions of the
heart and other muscles. Salt is necessary to the flow of nutrients around the body and is vital to the digestion of food. This help in
digestioniswhatweneedduringmeals.Saltstimulatesthesensorynerveendingsonthetonguetoprepareyoursystemfordigestion,and
increasestherateofabsorption.

Sodiumisalsoaprincipalcomponentofaperson'sinternalenvironment,theextracellularfluid.Nutrientsreachyourbody's cells through

these fluids. Sodium facilitates many bodily functions including fluid volume and acid base balance. Sodium enables the transmission of
nerveimpulsesaroundthebody.Itisanelectrolyte,andlikepotassium,calciumandmagnesiumitregulateselectricalchargesmovingin
andoutofcellsinthebody.

Chloride,too,isessentialtogoodhealthandisafundamentalelementinthedigestionprocess.Itpreservesacidbasebalanceinthebody.
Itaidspotassiumabsorption.Itsuppliestheessenceofhydrochloricacidusedinthestomachtohelpustobreakdownanddigestthefood
weeatandcontrolsthelevelofbacteriapresentinthestomach.

A case in point, the main reason why we have medical doctors and healthcare professionals restraining the general community from
consumingsalt is that it may cause or exacerbate high bloodpressure.Unfortunately,theproblemisnot in the Prophet's advice, but with
the advancement in food processing and preserving technology, and we have too much salt content already in our processed and highly
adulteratedfoods.Therefore,consumingextrasaltwouldbeharmful.

Second, the table salt lacks potassium and the companies concerned extract the important mineral and sell it as a supplement, so when
people take too much table salt, it has the disadvantage to cause high blood pressure problems in a vulnerable person. The advice is to
ingestpureseasaltthatisbalancedinsodium,potassiumandotherminerals,andtoconsumelesspreservedfoods.

No matter what, the advice of the Prophet (S) remains an important matter to all of humankind to maintain that electrical and chemical
balance during and after meals. Because salt has so many electrical properties within the body, its role in balancing the ambient energy
fieldscannotbeignored.Improperfooddigestionwillaffecttheenergyofthepersonconcerned.

Scientistsandobservers havereportedthatabowlofseasaltplacedinspacehastheabilitytopurifythesurroundinguniversal
energyfromalltheshortagesandblockages.Thesaltwouldattractanynegativitytoit(Poole,1999).Itishighlyprobablethat
ingestedsaltalsohasthesameability.

IslamRecommendsOneThirdofyourStomachtobeReservedforWater
ThistraditioncomestousfromtheProphet(S)that:

Onethirdofyourstomachshouldbefilledwithfood,onethirdwithair,andonethirdwithwater.

Islamtherefore,recommendsitsfollowersandthewhole of humankind to drink lots of waterthroughout the day and this has several electrical
andchemicalmeritsaswell.AccordingtoHeistandandColeman(1999):

The entire electrical function of every cellular process in our body depends on the electrical conductivity contained within every molecule. This
conductivityincreasesanddecreasesdependingonthehydrationlevelsofourcellularstructure.

Drinkingwaterwillgreatlyincreasethehydrationofeverycellwithinminutesoftakingthedrink.And,thisrapidinterfacecan only be achieved

withwater(becauseofitshighlybalancedelectricalmatrix)andnootherfluids.

Apparently,drinkinglotsofcleanwaterisoneIslamicwaytocleanseoneselffromtoxinsinsidethebodyandintroducehighlychargedenergyto
the energy fields surrounding the stomach and intestines. Truly, water (mercy from Allah) has been termed the elixir of life. Brennan (1987)
suggests (to healers, especially) to always drink a full glass of spring water between healing sessions. Drinking water before any kind of
performancethatinvolvesmentalefforthasbeenwellresearchedtohaveendlessadvantages.

MannerofEatingandDrinkingfromTehzibulIslamAllamaMajlisi
1.Utensilsthatareallowedineatinganddrinking:
Silverandgoldenplatesarenotpermittedforeatinganddrinkingandeventheiruseforothertypesofworkisdoubtful.Butitisbettertoavoidtheiruseanddisplayfor
decorationpurpose.Anyfoodwhichiskeptinsilverandgoldisnotpermissiblethoughthisfoodcanbetakenoutinothertypesofutensils.Thereisnoreliabilityabout
thistradition.OnegroupofUlemadoesnotperformWuzuwithutensilsofsilverandgold.

Manyulemaareoftheviewthatthefollowingthingsshouldnotbemadeofeithergoldorsilver.Surmabottle,scentcase,agarcase,chilam,lanterns(whichareopenon
twosidesandhunginholytombs),caseoftheQuran,casesforthebooksofprayersandsupplications,mirrorcasesandevenwalkingsticksandpensbutaccordingto
me(i.e.Majlisi)theirnonpermissibilityisnotproved.However,theendofHukkapipe(Mohnal)shouldneverbemadeofgoldorsilver.Toeatordrinkinallgildedutensils
ismakrooh(detestable).Ifyoueatinthem,itisbetternottoletyourmouthtouchthem.

Ifwineiskeptinanyutensilofglassorbrass,thentheseutensilscanbecleanedbywashingthemandevenrawchinawhichisnotporous.Butallclayutensilsmadeby
potterfromordinaryclayneedalotofwatertobecleanedoncetheyhavebeensoakedindirt(wine).Thewatershouldbesoakedintheclaypottotheextentthatthe
impurityisremoved.However,itisbetternottousethem.

AccordingtoatraditionfromtheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.),thepersonwhousesutensilsofsilverandgoldinthisworldwillbekeptawayfromtheminheaven.

Accordingtoanothertradition,UmroBinAbilmukdambroughtacupofwaterforImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)whichwasjoinedwithasilverpiecewhichtheImam(a.s.)letloosewith
histeeth.

Accordingtoanothertradition,ImamReza(a.s.)hasprohibitedtheuseofclaypotcomingfromEgypt.

AccordingtoBuziibneUmar,hesawImamMohammedTaqi(a.s.)havingfoodinablackbowlinthemiddleofwhichSuraQulhoWallahwaswritteninyellowcolour.

2.Therighttohavegoodtastyfoodandprohibitionofgreed:

AccordingtotraditionscomingfromAhleBait(a.s.),itisMustahabtoeatandletotherseatgoodandcleanfoodandserveitwithallformalitiesanditisnotrighttomakegood
foodHaramupononeself.ItishowevernecessarythatthefoodissoughtbyHalalmeansandoneshouldnoteattotheextentofforgettingprayers.Oneshouldnotbelikeanimals
andonlybotherabouteatinganddrinkingaseatinganddrinkingisdoneforthesakeofprayerandthatonemaygainstrength.Oneshouldnotspendtotheextentofbeingknown

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asspendthriftasGoddoesnotkeepthistypeofmanHisfriend.

Accordingtoareliabletradition,ImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)usedtoservepeoplewithgoodbread,tastyfirnianddelicioushalwaandusedtosaythatwhenGodisgeneroustous,
weshouldbegeneroustopeoplewhenservingthem,andwhenweareinneedweshouldbecareful.

AccordingtoanothertraditionfromthesameImam(a.s.),GodwillquestioneveryMominonthreetopicsonthedayofjudgementfirstly,whathehadeaten,secondly,whathe
hadwornandthirdly,howmuchhehadfulfilledthedesireofobedientwifeandkeptherawayfromharam.AbuKhalidKabulivisitedImamMohammedBaqir(a.s.)whoserved
himwithdeliciousfoodduringbreakfast.WhentheImam(a.s.)askedhowwasthefood,AbuKhalidpraisedthefoodandrecitedthisAayat:

AndonthatdaywillbedefinitelyquestionedaboutthemanifoldblessingsofAllah.[2]

AccordingtoatraditionfromHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.),ifyoueattoomuchfood,thenwhitespotsappear.

AccordingtoatraditionfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),Godkeepsthosepeopleenemieswhohavethesehabits:

a)Whosleepduringthedaywhentheyhavenotbeenawakeduringthenight,
b)Wholaughmeaninglessly,
c)Whoeatafterthestomachisfull.

AccordingtoHazratAli(a.s.),onceHazratEsa(Jesus)(a.s.)visitedacitywhereamanandawomanwerefightingwitheachotherinloudtones.HazratEsa(a.s.)enquiredabout
thecause.Themanrepliedthatthewomanwashiswife,verypiousandhadnovicesbuthedidnotlikeheranddesiredtobeseparatedfromher.WhentheProphetEsa(a.s.)further
askedthecausehesaidthatthewomanwasgettingoldandhadlostthefreshnessoftheface.HazratEsa(a.s.)askedthewomanwhethershewantedthefreshnessofherface.She
replied,"Whynot."ThenHazratEsa(a.s.)askedhernottoeatmuchforitspoilsthefreshnessoftheface.Whenthewomanactedaccordinglyshelookedyoungandwasacceptedby
herhusband.

AccordingtotheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.),twothingsleprosyandwhitespotsarecausedbyfivehabits:

a)TousenoorahonFridayandWednesday
b)ToperformWuzuandbathewiththewaterheatedbysunlight
c)ToeatduringthestateofJanabat
d)Tocohabitwithawomanwhensheisinperiod(monthlycourse)
e)Toeatevenwhenthestomachisfull.

AccordingtoImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),manneedstoeatthatmuchfoodwhichisneededforhisstrength.Onepartofthestomachshouldbeforfood,thesecondforwaterand
thirdforbreathing.OneshouldnottrytofattenoneselflikethelambmeantforZabeeha(slaughter).Healsosaidthatafullstomachcausesrevolt(disobedience)andquarrels.

Exceptfever,allsuddendiseasesandpainsarecausedbyovereating.

AnothertraditionfromHazratImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)statesthatifthefollowersoftheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)followthewaysandmannersofalienpeopleespeciallythoseof
dressandfood,theywillnotbeblessedandonthecontrary,theywillbedegraded.

3.Waysandtimingsofeating:

ItisSunnat(recommendedoptional)toeatearlyinthemorningandbewithoutfoodforthewholedayandthenhavefoodforasecondtimeafterIshaprayers.The
morselshouldbesmall,thefoodshouldbechewedproperly,whileeatingoneshouldnotstareatanyoneandshouldnottakeveryhotfood.Oneshouldnotcoolthefood
byblowingwiththemouthinstead,letthefoodremainforsometimetillitcools.Oneshouldnotcutthebreadwithknifeandshouldnotcompletelyemptythebones.At
leastthreefingersshouldbeusedtoholdthemorsel,andwhenquiteafewpeopleareeatinginoneplate,oneshouldnotputthehandinfrontoftheother'ssection.The
plateandfingersshouldbecompletelycleaned.ItisMakrooh(detestable)toeatinthestateofJanabat.TherigidityoforderisrelaxedifoneperformsWuzuorwashes
hands,garglesandputswaterinthenoseorsimplywasheshandandfaceandgargles.Itisstatedinatraditionthatonemaysufferfromthediseaseofwhitespotsifhe
neglectstheabovedirection.

Accordingtoareliabletradition,thenephewofShahabwenttoImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)complainingofstomachacheandheavinessofbowels.TheImam(a.s.)askedhimtoeat
onlytwotimesdayandnightforGodhassaidthesameinthepraiseoffoodinHeaven.

(ForthosewhoseabodeisHeaven),theywillgettheirfoodalreadypreparedboththetimes,morningandevening.[3]

Accordingtoanothertradition,apersonwhodoesnoteatintheeveninggetsold,andoldpeopleshouldeatalittlebeforegoingtosleepthattheymaybeabletosleep.Thiswill
alsocausegoodbreathinthemouthandthepersonwillgrowmorepolite.

AccordingtoHazratAli(a.s.),anypersonwhowantsthatthefoodshouldnotharmhimshouldnoteatuntilhisbowelsareclearandhefeelsveryhungry.Whenhebeginshisfood,
heshouldreciteBismillah.Thefoodshouldbechewedandwhenthereisalittlebitofhungerlefttobeappeased,thenoneshouldstopeating.

AccordingtoHazratImamHasan(a.s.)twelvepointsshouldbekeptinviewaboutfoodbyeverymuslim.Fourarecompulsory,fourareSunnat(optional)andfourareabout
manners.

Thecompulsoryonesare:

a)Knowingone'sGiver
b)ToknowthatallthatwehaveisfromGodandbesatisfiedwiththefoodHegives
c)SayingBismillah
d)ThankingGod.

TheSunnatare:

a)Towashhandsbeforeeating
b)Tositbykeepingone'sweighttotheleftside
c)Toeatwithatleastthreefingers
d)Tolickthefingers.

Themannersofeatingare:

a)Toeatthatfoodwhichisplacedbeforeone
b)Totakesmallmorsels
c)Tochewthefood
d)Nottolookatothers'faceswhileeating.
4.Completeetiquetteofhavingfood:

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ItisSunnattoeatwiththerighthandandsitontheknees.Nofoodshouldbetakenwhilelyingorrelaxingbutonecanrestonthelefthandwhilehavingfoodasthereis
noharm.Itiswrongtosquatwhileeatingandworsetoputonefootovertheother.Eatingaloneismakrooh(abominable).Itissunnattoeatwithservantsandslaves
sittingontheground.Itisapopularbeliefamongulemathatoneshouldnoteatwhilewalkingandthatitissunnattowashthehandsbeforeandafterthemealandnotto
drythemonatowel.

CertainulemaareoftheopinionthatoneshouldnoteatwithpeoplewhotakeHaram(nonpermissible)foodorperformHaram(nonpermissible)act.Eventositonatable
setforthemisHaram.ItisalsoHaramtositandeatwiththosepeoplewholieaboutmuslimsandblamethemofperformingnonpermissibledeeds.Totastesaltbefore
andafterthemealsissunnat.

AnotherreliabletraditionfromtheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)statesthatamanwhositsonthetablewithdrunkardsiscursed.

Accordingtomanyofthereliabletraditions,theHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)hasprohibitedtheuseoflefthandforhavingfoodexceptwhenapersonisforcedtoorwhoserighthandis
diseased.

Anothertraditionprohibitseatingwhilelyingonone'sstomach,relaxingorresting.

AccordingtoatraditionfromHasan,onedayIbadeBasari,anotedSufiandSunniAlimvisitedImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)whilehewashavingfood.Imam(a.s.)'slefthandrested
ontheground.IbadsaidtoImam(a.s.),"Aren'tyouawarethattheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)hasstoppedusfromrestingourhandontheground?"TheImam(a.s.)liftedhishandalittle
andresteditbackagain.Ibadcommentedagain.ThethirdtimetheImam(a.s.)repliedthattheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)hascertainlynotprohibitedtherestingofthelefthandwhile
havingfood.

AtraditionstatesthattheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)usedtoeatonlyfromwhatwasinfrontofhim.HeusedtositasonesitsinthestateofTashahudwhilepraying.Therightfootused
tobeontheleftandthebackoftherightfootusedtomeetwiththefrontofleft.TheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)usedtosaythathewasacreaturewhowaslikeothersandsatamong
them.

AccordingtoHazratJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),whenapersoncanusehisrighthandforeating,itismakroohtousethelefthand.

AccordingtoImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),oneshouldnoteatwhilewalking,exceptwhenforced.

ManyreliabletraditionsfromAhlebaitandHazratAli(a.s.)statethatifapersonwantshishousetobeblessedthenheshouldwashhishandsbeforeeverymeal.Washingof
one'shandsaftertakingthemealstopspovertyandbodypains.

AnothertraditionfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)explainstheetiquetteofwashinghands.Beforethemeal,thehostshouldwashhishandsfirst,followedbytheguestsandthere
maybenolapseoftimebetweenthewashingofhandsandhavingthemeal.However,atthecloseofthemeal,guestseatedontheleftofthehostshouldwashhishandsfirstfollowed
accordinglybytheotherguestssothattheturnofthehostcomeslast.Itiscompulsoryandobligatoryforthehosttowaitwithpatienceuntilalltheguestshavewashedtheirhands.

AnothertraditionfromthesameImam(a.s.)statesthatwhenonewashesone'shandsbeforethemealsoneshouldnotdryitbutkeepitwetforthefoodisblessedaslongasthe
handsarewet.Afterthemeal,thehandsshouldbewashedandrubbedonone'sfacesothatone'sdailybreadmayincreaseandthefrecklesonthefacedisappear.

MufazzalibneUmarstatesthathecomplainedofpainintheeyesbeforeImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.).TheImam(a.s.)toldhimthatwhenhewasheshishandsafterthemeal,he
shouldkeepthewethandsonhiseyebrowsandeyelidsandrecitethreetimes:

AllpraiseisduetoAllahwhoministerskindness,makesonebeautiful,showersonewithblessingsandelevatesone!

MufazzalstatesthathefollowedtheinstructionsoftheImam(a.s.)andneveragainhadeyepain.

WhenImamMoosaKazim(a.s.)washavingamealinthehouseofFazalbinYunus,FazalbroughtanapkinsothattheImam(a.s.)maycoverhislapbutImam(a.s.)
refused,sayingthatitwastheetiquetteofnonMuslimsandalliesnations.

ItisnarratedinareliabletraditionthattheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)askedHazratAli(a.s.)tohavesaltbeforeandafterthemealsfor,amanwhotakessaltbeforeandafterthemeal
issavedfromseventytypesofcursesandamajorofthemisleprosy.

AtraditionfromImamMohammedBaqir(a.s.)saysthatsaltisthecureforseventydiseasesandifpeoplewillcometoknowtheadvantagesofsalt,theywillnotuseanyother
cureexceptsalt.TheImam(a.s.)alsosaidthatGodaskedHazratMoosa(a.s.)toorderhisfollowerstohavesaltbeforeandafterthemealsandiftheorderwasnotobeyedtheywill
beencircledwithtroublesandatthattimetheywillcursethemselves.

Anothertraditionadvisesonetohavevinegarbeforemealsasitsharpensone'sbrains.AtraditionstatesthatImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)hadsaidthathetooksaltbeforeandafter
themeals.

Yaser,theservantofImamReza(a.s.)statesthattheImam(a.s.)usedtocalltheyoungandoldandevenalltheservantsbeforesittingforthemealsandmakethese
peoplesitwithhim.

TheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)commandsustotakeoffsocksandshoesbeforetakingmealsasbesidesbeingthebestofsunnat,itisverycomfortableforus.

AreliabletraditionstatesthattheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.),whilehavingfoodwithcongregation,usedtoorderthegueststostartthefoodearlyandtofinishlateoratleisuresothat
theymaybeabletoeatmore.

ItisnarratedinareliabletraditionthatSamabinMahranaskedImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)whatheshoulddofirstwhenthetimeforfoodandprayerscollide.TheImam
(a.s.)askedhimtohavehismealfirstifthetimeforprayerwasthere,butifhavingfoodwillcovertheprecioustimeforprayer,thenheshouldprayfirstandtakehismeallater.

5.Prayerstoberecitedatthetimeofeating:

AccordingtotheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.),whenfoodislaidonthedastarkhwanorthefoodtrayisbrought,thousandsofangelsdescendfromheavenandsurroundthefood.When
thosewhostarttheirfoodsayBismillah,theangelspraytoGodtosendHisblessingsontheeatersandtoincreasetheirdailybreadandorderShaitantoleavethemaloneasheis
theonewhobrokethelawofGodandthereforehecannotjointhem.Andwhenafterhavingeaten,theeaterssayAlhamdolillah,thentheangelssaythatthesepeopleareamong
thethanksgiversastheyhavethankedGodforthegoodfoodHehasgiventhem.IftheydonotsayBismillahwhileeating,thentheyinviteshaitantohavefoodwiththemandifthey
donotsayAlhamdolillahwhentheyhaveeatentheirfood,thentheangelsremarkthatthesepeoplearethosewhoarenotsatisfiedwithwhatgoodfoodGodhasgiventhemfor
theyhaveforgottentothankGodfortheblessingassuchtheyarethecursed.

AccordingtoatraditionfromHazratAbdullah(AbdullahbinAbbas),oneshouldsayAlhamdolillahwhilehavingfood.AccordingtoatraditionfromAmirulMomineen
HazratAli(a.s.),amanwhotakesthenameofAllahbeforestartinghisfoodandpraisesAllahafterheendsthemeal,thenhewillnotbequestionedabouthisfoodontheDayof
Judgement.

AccordingtoareliabletraditionapersoncomplainedtoImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)thatheisalwaysharmedwhenhetakesacertaintypeoffood.TheImam(a.s.)saidthatperhaps
themandidnotsayBismillah.Butthemansaidthathedid.AtthattheImam(a.s.)repliedthatperhapshetalkedwhiletakingfoodanddidnotreciteBismillahwhenherestarted
takinghisfoodandthatwastheecauseofhissufferingfrompain,andadvisedhimtosayBismillahagainwhenherestartedhisfoodaftertalking.

AccordingtoHazratAli(a.s.),oneshouldrememberGodwhileeatingandshouldnottalktoomuchasthefoodisablessingofGodandwhenoneconsumesthatblessing,thenitis
timetopraiseandthankGod.

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6.Etiquettetobeobservedafterthemeals:

AtraditionfromImamReza(a.s.)advisestoliedownflatafterhavingfoodandtokeeptherightfootovertheleft.

AtraditionfromYasarandNadeer,slavesofImamReza(a.s.)statesthattheImam(a.s.)orderedthemnottostanduptoshowtheirrespecteventohimwhiletaking
food,eveniftheImam(a.s.)isstandingnearthemandnottoworkwhilehavingfood.YasarsaysthatiftheyansweredthattheywerehavingmealswhentheImam(a.s.)
calledthem,thentheImam(a.s.)usedtoorderthemtofinishtheirmealbeforedoingthework.

7.Theadvantagesofbread,sattu(flourofchana,rice&cereals),meat,margarine(ghee)&allthosefoodswhicharegotfromtheanimalsandalsoofvinegarandsweets:

AccordingtoareliabletraditionfromtheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.),oneshouldgiveduerespecttothebread,foritistheresultofthehardworkofmanyangelsinheavenandmen
ontheearth.

ItisstatedfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)thatbreadshouldnotbekeptunderthebowlofcurry.

AnothertraditionstatesthattheImam(a.s.)askedpeopletorespectbread.ThepeoplequestionedImam(a.s.)astohowtheyshouldshowtheirrespectforbread.TheImam(a.s.)
repliedthatonewayiswhenthebreadiskeptbeforethem,theyshouldstarteatingitwithoutwaitingforanything.

AccordingtoatraditionfromImamReza(a.s.),thebreadshouldbebakedinsmallloavessothatitmaybesufficientforallgroups.

AccordingtoImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),sattu(ablendofcerealpowderorflour)wasmadewithreferencetoarevelationfromGod.Itincreasesweight,strengthensbonesandis
thefoodofProphets.Drysattucleansanddiminisheswhitespotsandwhenhadwitholiveoil,increasesweight,strengthensbones,andfreshenscomplexionandincreasessexual
strengthandifthreetablespoonsofsattuaretakeninthemorning,thenitcuresphlegmandcholera(i.e.BalghamandSafra).

Anothertraditionstatesthatsattudiminishesthirstandcuresalltroublesofstomachandnausea.Cleansitandcuresseventyotherdiseasesincludinghighbloodpressure.

ItisstatedfromImamMohammedTaqi(a.s.)thatifawomantakessattu,itwillstoptheflowofbloodwhichexceedsthespecifiedperiodofmenstruation.

AccordingtoareliabletraditionfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),meatincreasesthefleshofone'sbodyandifforfortydaysamanhasnoteatenmeat,thenheshouldtakeloan
andeatmeatandthisloanwillbereturnedbytheAlmighty.

ApersonvisitedImamReza(a.s.)andsaidthatthepeopleofhishousedonoteatlambasitcreatesmelancholy(sauda)andalsocreatesheadacheandotherpains.
TheImam(a.s.)repliedthatGodprefersonlylambmeatbetterthanotherkindsofmeatotherwisehewouldnothavepreferredasacrificeofitinsteadofHazratIsmail(a.s.).

AccordingtoImamMohammedBaqir(a.s.),thepeopleofBaniIsraelcomplainedtoHazratMoosa(a.s.)thatthediseaseofdandruffhadincreasedalotamongthem.God
revealeduntoHazratMoosa(a.s.)thatthepeopleshouldbeorderedtohavebeefwithbeetroot.

ItisstatedfromImamSadiq(a.s.)thattheemeatofbirdsandcowscuresdandruff.Cow'smilkisit'smedicine,gheeoroilisit'scureandmeatisadiseaseitself.

Areliabletraditionstatesthatwhosoeverwantsthatheshouldcurehisangeranddecreasesadnessandgriefshouldtakethemeatofpartridge.

HazratMoosaKazim(a.s.)statesthatthepersonwhotakeschakormeatwillgetstrengthinhiskneesanditwillalsocurefever.

AreliabletraditionfromHazratImamMohammedTaqi(a.s.)statesthatthemeatofasfardadisgood.Itwaslikedbyhisfatherwhousedtosaythatthismeatshouldbebakedor
grilledandgiventothosesufferingfromjaundice.

AtraditionstatesthatwhenpeoplequestionedImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)abouthavingrawmeathestatedthatitwasthefoodofanimalsoflowergrade.

Mostofthetraditionsprohibithavingmeatdriedintheshadeasitcausesmanytypesofpainsandweakensthestomachandveryfewtraditionsnegateit.

AccordingtoImamSadiq(a.s.),threethingsdestroyhealthandevenleadonetoone'sdeath:

a)Tohavemeatdriedinshadeandsmellingbad
b)Tobatheafterhavingafullmeal
c)Tointercoursewitholdwoman.

AccordingtoanothertraditionfromthesameImam(a.s.),therearethreethingswhichhavenothingtodowitheatingbutincreaseweightwearingKatancloth,smellinggood
scentandapplyingNoorah(limewater)andtherearethreethingswhichareconcernedwitheatingbutdecreaseweightdriedmeat,cheeseandbudsofdates.Andtherearetwo
thingswhicharealwaysadvantageouslukewarmwaterandpomegranateandtherearetwothingswhicharealwaysharmfuldriedmeatandcheese.

AreliabletraditionfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)statesthatmeatcookedinmilkwasthespecialdietofProphets.

AnotherreliabletraditionstatesthattheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)likedpomegranateamongallthefruits.

ItcomesdownfromareliabletraditionthatImamSadiq(a.s.)likedporridge(Hareera)madeofcurrants.WhencurrantsareaddedafterthepreparationofAsh,itbecomescurrant
porridge.

Manyreliabletraditionspraisemeatbrothinwhichthebreadisputandalsokababswhichissupposedtocureweaknessandfeverandreddenthecomplexion.

Eventhereispraiseofthecheekbones,brainandtongueofthegoatandit'sheadastheyareawayfromtheplaceofdirt.

AccordingtoHazratAli(a.s.),Hareera(meatporridge)shouldbetakenasitgivesthestrengthforfortydays'prayers.HareerawasapartofthefoodwhichdescendedontheHoly
ProphetfromGod.

AccordingtoHaroonibneNafaq,hewasinvitedtoHazratMoosaKazim(a.s.)'splaceoneday.Therewasalotofhalwaonthedastarkhan(table).Hewassurprisedand
theImam(a.s.)saidthatheandhisfriendsandfollowerstakealotofsweet.

AccordingtoAbdulAla,incidentally,hewasatthehouseofImamSadiq(a.s.)whenthefoodwasbeinglaid.Therewaschickenwhosestomachwasfilledwithdatesand
oil.

AccordingtoanotherreliabletraditionfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),theyolkofhen'seggisverydelicious.Onenolongerrequiresorfeelslikehavingmeatwhenonetakesthe
yolk.Itdoesnotpossessthedisadvantagesofmeat.

WhenapersoncomplainedtoImamReza(a.s.)ofhavingfewchildren,he(a.s.)askedhimtoeateggwithonion.

AccordingtoHazratAli(a.s.),thereisnothingbetterthanvinegartohavebreadwithasitcuresnauseaandprotectstheheart.

Manytraditionsstatethatoliveoilisgoodforeatingaswellasrubbingonthebody.ManyoftheProphetsusedtohavebreadwitholiveoilandoliveispraisedalotasitexpels
badairfromthebody.

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FrommanyauthoritiesitistakenthatAaimaeTahereen(theHolyImams)usedtopraisehoneywhichisacureformanydiseases.RecitingQuranandchewingagum
calledkundurcuresputumandsharpenmemory.

Accordingtoatradition,ImamMoosaKazim(a.s.)usedtohavesweetsbeforegoingtosleep.Sugarisadvantageousbesidescuringsputum.

Inmanyofthetraditionsgheehasbeenpraisedalot,speciallythegheemadefromcow'smilk.Butagedpersonswhoarefiftyandaboveareadvisednottotakeghee.

ItisstatedthatmilkwasthedietoftheProphets.ApersoncametoImamSadiq(a.s.)andsaidthatafterdrinkingmilkhedidnotfeelwell.TheImam(a.s.)repliedthat
milkwasnotharmfulandthathemusthavetakensomethingelsewithmilk.

ApersoncomplainedtotheImam(a.s.)aboutbodyweakness,atwhichtheImam(a.s.)orderedhimtodrinkmilkasitincreasesfleshonthebodyandstrengthensbones.

AccordingtoHazratAli(a.s.),cow'smilkisamedicine.

AccordingtoHazratAli(a.s.),walnutseedsifeatenduringsummer,increasebodyheatandcureboils,pimplesetc.butifeatenduringwinter,warmkidneysandfightcold.Many
traditionssaythatwalnut,iftakenwithcheeseishighlyadvantageous.Iftakenalone,itisharmful.

8.Advantagesofcereals,vegetables,fruitsandotherkindsofeatables:

AccordingtoImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),riceisagoodfoodasitexpandsintestinesandcuresdysentery.

Accordingtoanothertradition,apersoncomplainedtoImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)aboutstomachache.TheImam(a.s.)askedhimtowashtherice,dryitinshelter,powder
itandhavenearlyatablespoonfuleverymorning.

ReliabletraditionsfromtheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)statethatseventyProphetshaveprayedfortheadvantagesofchana(gram).

OneofthetraditionsstatesthathavingMasoorDalsoftensone'sheartandmakesonecryeasily.

Accordingtoareliabletradition,havingbaqlahincreasesmarrowofthekneeandbrainandproducesfreshbloodinthebody.

ItisstatedthatapersoncomplainedtoImamMoosaKazim(a.s.)ofwhitespotstheImam(a.s.)askedhimtotakemash(dal)inhisfood.

ItisstatedfromSulemanibneJa'farthatwhenonedayhevisitedImamReza(a.s.),hesawahugequantityoffreshdateskeptbeforetheImam(a.s.)whowashaving
thedates.WhenSulemancommentedthatImam(a.s.)washelpinghimselftothedatesquitegenerously,theImam(a.s.)saidthathelikedthedatesverymuchbecause
theywerelikedbytheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.),HazratAli(a.s.),ImamHasan(a.s.),ImamHusain(a.s.),ImamZainulAbedeen(a.s.),ImamMohammedBaqir(a.s.),ImamJa'fareSadiq
(a.s.)andhisfatherImamMoosaKazim(a.s.).AllthosewhohaveacceptedthefaithoftheImam(a.s.)willlikethemastheyaremadefromsamematterandenemiesofImam(a.s.)and
AhlulBaitwilllikewinebecausetheyaremadefromfire.

AnothertraditionstatesthathavingsevenAjwaseedsatnightkillswormsinthestomach.

AreliabletraditionstatesthatfivefruitshavecomefromheavenBeedana(pomegranate),Behi(quince),peaapples,whitegreengrapesandfreshdates.

AnothertraditionstatesthatHazratAli(a.s.)saidthatfruitsareof120kindsbutthebestamongthemispomegranate.Pomegranateappeasesthehungerandforthosewho
alreadyhadtheirfill,pomegranatehelpstodigestthefood.TheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)likedpomegranatethebestandheneverwantedtoshareitwithothers(thecauseofwhichis
showninthenexttradition).

AtraditioncomingfromImamMoosaKazim(a.s.)statesthatapersonshouldhaveonepomegranatefirstthinginthemorningonaFriday,thenhisheartwillremainbrightfor
fortydays.Ifhehastwo,itwillremainbrightforeightydaysandifhehasthree,itwillremainbrightforonehundredandtwentydays.Thatpersonwillalsobeprotectedfromthe
temptationsofthedevilandhewhoissafefromtemptationsissafefromsinningagainstGodandhewhodoesnotsinagainstGodwillenterheaven.

AccordingtoHazratImamMoosaKazim(a.s.),eatingapplekeepsoneprotectedfromalltypesofpoison,magic,influenceofjinnsandincreaseofsputum.

AnothertraditionstatesthatSattuofdriedapplestopsbloodcomingoutofthenoseonaccountofexcessheatandisthebestmedicineforcleaningbodyfromanykindofpoison.
Ifpeoplecometoknowtheadvantagesofapple,theywillnotuseanymedicineexceptapple.

TheeffectsofeatingBehi(quince),asstatedbyHazratAli(a.s.),arethefollowing:

a)Strengthensweakheart
b)Causesincreaseinweight
c)Cleansthestomach
d)Increasesreason
e)Makesamancourageous

AccordingtoImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),eatingBehi(quince)improvescomplexionandcausesbeautifulchildren.

AnothertraditionstatesthatwhosoeverwillhaveaseedofBehifirstthinginthemorning,Godwillblesshistonguewithwisdomforaperiodoffortydays.NoProphethaspassed
whosebodyhadnotsmeltofbehi(quince).Healsosaidthatbehi(quince)seedmakessorrowdepartfromthesadpeopleinthesamewayasone'shandcleansone'ssweat.

AtraditionfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)statesthateatingguavacleansstomachandgivesstrength.Itisbetterifonetakesitaftermealsinsteadoffirstthinginthemorning.

AccordingtoareliabletraditionfromImamReza(a.s.),figcleansbadsmellofthemouth,strengthensbones,increaseshairandcuresdifferenttypesofpains.Onedoesnotneed
anymedicineafterhavingfigs.Amongallthefruits,fighasclosesimilaritywiththefruitsofheaven.Italsocurescolic(qulanj).

Itisalsostatedthatfigscurepilesandpainintoesandfingersofleg.Itincreasesexualstrength.

ZiadKundistatesthatwhenhevisitedImamMoosaKazim(a.s.),hesawaplateofaloobukhara(plum).TheImam(a.s.)saidthathewassufferingfromfeverandfresh
aloobukharamakesthetemperaturefallandcausesnausea.Driedaloobukharabalancesthetemperatureofbloodandcuresalltypesofpains.

SomepeopleenquiredfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)astowhatthedoctorsthinkaboutchakotra(grapefruit).TheImam(a.s.)saidthatitshouldbetakenafterthemeals
thoughthedoctorsaskgrapefruittobetakenbeforemeals.

AccordingtoatraditionfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),fromthepulpofsanjad(afruitlikeplum),meatiscreated,skinfromitsdermisandbonesfromitsseed.Eatingsanjad
softensandcleansstomachandcurespiles.

AccordingtoImamReza(a.s.),oneshouldnottakemelonbeforebreakfastasitcausesparalysis.ItshouldalwaysbetakenwithdrieddatesorsugarastheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)
usedtotake.

AtraditionfromtheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)statesthatifonesaysBismillahbeforehavinganyfruitthenitdoesnotharm.

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AccordingtoatraditionfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),themealofHazratAli(a.s.)alwaysconsistedofgreenvegetables.Hestatedthattheheartofmominisgreenandhasa
leaningtowardsgreenness.Healsostatedthatwhosoeverhaseaten7kasnileavesduringthenight,hewillbesafefromthecolicpainandwhosoeverdesiresmanyoffspringsshould
takekasnileavesinlargequantities.

Anothertraditiondescribesgreenkasnileavesasaverygoodvegetable.Notasingleleafofkasniisdevoidofadropofwaterofheavenandthereforewhenoneeatsoneshould
notshakeit.Itisalsostatedthatkasnileaves(endive)aresuperiortoallvegetablesinthesamemannerasAhlulBait(a.s.)aresuperiortoallmankind.Kasnileaveswheneaten
causebirthofmalechildrenwhoarealsobeautiful.Whenapersonwasillwithfeverandheadache,theImam(a.s.)askedkasnileavestobebeateninpulp,spreadonpaper,and
sprinkledwithoilofbanafshaandthenappliedontheforeheadofthatpersonasitwillcompletelycureboththefeverandtheheadache.

AccordingtoanothertraditionfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),oneshouldhaveTuravegetableasithasfourgoodeffectsitcleansbadbreath,takesoutpoisonousgasesfrom
thebody,curesdysentryandsafeguardsonefromleprosyanddandruff.

AnothertraditionfromthesameImam(a.s.)assertsthatnoothervegetableisasgoodandbeneficialasKhurfawhichwasthevegetablelikedbyHazratFatimaZehra(a.s.).

Inyetanothertraditionhestatesthatoneshouldeatsaladleavestoclearone'sblood.

ImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)hadshowntheJewstwomethodsofcuringdandruff,onewaseatingbeetrootandtheotherwastakingoutveinfrommeat.

HazratImamReza(a.s.)hadstatedthattheleavesofbeetrootshouldbegiventothosewhoareillasithasgotbeneficialeffectsandnoharmfuleffect.Theywillsleep
comfortablyafterhavingthem.Buttherootsofbeetrootcausemelancholy(sauda).

TheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)saidtoHazratAli(a.s.)thatheshouldtakepumpkinasitincreasesbrainandwisdom.

AccordingtoImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),therearethreequalitiesofradish.Itsleavestakeoutpoisonousgasesfrombody,itsseedsareeasilydigestibleanditsveinstakeout
sputum.

Anotherreliabletraditionordershumanbeingstotaketurnipinlargequantitiesforitdissolvesthecapacityofleprosyanddandruffinthosewhoeatsweetpotatoesandturnip.

Accordingtoreliabletraditions,theHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)usedtohavecucumberwithsalt.ImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)hassaidthatcucumbershouldbeeatenfromtherootside
asitismoreadvantageous.

AnothertraditionfromtheImam(a.s.)statesthatonioncleansdirtofteethandsputum,lessensfatigueandlaziness,strengthensveinsandmusclesandtherootsoftheteeth,
increasesoffsprings,beautifiescomplexionandcuresfever.

AtraditionfromtheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)narratesthatwheneverapersonvisitsanynewcity,heshouldeattheoniongrownovertheresothathemaybesafefromallthe
diseasesofthatcity.

AccordingtoatraditionfromImamMohammedBaqir(a.s.),theHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)askedthepersonwhoeatsnottocomeinhismosqueonaccountofit'sbadsmell.Butthe
personwhoisnotinamosqueorwhoisnotgoingtothemosquecanhaveit.

AccordingtoanothertraditionfromImamMohammedBaqir(a.s.),thebiggestsnareofshaitanistomakeyoueatmud.Eatingofmudcausesmanytypesofpainsinthebody,itch
anddysenterylessensthestrengthoflegsandonaccountoflesseningofstrengthofbody,thereislesseningingooddeeds.ThatmanwillbequestionedontheDayofJudgementand
hewillbecursed.

AccordingtoImamMoosaKazim(a.s.),fourthingsaretemptationsbydevileatingmud,tobreakmudinhandhabitually,tobitenailswithteethandtobiteone'sbeard.

.Mannersofwelcomingmomintoone'shome:
AccordingtoImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),wheneverafellowmominvisitsone'shouse,oneshouldmakehimhavefoodandifherefusestohavefoodthenoneshouldofferhim
somethingtodrinkandifhedoesnotevenacceptthat,thenoneshouldwashhishandswithanyscentedwaterorjustplainwater.

AnothertraditionfromthesameImam(a.s.)assertsthatapersonwillbeconsiderednotworthyofrewardwhothinkshisfriendsunworthyandishesitantinofferingtowardshis
guests.

AnotherreliabletraditionfromthesameImam(a.s.)statesthatifamomincomesbyhimselftoyourplace,thenofferhimwhateveryouhavebutifyouhavecalledhim,thentake
allthetroubleoverhisvisit.

AccordingtoareliabletraditioncomingfromHusham,hevisitedImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)inthecompanyofIbneAbiYafoor.WhenHazratorderedforbreakfast(chasht),
Hushamsaidthathewouldhaveonlyalittle.TheImam(a.s.)saidthatperhapsHushamdidnotknowthatonecouldfindoutthedepthoffriendshipbetweentwomominsbythe
amountoffoodtheytakeineachother'scompany.Themorefriendlytheyare,themoretheywilleatineachother'scompany.Manyreliabletraditionsarealwaysstressingthis
aspect.

AccordingtotheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.),invitingrelatives,friendsandneighboursforadinner(Valeema)issunnatonfiveoccasionsMarriage,Aqiqa(firstshavingofthe
child'shead),Khatna(circumcision),whenonehasboughtanewhouseormadeanewhouseandlastly,whenavisitorreturnsfromtravel.

However,theHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)hasaskedpeoplenottoacceptaninvitationfordinnerwhereonlythewelloffareinvitedandthepoorexcluded.

TheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)hasalsostatedthatoneshouldnotresidewithhostforsuchalongtimethatthehostfacestroubleinmeetingwiththeexpensesoftheguestandis
worriedonaccountofit.

IbneYafoorstatesthatoncehesawaguestatImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)'splacegettingupforsomework.TheImam(a.s.)stoppedhimandperformedthatjobforhim
personally.HestatedthattheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)hasprohibitedanyworktobetakenfromtheguest.

AccordingtoImamMohammedBaqir(a.s.),lazinessandlackofmannersalsocauseone'sfailuretoreturntheobligationsomeonehasdoneforhim.Totakeanyworkfroma
guestislackofgoodbehaviourandmorals.Wheneveraguestarrivesoneshouldwelcomehimbyhelpinghiminunpackinginabefittingmannerbutwhentheguestispackingto
leave,oneshouldnothelp,asitisasignofone'sselfishmotive.Oneshouldprovidetheguestwithmostdeliciousfoodtohaveonhisway,asitisasignofone'sgenerosityand
manliness.

AnothertraditionfromtheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)statesthatthehostshouldgoatleastasfarasthedoorwhentheguestisleaving.

AccordingtoImamMohammedBaqir(a.s.),whenapersonvisitsacertainplace,heshouldstaywhereverthehostthinksitsuitableforhimasthehostknowstheinternal
problemsofhisownhomeverywell.

ItisenumeratedaccordingtoHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)thateighttypesofpersonsareworthyofbeingcursed:

a)Apersonwhojoinsthemealuninvited
b)Theguestwhoordershishost
c)Onewhoexpectsagoodturnfromone'senemy
d)Onewhohoards,ismeanandstingyandstillexpectstobeobligedbyothers

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e)Onewhointerfereswithoutpermissionwhentwopeoplearehavingatalkorasecret
f)Onewhodoesnotgiveduerespecttothekingorthoseinauthority
g)Onewhositsinthecompanyofthosewhoarenotworthyofit
h)Onewhotalkswithapersonwhodoesnotgivedueattentiontohiswords.

Anothertraditionordersonetoaskonlythosepeopletohavefoodwithwhomoneisfriendly,justonaccountofGod.

AccordingtoImamMohammedBaqir(a.s.),apersonwhogivesfoodtoasinglefellowmominwithwhomheisfriendlyforGod'ssake,hasdonesomethingwhichisbetterthan
providingfoodtotheneedy.

ItisstatedthatwhentheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)usedtohavefoodwithguests,heusedtostartfirstandendlaterthanallsothatnoguestmayremainhungry.

AnothertraditionfromtheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)statesthatifoneoffersdrinkingwatertoagroup,oneshoulddrinklastofall.

Anothertraditionstatesthatifamanspendshundreddirhamsonfoodandifamominhasthefoodwithhim,thenheisnotspendingfoolishly.

Mostofthetraditionsassertthatwhenaguestarrives,hebringshisdailyfoodrequirementsalongwithhimbythegraceofGod,andwhenhehaseatenhisfillandgoneback,itis
ameansofforgivenessforthehost'ssins.

AccordingtoHazratAli(a.s.),apersonwhofeelshappyathearingthevoiceofhisguest,hasallhissinsforgiventhoughhemayhavefilledtheheavenandearthwithhissins.

10.Themannersandadvantagesofcleaningone'steeth(khilal):

AtraditionfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)statesthatHazratJibrael(a.s.)broughtfortheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)MiswakKhilal(toothpick)andhornforvivisectionandsaid
thatKhilalstrengthenstherootsofteeth,makesthemhealthyandincreasesdailyincome.

AtraditionfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)statesthattheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)hasprohibitedtheuseofpomegranateoranyfruittree'sbranchaskhilalasitcausesdandruff.

AccordingtoHazratAli(a.s.),doingkhilalwiththewoodofJhaocausespoverty.

AnothertraditionstatesthattheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)hasordainedthatthehostshouldprovidehisguestwithkhilalforangelslookwithangeratthefoodparticlestrapped
inanyone'steeth.

AtraditionfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.)statesthatthefoodparticleswhichclingtotherootsoftheteethshouldbeeatenandthosewhicharetrappedbetweentheteeth
shouldbetakenoutandthrownaway.

AccordingtoImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),whateverisremovedwithkhilalshouldnotbeeatenasitcausesinternalwounds.

11.Thetypesandadvantagesofwater:

Areliabletraditionstatesthatinthisworldandtheworldtocome,thereisnothingbetterthanwater.AnyonewhotakespleasureindrinkingwaterwilltakepleasurewhenGod
giveshimthewineofHeaven.

AccordingtoatraditionfromHazratAli(a.s.),AabezamzamisthebestwateramongallthewatersoftheearthandAabeBurhoot(whichisinYemen)istheworstforitishaunted
bythespiritsofthenonbelievers(kafirs),anddayandnightitisinastateofcurse.

AccordingtoImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),Aabezamzamisacureforalldiseases.

HazratAli(a.s.)saidthatoneshoulddrinkrainwaterasitpurifiesthebodyandcuresallpainsanddiseases.

AccordingtoImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),coldwaterlessenstemperature,curesvomiting,digestsfood,andisanantidoteforheatandalsostatedthatboiledwaterisgoodforall
typesofpainsandisnotharmfulinanyway.

AccordingtoImamReza(a.s.),thewaterwhichisboiledseventimesinsevendifferentvesselscuresfeverandcough.

IbneAbiTaifur,adoctor,statesthatwhenhevisitedImamMoosaKazim(a.s.),hesawhimdrinkingalotofwater.Whenhestopped,theImam(a.s.)repliedthatdrinking
watereveninexcessisnotharmfulinanywayasitdigestsfoodinthestomach,lessensexcitement(anger),increasesintellectandcuresvomiting.

12.Mannersofdrinkingwater:

AccordingtoImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),whosoever,whiledrinkingwater,remembersImamHusain(a.s.)andhisAhleBaitandcurseshismurderersandtormenters,onelakhgood
deedswillbewritteninhisrecord,onelakhsinswillbeforgiven,hewillbeelevatedonelakhtimesandhewillberewardedtotheextentasthoughhehasfreedonelakhslavesin
thenameofGodandontheDayofJudgementGodwilllooktowardshiswelfare.Ifherecitesthefollowingwhiledrinkingwater,itisbetter:

MayAllahshowerhisblessingsonHusain(a.s.)andhisAhlebaitandhiscompanions.MayHeincreaseHiscursesonthemurderersofHusain(a.s.)andhisenemies.

AnotherreliabletraditionfromthesameImam(a.s.)assertsthatifapersondoesnotdrinkwaterwhenheisfeelingthirstyandappeaseshisthirstlate,thenGodmakeshiman
inhabitantofHeaven.Actually,beforeappeasinghisthirst,heshouldwaitforawhilepraisingAlmightyandthendrinkandatthattimeGodmakesHeavencompulsoryforhim.

InanothertraditionfromthesameImam(a.s.),itisstatedthatifaperson,beforedrinkingwateratnightrecitesthreetimes:

SalutationtothewaterofZamZamandwaterofFurat.

thenthewaterwillnotharmhim.

AccordingtoatraditionfromImamJa'fareSadiq(a.s.),oneshouldnothavewaterwhilestanding,oneshouldnotwalkaroundagraveandshouldnoturinateinstandingwater.
Ifapersondoesthesethings,hewillbeaffectedbytroublesandthenhewillhavetocurehimselfalonefromthese.

AccordingtoImamMohammedBaqir(a.s.),oneshouldsayBismillahbeforedrinkingwaterandAlhamdolillahafterdrinking.Iftheclaycontainerhasahandle,thenone
shouldtakethewaterfromthefrontandifitisbrokenfromsomewhereorhasahole,thenoneshouldhavewaterfromtheothersideasboththesituationsarerelatedtothedevil.

TheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)hasprohibitedblowingwithmouthinthewater.

ItisstatedthattheHolyProphet(s.a.w.a.)usedtodrinkwateringlassutensilswhichhadcomeasapresentfromSyriaandattimesinwoodenandleathercontainersandifnone
wereavailable,inhishand.

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Fasting
alQur'anremarks:OBelievers!Fastingisdecreedforyou,asitwasdecreedforthosebeforeyou,thatyoumightattainsalvation.
(alQur'anChapter2,Verse183)Thelevyofthebodyisfasting.(Ali(AS)

alTabaTabai (1991)relatesthatthelateAliAghaQazioncerelatedawonderfulstoryaboutstarvation.Inshort,hesaid:Onceduringthe
daysoftheformerProphetsthreepersonsweretravelingtogether.Atnightfall,theysetoutinthreedifferentdirectionswithaviewtoget
food,butagreedtoassemblenextmorningataparticularplaceatanappointedtime.Somepersonalreadyinvitedoneofthem.

Thesecondmanalsobychancebecametheguestofsomeone.Thethirdmanhadnoplaceto go. He said to himself that he should go to

themosquetobetheguestofAllah.

He passed the night in the mosque, but could get no food. Next morning they assembled at the appointed place and each one of them
related his story. At that time, the Prophet of the time received a revelation to the following effect, Tell Our guest that We were his host
lastnightandwantedtoprovidehimwithsumptuousfood,butfoundthattherewasnofoodbetterthanhunger.

Fastingisoneofthemosteffectivewaystocorrectblockagesintheenergy(LindgrenandDlitt,2000),andthisprescriptionhasbeengiven
to Muslims one whole month every year. The difference between therapeutic fasting (where vegetable juices and raw fruits are allowed)
andfastinginIslamisthatthefastingforMuslimsisnotonlytherapeutic,butalsospiritualandarevolutionofone'ssoul, balancing each
andeveryblockageinthefieldsofenergyregardlessofitsoriginmental,physical,spiritualorevenemotionalorigin.

Whenresearchersandscientists,thelikeofBrennan(1987),apreviousresearchscientistatNASAandapracticingenergypsychotherapist,
want to employ a program of energetic cleansing to severely disabled people and those suffering from drug addiction and other
degenerative disease, they prescribe fasting as the primary component in the program. This helps to cleanse the energy, and therefore
allowfreeflowingofenergyandincreasebalance.

Islam has further associated fasting with good living, and Muslims are required to abstain from certain actions (sinful and abominable) in
ordertomakeasuccessfulfasting.Duringfasting,Islamdiscouragesbackbitingandslandering,watchingillicitmovies,listeningtomusic,
andsoforth.Mostcertainly,alltheseactionsbringaboutanenergyrevolutionofthebodyandsoulthatisofgreatbenefittothatperson,
livinginaworldfilledwithfaultsthatareeasilyaccessible.Moreonthis,attheendofthispart.

Dr.AllanCottinhisbook,Fasting,TheUltimateDiet,explainssomeofthereasonswhypeopledofast.Thefollowingisapartial list
oftheaimsoffastingasseenbytheauthorofthatbook,themajorityofwhichhavebeenprovenscientificallyandinfolkmedicine:

To feel better physically and mentally to clean out the body to give the whole system a rest to lower blood pressure and cholesterol
levelstocutdownonsmokinganddrinkingtogetmoreoutofsextoletthebodyhealitselftorelievetensiontoenddependence on
drugstosleepbettertodigestfoodbettertoregulatebowelstofeeleuphorictosharpenthesensestoquicken mental processes to
boost selfesteem to learn better eating habits to share with the hungry to gain control of oneself to seek spiritual revelations to
observereligiousritestocallattentiontosocialissuestoslowtheagingprocess.

Alltheabovehealthandspiritualbenefitscanonlybeachievediffastingreallyhadallthechemicalandenergybalancingproperties.The
human energy system is strengthened with fasting, as one furthers into spiritual and physical bliss. Moreover, he will attract only free
flowing energy from nearby sources making his energy fields pure and impregnable. This alteration in the infoenergy is also of great
benefittotheindividualsfastingintheprescribedmannerbyMuslims,anddoingthisacttogether.Thefollowingnarrationexplainsfurther,
whataMuslimhastogothroughwhilefasting:

Onewhowhilefastingdoesnotguardhistonguefromtellingliesanddoesnotrefrainfrombaddeeds,isnotrespectinghisfast.
Allahdoesnotapproveofmereabstentionfromfood.(HolyProphet(S)

Whenyouarefasting,youshouldnotspeakillofanybody,norshouldyouberoughandnoisy.Ifanybodyspeaksillofyouortriestopicka
quarrelwithyou,replyhimnot,butsaytohimthatyouarefasting.(HolyProphet(S)

Thedayofyourfastshouldnotbelikeanyordinaryday.Whenyoufast,allyoursenseseyes,ears,tongue,handsandfeetmustfastwith
you.(alSadiq(AS)

O Jabir! Whoever during the month of Ramadhan, fasts in its days, stands up for prayers in parts of the night, controls his desires and
emotions,putsareinonhistongue,keepshiseyesdown,anddoesnotinjurethefeelingsofothers,willbecomeasfreeofsinsastheday
hewasborn.(alBaqir(AS)

ThefollowingadaptedfromanarticlebytheLateAhmedSheriffDewji,publishedintheLightMagazine:

The most important consideration in undertaking a fast, as in any act of devotion, is to seek nearness to God, and seek His pleasure and
Forgiveness.Thisitselfgeneratesaspiritofpietyinman.

Fasting gives man an unfailing training in endurance, a spirit of acceptance. This could well prepare him to put up with the unchangeable
situationsinlifeinthesamespiritofresignationascultivatedduringthefasts.

Fastingdevelopscourage,fortitude,andafightingspiritinmantosurmounttheheavyoddsinlifewithacoolandtranquilmind.It
sharpenshispowerofconcentrationtoovercomeobstaclesthroughavigorousexerciseallthroughoutthemonth,leadingto a
steelingofhiswillpowerandresolve,whichcouldhelphiminchallengingsituationsinlife.Itisseenthanmanyanundesirable
habit,whichisdifficulttogiveup,ismoreeasilygivenupduringthedaysoffasting.

FastingteachesmanrelianceonGod,andconfidenceinHim.JustasthevigorousstateoffastingforawholemonthisundertakenwithHis
assistance,bittersituationsinlifecouldalsobesurmountedwithHishelp.

Fastingdevelopsaspiritofpatienceinman,withtherealizationthatthedaysoffasting,thoughseeminglyunending,dohavea successful
andhappyend.Thusislife.Allbittersituationspass,andended.

Fastingismeanttoconquerangeranddevelopselfcontrolinman.Thevigorouseffortrequiredputtingupwithhungerandthirst can well

beextendedtoconquerotherinfirmitiesofhumancharacterthatleadmanintoerrorandsin.

Fastinginculcatesaspiritoftoleranceinmantofaceunpleasantconditionsandsituationswithoutmakinghisfellowbeingsthevictimofhis
wrath. Many people, when facing discomfort and deprivation, become irritable and annoyed. This anger is then vented on those around
them.Fastinghelpsamanbecomemoretolerantdespitehisowndiscomfort.

Fastingmellowsamanandenhanceshischaracter,givingajolttothehumaninstinctsofpride,haughtiness,jealousyandambition.Fasting
softenshischaracter,andclearshisheartandmindofmanynegativeemotions.

Fastingdemandsarigidsenseofdiscipline,mental, spiritual and physical. This forms characteristics, which are an essential ingredient to
successinlife.

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Fastingcreatesspiritualreformationinman,infusinghimwithaspiritofenthusiasmandzesttochangeandbecomeabetterhumanbeing
intheeyesofGod.Thisisanexcellentopportunity,giventobelieverseachyear,tochangethemselvesandconsequentlytheirdestinies.

On the physical side, fasting cleanses the human system of the accumulated impurities of uninterrupted eating throughout the year. It
preparesthebodytofacediseasesorconditionsofscarcity.Therigidabstinenceofafastregulatesman'shealth,sharpenshisintellectand
enhancesthequalitiesofhisheart.

InHayatulQulub,byalMajlisi,hewritesthatSayyidIbnTawushasnarratedinthebookSadhusSaudthatIhaveseeninthescripturesof
Idris(AS)that:

Keepyoursoulawayfromimpurethingswhilstfasting.Inaddition,fastwithapureandsincereintentiononlyforAllah.

Cleanyourintentionfromfilth,becauseAllahwillsegregatepeoplewithpureheartsandpureintentions.

For fasting and abstaining your mouth from food it is necessary that you be away from sins because Allah is not pleased if one just
abstainsfromfoodbutitisexpectedthatyouabstainfromallevilwhenyouworship.

Then his heart and his thoughts should be directed towards prayers and to establishing a link with Allah and supplicate and ask your
hearts'desirewhichwillbeyourgainandshouldbeexpedientwithhumilityandhelplessness.

And,whenyouprostratebeawayfromworldlytensions,evilthoughtsandbadorunexpectedactions.

Islam'sStandonVegetarians
Islam'sStandonVegetarians Oyou who believe! Fulfill the obligations. The cattle quadrupeds are allowed to you, except that
whichisrecitedtoyou,notviolatingtheprohibitionagainstgamewhenyouareenteringupontheperformanceofthepilgrimage.
Surely,AllahorderswhatHedesires.(alQur'anChapter5,Verse1)

InQur'anAllahclearlystatesthatHecreatedthecattleforhumanbenefitandconsumption:

What!Do they not see that We have created the cattle for them, of what our hands have wrought, and of them, they are the
masters?And,Wesubjecteduntothecattle,andsomeofthemtheyrideupon,andsomeofthemtheyeat.Andforthem,inthem
arebenefitsanddrinks.What!Willtheynotbegrateful?(alQur'anChapter36,Verses7173)

TheInfallible(AS)havesaid:Ofallthefoodsintheheavenandtheearth,whichcanbetakenwithbread,meatisthebest.Eating
meatincreasesthegrowthoffleshandincreasesenergysignificantly.

IntheBible:Foronebelieveshemayeatallthings,buthewhoisweakeatsonlyvegetables.(Romans,14:2)

MuhammadibnAbdillahnarratesfromoneofhiscompanionsthathesaidIsaidtoAbuAbdillah(AS)MayIbemadeyourransom!Why
didAllahforbidthedeadanimal,bloodandfleshofswine?

He said:VerilywhenAllah,theBlessed,theHigh,prohibitedthesetoHisservantsandmadetheotherthingslawfultothem,it
wasnotbecauseAllahlikedtheseprohibitedthingsforHimselfBlessedandHighisHe,nordidHedislikeotherthingsandso,
allowedHisservantstouseit.

The fact is that He created the creatures and knew what would sustain their bodies and keep them in good health. Therefore, he made it
lawfulforthemasafavorfromHimselffortheirownwellbeing.Moreover,Heknewwhat would be harmful to them, so He forbade it to
themandmadeitunlawful.YetHealloweditforthosefacingemergencies,andmadeitlawfultohimwhenhisbodycouldnotbesustained
otherwise.Therefore,Heorderedhimpartakefromittothatamountwhichwouldaverttheemergency,butnotanymore.

Unless they choose a proper balance of foods, strict vegetarians are at risk for several deficiencies, especially vitamin B12. The other
nutrients at risk are riboflavin, calcium, iron, and the essential amino acids lysine and methionine. Vegetarian children not exposed to
sunlight are at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Zinc deficiency can occur in vegans because the phytic acid in whole grains binds zinc, and
there is little zinc in fruits and vegetables. Since B12 is present only in animal foods and a limited number of specially fortified foods,
vegans should probably take B12 supplements prescribed by a physician. Further, the symptoms of vegetarianism may include protein
deficiency,aminoacidandmineraldepletioncoupledwithchroniclowlevelsofenergy.

Islam'sinclinationtoingestingmeatisanimportantdietaryadvicetoMuslimsandaprescriptiontohealthylife.Animalproductshavebeen
researchedtohavepowerfulvibratoryfrequencies,healthyandnutritious.

Amajorargumentputforthbyvegetariansisthatananimalhastobeslaughteredandthisfearwithintheanimalwilladulterateit's flesh
andlowerthechargeintheenergyofthemeat,therebycausingharmtowhosoevereatsthemeat(asdocumentedearlier). However, we
have shown in the previous sections that the Islamic method of slaughtering creates honor and reverence in the slaughter, and this act
carriesnotraumaticfrequenciesthatcouldunbalancetheelectricalmatrixofthemeat.

Surprisingly,HeistandandColeman(1999)quoteanexperimentinwhichthefrequencyofenergycontainedwithinthecarrothadabigger
changewhenpulledfromthegroundthan a cattle beast's energy change when slaughtered. This means that the carrot actually screamed
louderthanthecow.

InIslam:

Animalshavebeencreatedmostlyforthebenefitofhumankindmenarethemastersofthem.

Godhascreatedcattleformen,inwhichthereisasignofGod.

Cattlehavebeenmadeformantorideonandtoserveasfoodandforvariousotheradvantages.

Mancanmakeuseoftheflesh,skin,feathers,andbonesofanimals.

Qur'anapprovesdogstobeusedforhunting.

Itpointsoutthatman,throughtheapplicationofhisskillandintelligence,hasbeenabletomakemultipleusesoftheskinand
hairofanimalsforhiscomfortsandconveniences.

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MirAhmedAli(AR)writes:

Thecriticismof the slaughter of animals by the opponentsofIslamisunreasonable.Animalshavebeencreated by the creator to provide

foodforthehumanbeings.Thereislifeineverythingmanoranimaleatsordrinks.Therefore,savingorsparinglifeisnotpossible.Thisis
the law of nature. The very existence of life depends upon the proper consuming of life. Life in the lower stages of creation has been
purposelycreatedtobesacrificedtoservethesurvivalofthespeciesinthehigherrealm.

Similarly,manhasbeencreatedtosacrificehisself,whichisdearesttohim,toreachthehigherrealmsofdivinityorspiritualbliss. It is
truethatpurposelessslaughterof animals is a waste of Allah's bounty when it is carried out in contravention to the laws of the author of
nature.Evenforthosewhoholdanimalssacred,thesurestwaytoshowtheirconcernistoslaughterthematthepropertime,becauseone
daytheywillbeeliminatedbydeath.Therefore,ifananimalistodieanyway,itisbettertouseitforsustenanceofhumanlife,ratherthan
lettingitgowaste.Themercifulcreator,therefore,hasallowedslaughterofanimalsforthesustenanceofhumanlife.

Inthedaysofignorance,mansacrificedmantopleasehismanmadegods.Islamstoppedthispractice.Instead,tokeepalivethespiritof
theintendedsacrificeofIsmailbyIbrahim,toshowhisobediencetohisLord,sacrificeofanimalshasbeenprescribed.Ontheotherhand,
Islam prohibits purposeless killing of animals. As long as a haji is in ihram, he cannot kill even a mosquito. Hunting is not only forbidden
during the hajj but also as a sport in ordinary life. Imam Ali, on his deathbed, asked his children to take care of the birds he had
domesticated,orelsetosetthemfree.Once,adiscipleofImamJa'faralSadiqkilledsomepigeonsinexasperation.TheImamaskedhim
togiveonedinarincharityforeverypigeonhehadkilledasexpiation.

Once,thecompanionsofImamalHasantriedtomakeadogrunwhentheuncleananimalcamenearthemwhiletheywerehavingmeals
withtheImam.TheImampreventedthem,begantoeatonemorselhimself,andgaveanothertothedog.Hesaid:

IshouldfeelashamedifacreatureofAllahlooksatmyfoodandIturnitaway.
AllamahTabaTabai(AR)writes:

Clearly,thesystemofcreation,whichhasoverallcontrolonallthecreatures,hasordainedthatmanshouldgetnourishmentfrommeats,
etc. Then it has guided the previous parts of existence towards it. It is the system, which has created in human beings the ability to get
sustenancefrombothanimalsandvegetables.Hehas,inthefrontofhisalimentarysystem,theteethsomeofwhicharemadetocut,the
others to break, some to tear and others to grind. They are called canines, molars, premolars and incisors. Man is not like goat or cow,
whichcannotcutortearapart,norishelikethebeastsofprey,whichcannotgrindorincise.

Thefacultyoftastewithwhichhismouthisequippedfindsthetasteofmeatspleasant.Thenotherorgansofhisdigestivesystemlikewise
findthemeatsdeliciousandlongfor it. All this is a part of creative guidance, which proves that the Creator has given him permission to
useandeatvariousmeats.Howcanweseparatethiscreativeguidancefromlawfulnessofthework,whichthisguidanceleads.

Islamisanaturalreligion.Itsonlyaimistorevivethetracksofnature,whichthehumanignorancehasobliterated.Itisboundto declare
lawfulwhatthecreationguidestoandthenaturedecrees.IslamicLegislationrevivesthisnaturalcommandment.Andinthesameway,it
restores other arrangements, which the Creator has ingrained in our nature. We have already mentioned that it confirms the decree of
reason that one should abstain from such meats, which are harmful physically or spiritually. And, it strengthens the inner feelings by
prohibitingwhatthenormalhumannaturedislikesorfeelsaversion.ThesetwoprinciplesultimatelyarebasedontheDivine management
ofthecreation.Islamhasgivencredencetothem.Ithasprohibitedthatwhichharmsthegrowthofthebodyandhasforbiddenthatwhich
isinjurioustothewellbeingofhumansociety.Forexample,thatwhichhasbeenslaughteredinthenameofotherthanAllahorthatwhich
has been obtained through gambling and dividing with arrows and so on, and it has prohibited those repulsive things which the nature
abhors.

ThereisnodoubtthatmercyisafinegiftofAllah,whichhasbeeningrainedinthehumannatureandinmanyanimalsaswell,aswehave
sometimes observed. However, the Creator has not given it the status that it should enjoy absolute power over all affairs, or should
commandunqualifiedobedience.Thecreationitselfhasnotgiventhemercyfreereinotherwise,therewouldnothavebeeninthisworld
anytraceofgrief,disease,sufferingandvarioustypesoftorturesandoppressions.

Moreover,humanmercyinitselfisnotlikejustice,inasmuchasitisnotanabsolutenoblecharacteristic,whichadmitsnorestriction.Hadit
beenso,thenitwouldnothavebeenpropertopunishanoppressorforhisoppressionortopenalizeacriminalforhiscrimenorwouldwe
have been allowed to confront a transgression with similar action. If mercy means this, then the earth and all that is on it would perish.
However,Islamhasnotneglectedthedemandsofmercyaltogether,becauseitisamongthecreation'sgifts.Ithasorderedustodealwith
the animals with mercy. It has forbidden us to torture the animal at the time of slaughter. It does not allow dissecting the limbs of the
slaughteredanimalbeforeithasdied,norisitallowedtoskinitwhileitisalive.

And,

AsforthetalkofdivineMercyandHisbeingthemostMercifulofall,dotheythinkthatAllahistenderheartedbeing?Alternatively,thathis
senses are influenced and He feels pity on some things? Obviously, these are material and physical characteristics and Allah is far above
such things. The Divine Mercy means that Allah bestows good on someone who deserves it as much as he deserves it. That is why
sometimes what we think is punishment turns out to be the Mercy from Him, and vice versa. Consequently, according to the reason, it is
notgoodtoneglectordiscardabeneficialactionbylisteningtowhatissuggestedbyourfalsemercy.Norisitallowed to be negligent in
legislatingtheIslamicLaws,keepinginviewtherealitiesofthecreation.

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