Over-Eating
In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in chronic illnesses. There are unprecedented prevalence of Diabetes, Hypertension, Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Disease and Obesity in our societies. The root cause of this is that we have changed our eating habits.
Bad eating habits are common. Living in a fast-paced, modern society often makes it so you have to eat on the run, eat whatever is fast and easy or use food to relieve stress.There has been an increase in the consumption of processed, boxed, pre-packaged and pre-cooked 'foods'. Everyone is looking 4 a quick fix that can just be popped into the microwave. These foods contain few nutrients, toxic chemical substances, and high sodium and sugar levels. Instead we should be eating foods that are wholesome and organic.
The solution to all of this is found in our Deen . In the noble Quraan Almighty Allah says “Eat of the good things which We have provided for you.” (Al-Baqarah: 173) In yet another verses Allah says, “Eat of what is lawful and wholesome on the earth. (Al-Baqarah: 168)
Healthy nutrition means having a balanced diet, in order to maintain the balance that Allah has established in all matters. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam encouraged us to be moderate in consuming food. He advised us by saying: "A person does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. A few morsels to support him is enough for him. But if he is insisting on having more food, then he should allocate one third of his stomach for food, one third for drink, and one third for air." [Musnad Ahmad and Sunan al-Tirmidhî]
Ummul Mumineen, Aaisha Radiyallahu Anha detected a gradual change in attitude a long time ago. She said: "The first misfortune to befall this Ummah after the demise of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, is that they eat until their stomachs are full. When the stomach is filled, then the body becomes huge and the heart becomes weak. A person's carnal desires then overtake him. (Targheeb Wat Tarheeb)
Eating to our fill is an unquestionable norm in our lives. We eat three time a day, filling our stomachs to its maximum with a clear conscience . To us there seems to be nothing wrong with that. Yet, the Sahaba Raydiiyallah Anhu considered this something deeply detestable. It was never a habit or practice of theirs to eat three times a day or to eat to their fill.
Aa'isha Radiyallahu Anha narrates her own episode in this regard. She says: " Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam once saw that I had eaten(full meals) twice during a single day and said, O Aaisha! Are you not interested in any activity besides your stomach? Eating twice during one day is extravagance and Allah does not like the extravagant ones." Targheeb wat Tarheeb