ISLAMIC TEACHINGS AND HEALTH
The medical benefits of ablution
A new study confirms that rinsing water in the mouth prevents gum disease, dental caries and strengthens the muscles of the mouth. Cleaning nose and inhalation of water rid the nose of germs - people who perform the ablution in the right way thus keep their nose free of germs.
Also, many studies confirm that washing the face with water gives the skin freshness and beauty. God the Almighty says (meaning), “Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves (by taking a bath and cleaning and washing thoroughly their private parts, bodies, for their prayers, etc.” (Sura Al-Baqarah, ayah 222).
Studies confirm that washing the face rids the eyes of dust and germs and washing the hands disperses sweat and accumulated fats on the skin and opens pores. All the above reflect the medical status of the body. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Correct ablution is half the belief.” (Narrated by Muslim).
Physicians say that washing and rubbing the feet prevent many skin diseases and also washing the face and hands activates blood vessels: they positively affect the psychological status of the believer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) truthfully said, “If the believer performs the ablution in the right way; sins will completely leave his body until it goes out from his nails.” (Narrated by Muslim).
Walking to mosques is a wonderful sport
According to the latest research, walking is a useful sport to prevent certain knee diseases.
After many studies on athletics, scientists have found that people who are used to practice jogging or walking have muscles and knees in a good condition as long as they keep practicing this. Also they found that people who stop practicing are exposed to knee problems.
So they concluded that daily walking strengthen the knees, and that regular walking helps the knee’s cartilage to be used for movement and loading, so the knees become used to walking and running for decades without being hurt.
Here, we remember what happened between the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the blind man who asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to pray at home, but the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) refused and ordered him to pray at the mosque even in “Fajr prayer” because if he stayed at home, he will be affected by many diseases because of staying without practicing walking.
This is an indication that all orders of this religion are good for us even if we do not understand what is behind the order. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to his companions, “Do you want to know what erases sins and raises Muslims to the upper levels in heaven?” They said,“Yes.” Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “You must make ablution perfectly and walk to mosques and await the prayers.” (Narrated by Muslim).
To eat or drink while standing is disliked
Physicians say that, if we do not relax while eating, it may cause a great stress to our digestive system and that also our interior enzymes will not have the chance to work on the food to assimilate the nutrients into our bloodstream. So they advise us not to be rushed while eating and that we should always sit on a chair in a comfortable position while eating our food.
We should not forget that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) prohibited us to eat or drink while standing.
The immune system and the Noble Koran
When the Koran is recited, listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.
Many studies confirm the great benefits of regular listening to the Noble Koran especially with submissiveness, meditation and consideration.
A scientific study confirmed that the recitation of the Koran with submissiveness, consideration and meditation improved the function of the lungs and accelerated the healing of asthma and allergy diseases, especially in children.
Another study showed that the regular listening to the Koran raises the body’s immune system and that those who learnt chapters of Koran, performing regularly in recitation and listening have better health and stronger immune systems.
And Glory be to God! The Almighty has commanded us to recite and pay attention to the Koran as this listening is a cause of God’s mercy and the healing of many diseases. Therefore God the Almighty said (meaning), “So when the Koran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.” (Sura Al-Araf, ayah 204).
Vinegar
Scientific research has revealed various benefits to vinegar and benefits continue to be discovered. For instance, it has been shown that vinegar, because of its purifying nature, aids in the treatment of diarrhoea. Also, drinking a small amount of vinegar on a consistent basis assists in digestion, as it replenishes the digestive system and kills any parasites in the intestines.
Vinegar is also considered a very good antibiotic, and has been proven to effectively treat infected gums and tooth cavities.
The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) was indeed correct in saying, “The best of condiments or condiment is vinegar.” This is merely one example of that which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told us was beneficial, and that was indeed proven by science to be so, and anything he discouraged us from was scientifically shown to result in some kind of harm.
