In Islam, there is a command to consume lawful (Halal) food and engage in righteous deeds. This command is derived from various Quranic verses and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and it encompasses both physical and spiritual aspects of life. Here are some key points regarding this command:
1. Consumption of Lawful Food: Muslims are instructed to consume only lawful and permissible food and beverages, as prescribed in the Quran and Sunnah. This includes abstaining from consuming anything that is prohibited (Haram), such as pork, alcohol, and improperly slaughtered meat. The concept of Halal extends beyond the type of food to include the manner in which it is obtained, prepared, and consumed, emphasizing cleanliness, ethical sourcing, and gratitude for the blessings provided by Allah.
يـأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُلُواْ مِن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَـكُمْ
"O you who believe! Eat of the Tayyibat that We have provided you with." (2:172)
2. Purity of Intention: Alongside consuming lawful food, Muslims are encouraged to maintain purity of intention (Niyyah) in their actions and intentions. This involves being mindful of Allah's commandments and seeking His pleasure in all aspects of life, including eating and drinking. By aligning their intentions with righteousness and piety, Muslims aim to turn even mundane activities such as eating into acts of worship.
3. Engagement in Righteous Deeds: In addition to consuming lawful food, Muslims are commanded to engage in righteous deeds and actions. This includes fulfilling religious obligations such as Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage), as well as acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion towards others. Engaging in righteous deeds is considered a means of earning Allah's pleasure, attaining spiritual growth, and seeking redemption in the Hereafter.
Allah Azawajal commands us in the glorious Qur'an:
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلرُّسُلُ كُلُواْ مِنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ وَٱعۡمَلُواْ صَٰلِحًاۖ إِنِّى بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ
"O Messengers! Allah commands His servants and Messengers, peace be upon them all, to eat lawful food and do righteous deeds." (23:51)
4. Balanced Living: Islam emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation in all aspects of life, including consumption and conduct. While it is essential to consume lawful food and engage in righteous deeds, Muslims are also encouraged to avoid excess and extravagance, as well as harmful or sinful behaviors. Striking a balance between fulfilling one's worldly needs and spiritual obligations is central to leading a virtuous and fulfilling life in accordance with Islamic teachings.
إِنَّ دَاوُدَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَمُ كَانَ يَأْكُلُ مِنْ كَسْبِ يَدِه
"Dawud, upon him be peace, used to eat from the earnings of his own hand."
5. Gratitude and Thankfulness: Finally, the command to consume lawful food and engage in righteous deeds is accompanied by an emphasis on gratitude and thankfulness to Allah for His blessings. Muslims are encouraged to be mindful of the sustenance provided by Allah, express gratitude for His provisions, and use their blessings in ways that are pleasing to Him. Gratitude is considered a cornerstone of faith and is essential for cultivating a sense of contentment, humility, and appreciation for Allah's mercy and bounty.
In summary, the command to consume lawful food and engage in righteous deeds is a central aspect of Islamic teachings, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions of life. By adhering to this command, Muslims seek to uphold ethical principles, nourish their bodies and souls, and lead lives of piety, integrity, and gratitude in accordance with the guidance of Islam.
All praise is due to Allah, we ask Him to let us die on the path of Qur'an and Sunnah.