Faith, Well-being and More: A Paradigm Shift

Welcome to the corner of well-being!  This corner will present topics related to your well-being – whether it be physical, mental, social, or financial. Cutting-edge knowledge will be provided to you with an Islamic perspective.  This issue’s corner is meant to be introductory and following issues will include more detailed information.
 

It is obvious that all people throughout history have tried to live in a state of well-being.  Is this any different in Islamic civilization?  The answer is very simple – Muslims sought well-being like all other people, but Islam gave this concept a new dimension by making it part of ‘Ibadah (worship).  By maintaining your well-being and living happily, you are pleasing Allah.  Allah praised the believers who ask Him, “Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the torment of the fire” (Al-Baqarah 2:201).  In the chapter al-Isra’, Allah tells us that we are responsible for all that He granted us, including our bodies, ” Surely the hearing, the sight and the heart – all of these shall you be questioned about” (al-Isra’ 17:36).
 

Our beloved Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, stated, “A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than a weak believer, although in both there is goodness.”  Scholars have stated that this hadith refers both to the strength of one’s faith and religion, as well as their physical, mental and other types of strength.  
 

For thousands of years, people have known the essentials of living healthy:  a balanced diet, exercise, and good sleeping habits.  Unfortunately, it is evident that the majority of people are not always able to observe these habits.  For us as Muslims, these things are part of ‘Ibadah if done with the intention that they enable us to worship Allah and serve people better.
 

My father, who has had diabetes for many years, is gradually losing his eyesight.  Unfortunately, he cannot read the Qur’an now.  He is still able to find his way to the mosque, but he wishes that he had done a better job taking care of himself.
 

I have known many prominent scholars who were no longer able to benefit people at the peak of their maturity and wisdom because of their ailments.  Taking good care of their bodies was not a priority for them.
 

So, dear friends, we need to change the way we think and act.  We need a paradigm shift.  A fundamental part of our faith is taking good care of ourselves, so we should make it a higher priority in our lives.  We need to eat healthy and be physically active because it is a form of ‘Ibadah – indeed, it can be one of the simplest ways of becoming stronger in faith and more beloved to Allah.