Right of our Body on us

Human beings are essentially made up of three basic parts; mind, soul and body. The human body not only comprises and connects the other two, it is also dependent on them. So taking care of the body would be incomplete without caring for the mind and soul as well. Although the thought of caring for ourselves seems selfish in a way, it actually isnt. Our own self is tied with many other lives. Allah created human beings in a way that makes it inevitable for them to be social. If you are sound and healthy, youll be able to look after your loved ones and society thereupon. So how do we know it is our religious duty to look after our body? There are several references in the Quran and Ahadith, either directly or indirectly pointing to this fact. The famous Hadith quoted in Sahih Al Bukhari goes like this: The Prophet said: Observe the fast sometimes and also leave (it) at other times. Stand up for prayer at night and also sleep at night. Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you and your wife has a right over you." - Sahih AlBukhari, Volume 7, Hadith 127 Although this is in relation with excessive praying or fasting, it also holds good in every other aspect of ones life. Your body has a right over you, speaks for itself. We already know that everything that has been bestowed upon us is a favor of Allah, and we as trustees, will be held accountable for it. Thats the reason why we have to give the body its due rights, and being indifferent to the rights of our body is, in essence, a sin. Now that we know its our religious duty to be faithful to our bodies as a trust, we now discuss how to carry out this duty. As mentioned in the above narration, the prophet (S.A.W) had to direct the Sahaba not to exceed human limits in worship. It is human psychology that in order to correct our souls and also to be thankful to our Lord, we tend to go for long and tiring ibadaat. This is apparently a very commendable act. Especially in this time of fitnahs, a mans strong contact with Allah is no doubt needed. The purity of intention of our Sahaba is admirable too. But the teachings of our prophet (S.A.W) show us that Islam requires us to keep a healthy balance between body and soul. Islams

beauty is in the consistency of our acts, no matter how small they may be. We can discern what our practice should be in the worldly matters like our education, jobs, businesses and household chores when our religion stresses so much on maintaining moderation in worship. Its a common observation that when it comes to our worldly duties, we become so indulged that we forget our time, space and condition, in fact, most of our self too. Let us admit that hard work wont excuse us from all other duties. Toiling may mean dedication to work, but dont forget, smart work can replace extra-hard work. By working like mules we cant retain our position of Allahs deputies. We have to ensure that our time and energy should also be directed to our families, worship of Allah and not the least, our own bodies. These things need to be discussed by the decision makers of all organizations who may make work rules so designed that people dont miss prayer times and other religious and social duties. In the same way, studies must be patterned so that students get the time to study, play, pray and know their duties at home. The importance of purity and cleanliness in Islam is evident. We cannot stand for our prayers unless we have performed ghusl or ablution. According to a well known hadith, cleanliness is half of faith. A clean body ensures good health. The second revelation of Quran comprised the first few ayahs of Surah Al-Muddassir.
O you, enveloped in a mantle, stand up and warn, and pronounce the greatness of your Lord, and purify your clothes. (74:1-4)

We can see that the Quran also wants Muslims to observe cleanliness. Personal hygiene includes clean teeth and use of good scents. Our prophet Mohammed (S.A.W) used miswaak for his teeth. In our daily routine, we can observe that we often neglect our health in different ways. Most of us dont follow a timetable. This eventually leads toward a stressful and unorganized life style. Getting up and staying up late (especially on weekends), delayed or skipped meals, delayed prayers and mismanaged or undone chores are sure to affect our health adversely. Similarly most of our Pakistani cuisine includes a host of spices and reckless use of oils or ghee. The only result coming forth is more obese, less active bodies and disturbed stomachs. One of my friends suffers from stomach ulcer. The doctor recommends her simple food and no carbonated drinks.

But a fan of spices, she wont give up on them and say when death is obvious, why not die after having my favorite things instead of abstaining from them. Her theory is misleading because such an attitude kills you numerous times before the ultimate death. Also, indulging into injurious habits like smoking, getting addicted to prohibited things and preferring to go against a sincere physicians advice can all be suicidal. The fact that committing suicide is Haraam also reflects that our body and life is Allahs trust. One most important component of our being is our mind. We all know the impacts of our thoughts on our bodies and hence, our performance. It is very crucial that we understand the importance of positive thinking. If we look closely at the Prophets (S.A.W) model, we come to know how positive his thoughts were. He always relied on Allah and had complete faith in good or bad fate. As Muslims, we can never lose hope, as it amounts to kufr. The Quran states: So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For you will be superior if you are true in Faith. Surah Al-Imran [3:139] Our dear prophet (S.A.W) has said, The only thing that can change fate is dua. If we turn to our Allah in all afflictions, we are sure to get His blessings and success. There are examples all around us where positive thinking saved someones life in an impossible looking situation whereas negative thinking makes people dull and weak even in the healthiest environment. The holy prophet (S.A.W) taught us many supplications for seeking protection for the body. This dua should be recited thrice in the mornings and evenings: O Allah, make me healthy in my body. O Allah, preserve for me my hearing. O Allah, preserve for me my sight. There is none worthy of worship but You. (Abu Daud) Allah created man with utmost love. The life bequeathed to us is a precious gift. We have to realize its value and be obedient slaves of Allah Almighty. See, how Allah tells us He created man in the best form: It is Allah who formed you and perfected your forms and provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord; then blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds. Surah Ghafir (40:64)

Be thankful to Allah for His bounties by taking care of them, especially your bodies, so you may be rewarded!