What Does Islam Tell Us About Eating Etiquette For People With Weight Problems?

Question: Assalamu ‘alaykum. I recently learned about the Prophetic guidance on eating and some rulings on this topic. I am underweight with a fast metabolism. Eating like this has made me lose more weight, and I have become noticeably weaker. What should I do?

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assaalm wa rahmatulllah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

The Prophetic guidance on this matter is beautiful and beneficial for those who are able to implement it. It is general guidance though, and in times of necessity, one may consult with a physician if there are specific health concerns. In your situation, I recommend that you consult with a doctor, nutritionist, or dietician.

Your health conditions require the opinion of an expert. Perhaps, once you have had the matter looked at you may be able to resume your practice. For now, try fasting, if possible, and making sure you praise and thank Allah after every meal and drink. That is also a very important sunna.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Indeed, Allah is pleased with a servant [when] he eats a morsel and praises Him or drinks something and praises Him.” [Bukhari] Try applying this and the advice of the professionals.

May Allah grant you strength and wellbeing.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.