Food advice from the Prophet, peace be upon him!

In this age of fad diets, and the arrogant "authoritative," yet ever-changing positions of modern science, it is worthwhile to remember the advice of the Last prophet of God, peace be upon him.

Especially for those of us who wish to tread the Sufi Path, we have to try emulate him.

It is no use just talking of religion. As the Zen monks say, that is the folly of
looking at the finger pointing at the moon. In Sufi parlance it is getting stuck in the realm of Qal [speech] instead of trying for Hal [station]

The point of religious learning is transformation. For us Sufi aspirants, the point is to try be like the Prophet.

So here are a few tips. Please bear with me, as according to my usual custom I'll post this first and edit later :)

God bless
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His diet consisted mostly of barley bread & fresh or dried dates. Sometimes there would be olive oil & goat's milk, sometimes some honey, vegetables and soup, sometimes just dates and water... for months on end.

Dates were the year-round staple, while in season there may be, figs, quinces and Pomegranate.

Condiments were simple: salt, vinegar, pepper.

He ate at most only 2 meals a day, breakfast at dawn, and supper.

He fasted at least once a week, usually on Mondays.

Meat, he ate sparingly, saying that one should eat it if one can at least once in 40 days. However, one should not eat meat daily for 40 days straight.

[This was usually mutton, which is the most environmentally-friendly meat. And of course, such was the poverty amongst the Companions that many only ate meat once a year, on the feast of the Qurban/Sacrifice commemorating the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son the Prophet Issac, peace be upon them]

About cattle, the Prophet is reputed to have said, this is an animal whose flesh is harmful and milk beneficial.
[Current medical wisdom also discourages beef eating.]

The Prophet forbade anyone to join 2 grains and 2 meats in the stomach [i.e one shouldn't eat both bread & rice at the same meal, or both chicken and fish, for example]

The Prophet said, blessings do not descend upon a house where more than one stove is burning.

He recommended leaving the stomach one-third empty, however, on occasion one should eat one's fill.


The Prophet said:-

* "Food is the best medicine"
* "There is blessing in the meal eaten at dawn"
* "The source of illnesses is the stomach, and the head of remedy abstinence"
* "The best meal is that shared by many"
* "Remove your shoes when eating"
* "Do not skip the night-meal [supper] even if its just a handful of dates"

More details can be read here.
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May the Creator shower His blessings upon His Prophet, the best of creation.