Overeating is reason for all diseases
Commentary of Hadeeth #47
By Imaam Ibn Rajab
Al Miqdaad ibn Ma’dy Karib (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “I heard the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: “The son of Aadam never filled a vessel more vicious than his stomach. It is sufficient for a son of Aadam to eat enough food to provide for his essential needs. If it is inevitable to eat more than that, he shall fill one third (of his stomach) with food, one third with drink, and leave one third (empty) for breathing (comfortably) .”
{At Tirmidhee Kitaabuz Zuhd #2380} He labeled it as “good and authentic.” It was also recorded by Al Mubaarak in Kitaabuz Zuhd #603, by Al Bayhaaqi in his Shu’ab al Eemaan #5648, 5650 and by At Tabaraani 20/274.
The Importance of this Hadeeth
This hadeeth is a basis of three principles medicine. It is narrated that when the physician Ibn Masawayh read this hadeeth in the book on Abu Khuthaimah (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu) he said , “If people make use of such words, they will be protected from diseases and maladies; hospitals and pharmacies will have no patients.” He said this because overeating is reason for all diseases .
Al Haarith ibn Kildah, a prominent ‘Arab physician said, “Diet is the mother of medicine and overeating is the mother of illness.”
Al Haarith also said, “That which kills human beings and annihilates animals in the wilderness is eating food while the stomach is still full of undigested food.”
It is also quoted, “If the dead were asked what the reason was for their death, they would’ve answered, “overeating.”
These are but some of the benefits of diet for having sound health. As for the heart, little food brings about tender hearts, sound understanding, and humility. A small amount food also decreases bodily desires and anger. Too much food results in just the opposite effect.
Ibn ‘Umar (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu) said, “I have not been completely satiated for the last four months.”
‘Amr ibn Qays (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu) said, “Beware of overeating, it hardens the hearts.”
Salamah ibn Sa’eed (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu) said, “Men use to be criticized for overeating as much as they were criticized for committing sins.”
Muhammad ibn An Nadr al Haarithy (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu) said, “Hunger leads to piety as fullness leads to arrogance.”
Ash Shaafi’ee said (rahimahullaah) said, “I have not been full for 16 years because fullness results in laziness, witlessness and sleepiness. In addition, it weakens one’s ability to worship.”
Imaam Ibn Rajab (rahimahullaah)
Jaami’ Al ‘Uloom wal Hikam
Hadeeth #47
Pages 591 - 592
Trans. by Muhammad Fadl
To be continued In Shaa Allaah