Holistic Science - A New Definition
The Crisis of Modern Man
 oday's humanity intuitively feels a deprivation, a feeling of emptiness and frustration. We all live in mega centers filled with
pollution, vices, crimes and decay. The purpose of life as we know now, is but a mere rat race of purposeless materialism,
greed and destruction. This secularized urbanized modern humanity is reaching its height of madness in leading all beings, human,
animals and vegetation towards total and final annihilation. We are killing all species of vegetation and animal life with the tools
of power, of technology and modern science. We are digging our own grave by the toxic and hazardous poisons being discharged into the earth and it's atmosphere. We are creating a bigger "ozone" hole in the sky each day! When will this madness stop?
The crisis of modern man begins with the acceptance of a totally wrong scientific philosophy. The basic premise of this
philosophy is that man is here on this earth to dominate and exploit nature to the fullest. Modern man has secularized the natural
religious philosophy by divorcing God. By redefining that man "is god", modern man blatantly proclaimed victory over nature.
That nature is to be "conquered", subdued, raped and used to the fullest regardless of the consequences. This has become the
hallmark of "success" for today's civilization. This fact can be easily be verified. The great super powers and industrialized
nations are responsible for more than 85% of the total pollution and toxic waste discharged on this planet earth. A simple
deduction is, if a country wants to be a developed nation, be a major pollutant or else it will remain a backward
underdeveloped or poor nation. Imagine 15 major industrialized countries account for nearly 85%of the total world pollution. If
this trend is followed by all 156 country members of United Nations, the planet Earth will be uninhabitable within 10 years.
Redefinition of Holistic Science
A drastic change in paradigm is required by humanity in order to ensure it's survival.
A new human policy based on ancient and revealed wisdom has to start taking root.
A reasonably good starting point is to redefine the meaning 'Holistic Sciences'
as we understand today. The term 'Holistic' means totally all-inclusive, all comprehensive, integrative,
systematic balanced and takes into account all factors. Should we follow this definition
then Holistic Science would mean an all encompassing science of nature and life
inclusive of ecology, biology, physics, chemistry and other sciences. It would also
include technology and method of how to use it in harmony with nature and it's inhabitants.
The current definition of 'holistic science' merely pertains to the science of healing
and nutrition. This is a very narrow definition because healing or good health and good
nutrition cannot exist on its own without being nurtured in a natural and balanced
environment. It also cannot exist in an immoral and vice ridden civilization.
It is of paramount importance that all Holistic Practitioners work together to redefine
holistic science, and much better for the future generations. We should not talk of
ecology per se for example but it should be "Holistic Ecology" that covers the full
spectrum of nature, man, spirit and the universe its entireness. Practitioners of Holistic Sciences must see in their mission integrated concepts of all
sciences for the mutual benefit of all beings, be it vegetation, animal, human and the
universe. This can be achieved by first redefining holistic science as not only the
science of healing and nutrition, but "the science that integrates and brings into
balance in totality all aspects of the universe and it's existence for the mutual
good of all". If this approach is propagated now, I believe 20 years from now, all
curriculums in schools would have "Holistic Sciences" as their major subject for our
children's education. If we dare to take this route then we can tame the wild fire
of technological suicide that is engulfing today's civilization and ensure the long
term survival of this planet-earth. Modern Science and Ancient Wisdom
The crisis we face today lies in the application of science and technology which has
become a moral and philosophical problem. It is of utmost important once that modern man
realizes that essential harmony between man and nature.The secularization of nature
creates a disequilibrium between man, nature and his Creator. Contemporary American
philosopher, Mortimer J. Adler, wrote in his book, The Ten Philosophical Mistakes:
"It is in the metaphysics, the philosophy of nature, the philosophy of mind and moral
philosophy that the ancients and their mediaeval successors did more than lay the
foundations for the sound understanding and the modicum of wisdom we possess.
They did not make the philosophical mistakes that have been the ruination of
modern thought. On the contrary, they had the insights and made the indispensable
distinctions that provide us the means for correcting these mistakes."
It is with understanding the mistakes of contemporary societies and the world-view
of our ancient predecessors that we can resolve our grave current social problems.
It must not be forgotten that modern man is no different from the ancient man.
Human being are human beings, were regardless of whether they are modern humans
or ancient human beings. They all have to abide by the rules and laws of the cosmos.
And this itself is a fulfillment of the divine authority in which man is but one of
the players in this total scheme of the universe. In order for modern science to find
its roots, it must go back to the original understanding of nature and the cosmos.
He must be enlightened enough to differentiate between the sacred and the profane.
The world of modern science must change from vulgarizing and worshipping technology.
The mono-dimensional single-minded approach to knowledge based on our narrow achievements
to conquer and harness nature must stop. Rather we must achieve true understanding
of God, the ultimate reality and the Realizer of the whole universal scheme of things.
The quantitative character of the modern schema must be replaced with a moral
philosophy so that immorality and greed can be curbed. For this to happen we have to
return back to our ancient traditions. The current philosophical idea held by many modern
scholars, especially the scientists is that science is competent and capable of solving
all our problems. This is sheer nonsense and untrue because science is just a mere tool
to a gradual realization of greater knowledge. It is in the greater understanding of our
role in nature that true metaphysics and knowledge begins. Our salvation lies in the
realization of ancient wisdom coupled with scientific knowledge to achieve a homeostasis
that can bring this civilization to the greatest pinnacle of success, harmony and fulfillment.
What we all must realize is that the inter-relationship between the knowledge of
science, metaphysics, theology, and philosophy was discovered by our ancient predecessors
very accurately in resonance with the reality of our existence. This ancient knowledge is
not superstition, but actually formed the basis of a holistic science that was rejected by
the modern scientists in the late sixteenth century. This was the greatest retrogression
in the history of humankind. And it is due to this philosophical mistake that today we
face the danger of the total annihilation of humanity and of all life on this planet.
Let us recall how the holistic sciences were developed by our ancient forefathers.
This ancient wisdom is still available and can be retraced by any of us if we bother
to seek and find. If we begin from the Greek civilization, the Greeks produced a great number of
philosophers who were attuned to nature and holistic thinking. If we study the writings
of Aristotle, Pythagorus and Plato, we would find that the basis of knowledge had begun
with the realization of the totality of Being. The true wisdom of any body of knowledge
must be based on living naturally in accordance with the reality of this universe. This
was the philosophical idea of the ancient Greeks which was later absorbed by the founders
of the Christian theology like Clemont and Oregon, Arenous and Gregory of Nyssa and the
rest. However, the philosophical ideas of the Greeks was later lost by the Christians during
the dark ages and even in the Renaissance. The conflict that developed between the dogmatic
church and the scientists resulted in the total rejection of the theology as the basis of
truth. And as a result, the fundamental idea of an integrated holistic science has since
then been destroyed. Apart from the Greek tradition, we also see in the traditions of the Chinese the same
approach as they tried to understand the nature of things. For example, in the Chinese
tradition of Taoism and Neo-Confucism, nature must be comprehended in its totality as a
metaphysical being that must be treated with respect and love. This is also found in
the Shintoism School of philosophy as practiced in Japan today. We can see this ancient
wisdom written in the book of Taoism, e,g, in the Tao teaching, "The ways of man are
conditioned by those of earth, the ways of earth by those of heaven, the ways of heaven
by those of the Tao, and the Tao coming to be by itself." "Heaven is the reflection of a Divine principle and earth the reflection of human."
This concept of Taoism reflects the total approach to nature that is a framework to the
holistic approach that that we would want the world to understand. We can also learn from the ancient Indian approach to holistic science.
For example, in the Hindu philosophy, this world is just an illusion, a maya,
which is a veil pointing to supreme self that is the Absolute Reality, through which
man has to find his real self or his empirical self by seeking knowledge.
This knowledge is embodied in the concept of understanding the nature of reality through
the principle of "prakritti" - the prime substance, "vyaktu" -
the manifested matter and "jpurasa" the spirit that neither begets not is begotten.
Our ancient fore-fathers in the East as well as in the West, understood holistic
sciences more than modern man. In this article, we will study in detail the holistic
science and the scientific philosophies of Islam. Basically in Islam, everything is based
on the principle of the "Al-Tawhid" or the principle of unity. Everything in the cosmos
is governed by 'UNITY' and from the theological point of view, God is all encompassing
one and is not divorced from us. God is the All-existing as recorded in Al-Quran.
This All-existing unitary Creator puts this universe, nature and all the things into
existence. It is this existence that supports a system of life that is shared by all.
To understand the philosophy of Islamic holistic science, we must understand Islam.
Firstly, Islam is not a new religion. In the Islamic concept, Islam is the continuation
of the ancient wisdom that was revealed by God Almighty through his Prophets beginning
with the first human being. From the Islamic perspective, Adam, the prototype human
being, the first man that existed on this earth is not an ignorant being. Adam was given
the knowledge of "the nature of things". This is the holistic knowledge that has been
endowed on the first human being and the subsequent generations after Adam. The holistic
knowledge that enables the early human beings to live in harmony with world and their
Creator. Throughout the generations of human beings, God Almighty had sent prophets
to all tribes and nations to reveal to them the true knowledge of the Creator, the
true purpose of their existence and the real meaning of life as a human being.
This accumulation of knowledge was transferred from one generation to another and as
a result in Islam, we see no contradiction between the early religious and holistic
knowledge in philosophy, science and religion. Holistic science as found in the ancient
Holy books from the East or the West contains this truth. From the Islamic perspective,
the destruction of the previous civilizations over various period of the history of man
was the result of the divergence from this truth. With this divergence, came moral and
spiritual degradation and this resulted in the destruction of that civilization.
This happened when the true, pure holistic knowledge taught by the prophets of those
civilizations were distorted by the later generations. Islam actually accepts all basic principles of truth as found in all doctrine of
all religions. The only difference is that the inner truth may not be manifested by the
current adherence of those religions due to the distortion as mentioned above.
In Islamic holistic sciences, knowledge is an important component towards
the realization of divine truth. The history of Islam shows many examples of the advanced and refined state of
holistic science. The techniques and the methodology of the study of nature,
intuitive and scientific knowledge and the knowledge of the Creator is surprisingly
complete and in accordance with the latest discovery of modern science.
This does not mean that Islam accepts the philosophy of modern science.
Islam acknowledges the basic natural truth that was true ten thousand years
ago as it is today. In Islam, the basis of religions is called "Ad-din". Ad-din is not simply a
concept but it is how human beings believe and live i.e. a way of life.
The word "Islam" or the religion of Islam is defined as submission to God to
achieve peace or "salam". It is by completely submitting to God and acting upon
the beliefs in accordance to the divine principle laid out by God that we discover
our true destiny. This involves the recognition and the acknowledgement of God as
the giver of existence and that man is to return to God when he finally leaves this
earth. This returning to God or life-after-death involves a journey. The beginning of
that journey begins in our existence in the primordial soul state where we acknowledge
the Creator as the one and the only Creator. In the primordial state we carry a
"spiritual genetic program" that allows us to know, acknowledge and submit to the Creator.
From this primordial soul state we then journey to this physical world. The primordial
soul is wrapped with physical self for as long as we live on planet earth. Death is the
separation on this physical wrapping from the soul which journeys on towards God and
fulfillment, i.e. Heaven, or separation from God, i.e. Hell. This concept of "Ad-din" in Islam must be understood because it is the basis of
"Iman" or the basis of belief. Belief is not what we understand in the English Language
as a sort of a faith. Belief in Islam involves putting our complete trust and confidence
in God and with complete submission to God alone and no one else. This belief must be
manifested in the heart and acted on by our body in conformity with our "Iman", our
complete faith. Only when we live in accordance with the harmony of the state of
"Iman" we can truly realize "Tawhid" which is the oneness or unity of God.
The religion of Islam is not in the sense a religion per se:
Islam is a way life which is the way of balanced or middle path.
Our existence on this earth must lead towards a balanced nature, a balanced purpose
and a balanced universe. For this purpose, man is created as "Khalifathullah Fil Ard"
or God's vicegerent on earth. In this context, the nature of human beings is created
to be the highest creature in the hierarchy of all created beings. We are created to
be the vicegerents of God on this earth. To fulfill this role as the preserver of nature
we are allowed to use nature but not to destroy it. This is radically different from the
modern materialistic scientific technology that seeks to conquer, use, delete and destroy
the gift of nature. This position of vicegerent ensures that we take full and complete
responsibility for the well being of all creatures on earth and in the universe.
This is not purely the perspective of physical well-being but a rather
a total integrated well being which encompasses the physical, spiritual and mental
planes. A deeper understanding of the concept of vicegerency is important to ensure
that the true understanding of the role of human beings in this world is brought about.
We are not born sinners or bad. In Islam we are born good and pure. Evil, immorality
and the destruction of nature is alien to the true nature of man. The true nature of man
is linked to the true nature of the Creator. Human beings try as far as possible to
evolve and develop qualities as close as possible to his Creator. This philosophy is a
holistic philosophy where men try to fulfill their role by understanding their true
nature, purpose and destiny in this physical world and beyond. If we study modern philosophy and sociology, Maslow in his theory of the hierarchy
of human needs traced the hierarchy of man to food, clothing, shelter, family, social
and finally psychological needs. This is not acceptable from the holistic point of view.
The nature of man and hierarchy of needs should begin with his spiritual aspect and
lastly his physical needs. The well-being of his life-force or soul-force or the
vital-force that encompasses his life while he is on this earth is most important.
Islamic holistic hierarchy is exactly the opposite with the Maslow theory because the
needs of the spiritual aspect come first and foremost. If this spirit is dead, then no
amount of bodily action can reform a person. It is important that we redefine the
hierarchy of needs of human beings. If we continue to live by the philosophy as founded
by Maslow, there will be total destruction of the earth. Maslow only saw human beings
from a myopic point of view in which our survival was dependent on the needs of our
physical body only. This is an insult to the dignity of all human beings. Our needs
should be to fulfill the vicegerency of God. A major philosophical error is the perception of modern scientific theory.
We conceive this world as mere objects and events to be studied by in a restricted,
fragmented manner. As a result we have mono-dimensional scientist such as nuclear
physicist, biologist, psychologist, anthropologist, etc. This fragmented methodology
even extends beyond its own field of study resulting in distorted hypotheses that
are fragmented and contradictory. In reality these hypotheses do not correspond to
the reality and the totality of the universe. This causes one theory to contradict
the other which results in the complete destruction of our ethos, morality and
spiritualality. The basis of modern science and technology is the hypothesis that
events and objects are true only when observable and material in nature. What is observable can only be things that are physical. The higher truth
that is the spiritual truth cannot be deduced via physical scientific methods.
And because of that, there is moral and spiritual decay in today's civilization.
The present moral, spiritual and ecological destruction can clearly be seen and felt
by all of us today. Islam sees this world in a radically different perspective.
Holistic science in Islam is based on the realization of our spirituality that is
first, foremost and above all other. Based on this realization we can perceive the
integrated totality of the spiritual, mental and physical world and our relationship
with our Creator. We will then understand our role as a vicegerent of God on earth
and that our purpose is to fulfill our role in perfect harmony with nature. We are
all partners living together to fulfill the common purpose and destiny of modern man.
We would be humbled by realizing and understanding the challenge of our mission.
We would then fulfill our role as the protector of this universe and not as a
destroyer of this universe. This philosophical idea of the institution of human
beings as vicegerents of God on earth is extremely important. Based on this
philosophy, throughout the Islamic civilization, holistic science has always
been integrated through the hierarchy of needs of all creation. This Islamic
perspective outlines our journey on this earth which is a journey of discovering
the truth. Truth is not simply some idea by some philosopher or some idea based
on science and technology but an idea that is imprinted in our soul, our mind and
in our genes. In this journey to discover the truth, the man of Islam will consider
himself to be a spiritual being as well as a physical being living on this earth
only temporarily; seeking to sharpen his inner faculties of knowing and comprehending
this universe. In doing so, his purpose as "Khalifatullah fil-ard" will be fulfilled
only when he realizes and reaches the highest level and truth (haqq), when can we be
said to be different from other beings or all other animals on this earth. Only then
do we achieve our purpose of leading a complete life on earth. HEALTH, ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE
As we have understood earlier, nutrition does not mean just physical nutrition.
Then are we to follow the secularized definition as expounded by Abraham Maslow, that
the needs of the human beings begins with physical needs, with no spiritual needs or
development? The basis of Islamic nutrition begins with this need of the soul because
the basis and purpose of our existence begins with the soul. The second nutritional
need is the nutritional need of our vital force or the mind or mental state. The third
nutritional need is the need of the body or the self. This is the radical opposite of
the modern materialistic philosophy. So taking into account this approach, let us
understand the need of the soul, mind or vital force and the need of the body this
sequence. The definition of health in the secular sense is also unacceptable in Islam.
Even the current holistic definition of health is incomplete from the perspective
of Islam. What is health? Do we mean the health from our physical self that is our
tissues, cells and organs or our physical and mental self or our total self, which
includes our soul? The conventional definition of health being the absence of any manifestation of
disease as used by the conventional modern Allopathic doctors is untrue. This premise
is based on a fragmented analysis of a localized effect of a disease rather than the
analysis of the real cause of a disease. For example, if we have an illness such as
pain or a change in the blood pressure, diagnostic tests are carried out for the
specific disease and a specific treatment will be directed to that part of the body.
This method is called the reductionist approach. If a person has a pain in a joint,
such as an arthritic pain, treatment by cortisone will be administered by injection
into the joint; without really understanding the principle cause of arthritis itself.
The modern reductionist approach is to treat a disease based on a specific symptom and
not based on the totality of a person. They can see an ant a mile away and yet miss
the elephant right in front of their nose. This problem is increased because of the
inherent fragmentation (specialization) within the field of medicine, such as a
dermatologist for our our skin problem, a cardiologist for our heart and
cardiovascular problems and so on. Each of these specialist having a very
specific narrow understanding of a specific part of a human being. It is interesting to find that in this century, many practitioners of medicine have
realized the fallacy of such an approach. An example is Dr. Henry Lindlahr, one of the
pioneers of holistic medicine, who called for a return to the true science of medicine,
where we see the human being in his totality, In the forward of Henry Lindlahr's book,
The Philosophy of Natural Medicine J.C.Penny, he wrotein summary: "If there is to be a true science of medicine, it must be before all else a true
science of health. It must recognize that health and disease like everything else are
subject to the natural laws and do not change. A beginning must be made to discover at
least some of the basic laws and principles which govern health and the violation of
which lead to disease".
The holistic 'whole person' approach is closer to the Islamic understanding of health.
Holistic practitioners believe in the healing power of nature. The core of natural
healing is "vis medicatrix naturae" i.e. the healing capacity of nature to balance
itself where is imbalance. The concept of balance or homeostasis is an indisputable
fact today. Holistic practitioners understand the existence of a vital force or a life
force which together with the physical body carries out appropriate physiological
processes to correct any imbalances in the body and tries to maintain balance.
This concept of the vital force is common in much Eastern religious thinking and
it is also the basis of the Islamic understanding of the human being. Dr Henry Lindlahr referred to this force as a divine energy which gives direction
to the molecules and other elements of matter so that the human being will be in the
state of balance. What is strange is that this concept is totally rejected by modern
medicine. As a result of this current rejection of the spiritual dimension of good
health that modern man is facing many diseases which are physical, psychosomatic and
psychological. The only problem is how far the holistic approach of "vis medicatrix
naturae", or the healing power of the self, can be fully understood in order to be
of heal the spirituality of man. Until modern times holistic practitioners well
understand the phenomena of the vital force or vital energy and its action together
with its result. Holistic practitioners today will have to return to the revealed
knowledge of the Creator to fully understand this phenomena. That revealed knowledge
is embodied in the Holy Quran. An unbiased study of this revealing book will bring a
much greater understanding of the nature of man and the true nature of health.
DIVINE PRINCIPLES AND NUTRITION-BASIC ISLAMIC
CONCEPTS ON HEALTH In Islam, all that is in this universe is governed by a set of Divine Laws or laws
of nature. Thus nutrition, food and health are intrinsically linked to basic Divine
principles that bring happiness, joy and health to those who follow these laws,
and unhappiness, ill-health and destruction to those who transgress the basic laws
of nature. The Holy Quran says, "No want of proportion wilt thou see in the Creation of God the most gracious"
(Quran 76:3) This basic approach of Islamic nutrition covers all aspects of being a human being
vis-a-vis the earth and the universe. It covers all aspects of the human being, i.e.
soul, mind and body in a synergistic and balanced way. Islam has laid down the foundation in the Quran and the Sunnah for the best approach
for balanced health. This approach is mainly through selection of the best, preventive
methods, and staying away from any harmful things. The following is a summary of the
principal ideas of Islam relating to nutrition and health: Allah asked everyone to eat what is lawful. The Quran state in surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow):
"Ye people eat of what is on earth lawful and wholesome"(Quran 2:168) Read also (5:91)
People are to enjoy their food as it affects their personality and character. Enjoying
the eating of food is a matter of worship as is any aspect of life in Islam.
Muslims are to select the best quality of food. In this regard Allah says in the Quran in
Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave): "Now send ye then one of you with this money of yours to the town: let him find out which
is the best food (to Be Had) ..."
(Quran 18:29) Muslims are to eat the best food after selecting. Allah says in the Quran in Surah Al-A'raf ( The Heights)
"Eat and drink, but waste not excess, for Allah loves not the prodigals"
(Quran 7:31) Regarding the idea of moderation through diet, it is mentioned Surah Taha whereby Allah says:
"Eat of the good things we have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein."
(Quran 20:81) In another approach, Islam demands from its followers the idea of Total Abstinence of food and drinks
for one whole month from dawn to sunset. The benefits of fasting have been tested and
documented especially in the areas of biochemistry, physiology, clinical therapeutics,
clinical nutrition , etc. It is beyond doubt that fasting helps the individual to get
rid of most of the toxins in the body. At the same time fasting increases productivity and curbs inflation. In this regard.
Allah says in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): " O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you,
that ye may learn self restraint." i.e. to have Taqwa
(Quran 2:183) The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: " Fast (the month of Ramadan) so as to heal your bodies from diseases"
The word "Taqwa" has been explained in many aspects, some of which are related
to health and disease, food and dietetics, physical fitness, etc. It also means:
self-training, self-restraint, self-control, self-discipline, self-education and
self-evaluation for the purification of the total self, soul, mind and body.
The Islamic way of life is a system of Divine principles and code of ethics
to be applied in the daily life of every person. As such Islam has many constructive
ideas to offer in the field of health care and medical practice. The concept of heath in Islam, as demonstrated in Quran and Sunnah (Prophet's Hadith,
practices and approvals), is that Mankind should be sound mentally, physically and
socially. This greatly corresponds to the WHO definition of Health. Medicine and
health in Islam are part and parcel of worship or subservience to Allah. A weak
person may not perform his duties towards Allah, his family and community as the
strong healthy one can do. FOOD AND HEALTH To keep optimum health we have to ensure proper diet and nutrition.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad says: "Stomach is the home of disease. Diet is the main medicine." Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.)
Shahih Muslim The worldly life is one of the stages of the journey to God, and body is the vehicle
for this journey. As such, it is important that the traveler maintains the body in
optimum condition so that the diversions of discomfort and pain do not distract one
from the concentration upon the goal. Digestion is the process of taking in nutrients
through the mouth and then refining those elements in the body. When it is said that
the stomach is the home of disease, this means that disease arises when this digestion
process becomes unbalanced. "Diet is the main medicine" is to be taken mean that we
should first use foods themselves to rebalance and rebuild the digestive process.
The foods are used as vehicles for conveying certain healing formulas-both herbal
and non-physical - to the body. The possible exception to this general rule occurs when the body and its organs
have been damaged so severely that there remains no regenerative power to rebuild an
organ or bodily system. In such cases, surgery or other radical modes might be the
treatment of choice. However, if the principles of health are followed throughout life,
from earliest childhood onward, one need have no more fear of falling ill than of being
struck by lightening. Health is best defined as that state in which one never needs the need to be aware
of the body. In other words, a healthy person receives no signal of pain, disturbance
or discomfort which signifies some kind of imbalance in the body. However, this optimum health standard is rarely achieved in our modern, stressful
and polluted world. Pain and disease seem to be the hallmark of this 21st century
civilization. Islamic nutritional methodology offers a viable media to balance
ourselves so that we can achieve a decent level of good health both physically
and spiritually. It is important for us to understand the important principle in Islam that the
food we consume will have a direct effect of not only our physical bodies but also
our souls. Thus the means in which the money to purchase food was earned, the way the
food was prepared and the psyche of the cook and the persons who eat the food all
are linked in a chain of the law of cause and effect. The conception and intention brought to the preparation of a meal are important
things that bear on food. In today's fast food era it seems that not only do people
seldom consciously think about food in this way, but they really do not take the
time to sit down and and eat properly, preferring to have a Styrofoam wrapped mass
of junk fast food, slapped in to their hands as they drive by a window.
This fast track, fast food fad is a recipe for indigestion ill-health and disaster.
Even if we have the best food, prepared according to the correct methods,
and are ready to put into our mouths, even before we put the food we have to
think for a second: Where does this food come from, and what is our purpose
of consuming it? For the Muslims the eating of a food is a time of fellowship,
a celebration of life, and rededication of life to the highest ideals of human
existence. Before eating , the Muslims says "Bismi Llahi ir-Rahman nir-rahim: In the name
of God, the most merciful, the most compassionate, O my Lord, I will eat this food
only be to be better servant of yours. Use this food to uplift me and uplift all
of your humanity. Amin." The reason for eating is not simply or primarily to derive pleasure. It is to
maintain the body, which is the vehicle for conveyance of the soul and the means
by which we improve and give strength and gracefulness to the soul. Only after
applying such invocation to the food do we put it in our mouths, insha Allah
(that is God willing).
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