Narrated Ibn Abbas the Prophet
said “There are two blessings which many people waste: health and free time”.
(Bukhari 6412)
Good health enables a person to perform obligatory and optional tasks, fulfill the rights of others, serve others, and meet their own needs.
Famous saying “Good health is a thousand blessings”.
This is why it’s obligatory to protect one’s health.
To consume things detrimental to one’s health. To harm one’s body or limbs. To jeopardize one’s health. This is not permitted.
What did the Companions say?
Abdullah bin Masood (rad) said “Some desires lead to a great grief”.
(Hilyat al Awliya 134)
Indulging in harmful foods out of desire damages one’s health. If health is lost, one becomes incapable.
Thus, we are commanded to prioritize our health, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and be mindful of our diet. So that the responsibilities that Allah has placed on us can be fulfilled. Allah has created us for: (1) Worship and (2) Fulfilling rights.
To do both, you need health.
This is why the Prophet
mentioned ‘health’ as one of the blessings that people waste. 