Unmodern Aspects of Islam (16): Overfed yet Malnourished

 

Billions are spent every year on fast food. Shelves are stacked with snacks, energy drinks, and processed meals. And yet—despite being overfed—our bodies are starving for real nourishment.

The result? Obesity, fatigue, chronic illness. A cycle of eating more, but living less.

The Prophet ﷺ gave us a timeless principle:
“The son of Adam fills no vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to keep himself alive. But if he must, then one-third for food, one-third for drink, and one-third for air.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2380)

This was not just diet advice. It was a lifestyle of balance. The early Muslims valued wholesome, simple foods, eaten in moderation, with gratitude. Their strength came not from excess, but from discipline.

So what about us today?
What if we paused before overloading our plates? What if we chose quality over quantity, gratitude over greed? Our bodies would heal, our minds would clear, and our worship would rise.

The modern world leaves us stuffed, but empty.
The Sunnah teaches us to eat less, live well, and be truly nourished.

In a modern world, the Sunnah is our way back to what truly matters.