J Relig Health

DOI 10.1007/s10943-014-9857-8

ORIGINAL PAPER

Health-Promoting Verses as mentioned in the Holy

Quran

Basil H. Aboul-Enein

Ó Springer Science+Business Media New York 2014

Abstract The Quran is regarded as both the spiritual and behavioral guidance for all
Muslims. This narrative study was designed at examining relevant health-promoting verses
in the Quran and to identify the chapters and verses where keywords and phrases are
mentioned relevant to health promotion and behavior. Twenty-eight verses were identified,
with a focus on diet and nutrition, personal hygiene, alcohol abstention, and the importance
of a healthy lifestyle. These results suggest that the Quran could serve as an influential
medium for culturally competent public health practitioners in diverse populations, par-
ticularly in Muslim communities, for improving and maintaining healthy behaviors.

Keywords Quran
Islam
Health promotion
Lifestyle

Introduction

The sixth and seventh century witnessed not only the dawn of a new religion but of a new
form of enlightenment. The Islamic Golden Age, by the mid-eighth century, has been
viewed as a renaissance that saw the development and expansion of advanced medical
knowledge and practice that paved the way to the assimilation, interpretation, and dis-
semination of human medicine (Majeed 2005; Syed 2002). Historically, much of the
motivation of Muslim scholars to advance health and medical knowledge and practice as
an evidence-based discipline stemmed from the teachings of the Hadith (the traditions,
sayings, and deeds of Prophet Muhammad) and the Quran (the holy Islamic book of divine
revelation) (Shanks and Al-Kalai 1984; Jackson 2011; Meier et al. 2005; Khan 1994). In
fact, Islamic teaching has recognized the pursuit of knowledge as being an act of worship.
This divine-driven supportive environment resulted in several scientific achievements and

B. H. Aboul-Enein (&)
Department of Dietetics Technology, San Jacinto College, 8060 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505,
USA
e-mail: Basil.Aboul-Enein@sjcd.edu

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observations. Found within the Quran and Hadith are descriptions of medical remedies,
anatomical structures, and surgical procedures (Loukas et al. 2010). While Islam’s con-
tributions to the overall advancement of human medicine appear almost infinite, its con-
tributions to the concepts of behavioral health promotion and health education require
further study.
Regarded as the word of God and divided into 114 chapters (Surah) and verses (ayah),
the Quran is regarded as both the essence and authority of the Islamic way of life. De
Leeuw and Hussein (1999), acknowledged that the Quran provides important insight
toward a healthy lifestyle and that Islam offers intrinsic foundations of health promotion
than many other belief systems. The contribution of the Quran to health came in the form
of combining theology with healing and in order to understand disease, it was essential to
understand good health with a particular emphasis on health-promoting behaviors (Brewer
2004). An example of such emphasis is the practice of hand washing, cleanliness, and
personal hygiene (Muftic 1997). The practice of personal hygiene is placed in such high
regard that Islam permits the use of any substance, including alcohol-based hand sanitizers,
as means to reduce illness and contribute to better health (Allegranzi et al. 2009).
A healthy diet and the role of nutrition, with special consideration given to the food
rules, have also been highlighted in the Quran (Ghadimi et al. 2013; Peyravi and Moezzi
2013; Kocturk 2002). Researchers (Khafagi et al. 2006; Shafaghat 2010) have identified
several different types of fruits and vegetables that have been specifically mentioned in the
Quran. Over 20 identifiable fruits and plants have been cited in the Quran. Such fruits like
dates, grapes, figs, olives, and pomegranates are regarded as gifts from the Divine. Garlic,
lentils, cucumbers, and onions have also been cited in various verses and chapters
throughout the Quran (Khafagi et al. 2006).
The Quranic understanding of the cardiovascular system, its role in overall well-being,
and how they are vital to the maintenance of health is dually recognized. It has been
described as an organ of intelligence, emotions, and an important part of the body capable
of being harmed (Loukas et al. 2010; Turgut et al. 2010; Hussain 2013). This approach of
health psychology, according to Hussain (2013), seems to establish a heart–mind–body
health model, which incorporates the soul as an added component.
Though previous investigations have cited the Quran for its medical content, no attempt
has been made to examine specific Quranic verses aimed at identifying health-promoting
and health-educating behaviors. With the understanding that cultural factors arising from
religious beliefs and practices can have a profound impact on health, it is important to
explore the faith of Islam and the value of health in Islam through the teachings of the
Quran, which is regarded as the definitive spiritual and behavioral guidance for all Mus-
lims. Thus, this study was aimed at examining relevant verses mentioned in the Quran and
to identify the corresponding chapters and verses where keywords and phrases are men-
tioned connecting aspects of health promotion and behaviors. The purpose of which is to
present culturally competent information for public health practitioners, health educators,
dietitians, physicians, and other health professionals in providing competent care for
Muslim populations.

Methods

The contents of the Quran were studied in two formats; electronic and hard copy (The Holy
Quran 2013; The Noble Quran 1993) to compare and improve the exactness of each finding
in extracting relevant material. Both formats were comprehensively reviewed to identify

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key phrases, terms, and messages connecting to concepts, practices, and guidelines per-
taining to behavioral health promotion and education. All relevant contents were translated
to English, analyzed qualitatively for thematic content, and tabulated by topic and citation.
Other than translated editions, no official competing versions of the Quran exist. The King
Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran and the King Saud University Electronic
Moshaf Project provided English translations.

Results

A total of 28 relevant verses out of 6,236 total verses were identified (Table 1). Surat Al-
Baqara (The Cow) had eight verses, followed by Surat An-Nahl (The Honey Bees) with
five. Surat An-Nisa (The Women), Ar-Ra’d (The Thunder), and Al-Maidah (The Table)
had two in each chapter. Surat Al-Muddathir (The Cloaked One), Al-A’raf (The Heights),
Al-An’am (The Livestock), Maryam (Mary), Ta-Ha (T.H.), Ya-Sin (Y.S.), Muhammed or
Al-Qital (The Fighting), Abasa (He Frowned), and Sad (The letter S.) had one passage.
Two verses connected the importance of a healthy lifestyle and behavior choices, three on
personal hygiene, eighteen on diet and nutrition, one on physical activity, three on alcohol
use, and one on breastfeeding promotion. No verses contrary to the 28 verses identified as
promoting health behavior and education were found.

Discussion

With 28 verifiable verses identified in the Quran, a significant emphasis places proper diet
and nutrition as part of a healthy lifestyle. Many of these verses contained a focus on fruit
consumption with a progressive focus on plant-based dietary patterns and the importance
of limiting caloric intake by avoiding ‘‘excess.’’ The current body of evidence supports diet
rich in plant-based foods and their strong association with reduced risks of major chronic
diseases (Martin et al. 2013; Krzyzanowska et al. 2010).
Quranic verses that discussed the importance of personal hygiene indicate an extension
to both the physical and spiritual aspects of Islamic life, for cleanliness is indeed next to
Godliness. Hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers continue to be key
components in significantly reducing the transmission of infectious diseases (Bloomfield
et al. 2007; Aiello et al. 2008) with a need to develop and evaluate alternative behavioral
interventions that promote personal hygiene practices (Wilson et al. 2011).
Quranic verses appear to discourage the consumption of alcohol. However, verse 2:219
in Surat Al-Baqara identifies some potential benefits ‘‘for mankind’’ of consuming alcohol,
particularly wine due to its polyphenolic content (Arranz et al. 2012; Chiva-Blanch et al.
2013; German and Walzem 2000; Halpren 2008), while the verse simultaneously recog-
nizes the risk of alcoholism. The underlying health message in this verse, supported by
other verses, upholds an overall abstention from consuming alcoholic beverages primarily
as a preventive measure. ‘‘Prevention is better than cure’’ became the widely accepted
maxim. Thus, the risk of alcohol-related diseases such as liver cirrhosis, cancer, and
cardiovascular diseases is significantly decreased through the lifestyle promoted by the
Quran.
The practice of breastfeeding has been widely accepted as part of the healthy function of
the postnatal female body that nutritionally and physiologically benefits both the woman
and the child. Based on verse from the Quran, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their

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 Table 1 Quranic Verses with Corresponding Citation
Topic Quranic citation
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Healthy lifestyle/behavior choices Surat Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:195
Surat An-Nisa (The Women) 4:79
Personal hygiene Surat Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:222
Surat Al-Maidah (The Table) 5:6
Surat Al-Muddathir (The Cloaked One) 74:4–5
Diet/nutrition Surat Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:61
Surat Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:168
Surat Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:172
Surat Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:266
Verse
‘‘And make not your own hands contribute to your
own demise, for the Lord loves the actions of
good.’’
‘‘What good comes to you (O Man) is divine, but
whatever evil be falls upon you, is from your own
actions (doing).’’
‘‘Truly, God loves those who turn unto Him in
repentance and loves those who purify themselves
(through bathing, cleaning, and washing).’’
‘‘O Believers! When you intend to offer the prayer,
wash your faces and your hands (and forearms) up
to the elbows, wipe your heads, and wash your
feet up to the ankles. If you are in an unclean state,
fully bathe.’’
‘‘Magnify your Lord! And purify your garments and
shun all filth.’’
‘‘And when you said, O Moses! We cannot endure
one kind of food. Therefore, pray to your Lord to
produce for us what the earth grows, its herbs, its
cucumbers, its garlic, lentils, and onions.’’
‘‘Eat of what is lawful and wholesome that exists on
earth.’’
‘‘O Believers! Eat of the wholesome things which
we have provided you with gratitude to the Lord.’’
‘‘Would any of you wish to have a garden full of
date palms and grapes through which rivers flow
underneath? He would have all sorts of fruits in
it.’’
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 Table 1 continued
Topic Quranic Citation
Diet/Nutrition Surat Al-An’am (The Livestock) 6:141
Surat Al-A’raf (The Heights) 7:31
Surat Ar-Ra’d (The Thunder) 13:3
Surat Ar-Ra’d (The Thunder) 13:4
Surat An-Nahl (The Honey Bees) 16:11
Surat An-Nahl (The Honey Bees) 16:l4
Surat An-Nahl (The Honey Bees) l6:66
Surat An-Nahl (The Honey Bees) 16:67
Surat An-Nahl (The Honey Bees) 16:69
Surat Maryam (Mary) 19:25–6
Surat Ta-Ha (T.H.) 20:81
Surat Ya-Sin (Y.S.) 36:33
Surat Muhammed or Surat Al-Qital (The Fighting) 47:15
Surat Abasa (He Frowned) 80:24
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Passage
‘‘And it is He Who produced gardens, both trellised and untrellised, and date palms,
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and crops of different shape and taste (their fruits and their seeds) and olives, and
pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in taste). Eat of the fruits when they
ripen.’’
‘‘Eat and drink, yet not in excess, for the Lord loves not those who commit excess.’’
‘‘And it is He who spread out the earth and placed therein firm mountains and rivers
and has placed two pairs (diverse) fruits on it.’’
‘‘On the earth are neighboring tracts, and vineyards, and cultivated green fields, and
date palms growing diversely, watered from a single source, yet we make some of
them (fruits) exceed (quality of) in food value to eat. Behold, verily in these things
there are signs for those who use their reason.’’
‘‘With it (the rain) He brings up for you the crops, olives, dates, the grapes and every
kind of fruit.’’
And He it is Who has subjected the sea (to you), that you eat thereof fresh fish.’’
‘‘And Verily! In the cattle, you have a worthy lesson. We give you to drink of that
which is in their bellies, between the cud and blood: pure refreshing milk for those
who drink it.’’
‘‘And from the fruits of date palms and grapes you derive intoxication and wholesome
nourishment. Verily, therein is indeed a sign for people who have wisdom.’’
‘‘Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord made easy for you.’’
‘‘And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon
you. So eat, drink and be content.’’
‘‘Eat of the wholesome things we have provided for your nourishment.’’
‘‘And from it (the earth) we produced whole grains, so that they eat thereof.’’
‘‘(Here is) a Parable of the Garden which the pious are promised, in it are rivers of
water the taste and smell of which are not changed; rivers of milk of which the taste
never changes; rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of clarified
honey. They will have, in it, all sorts of fruits; and Grace from their Lord.’’
‘‘So let man reflect upon the food he eats.’’
 Table 1 continued
Topic Quranic Citation Passage

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Physical Activity Surat Sad (The letter S.) 38:41–42
Alcohol use Surat Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:219
Surat An-Nisa (The Women) 4:43
Surat Al-Maidah (The Table) 5:90
Breastfeeding promotion Surat Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:233
‘‘Remember Our servant, Job, when he called on his Lord: Satan has afflicted me with
exhaustion (by ruining my health) and suffering. For the Lord replied: Strike the
ground with your feet! And this is a cool spring of water to wash in and for drinking
too.’’
‘‘They ask you about wine and gambling. Say: In them are great sin, and also some
benefits for mankind. But its sin outweighs the benefits.’’
‘‘O Believers! Do not approach your prayers when you are drunk until you are aware
of what you are saying (sober).’’
‘‘O Believers! Liquor and gambling, practices of idolatry (through animal sacrifice)
and arrows for seeking luck are only the filthy work of Satan. Turn aside from it so
that you may prosper.’’
‘‘Mothers should breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to
complete the nursing period.’’
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children for the first 2 years of age. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports
exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 month as a global public health recommendation
with continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years or beyond (WHO 2014). Lastly, the role of
personal responsibility and the growing significance over individual lifestyle choices for
health is a position that is highlighted in two Quranic verses, 2:195 and 4:79. Minkler
(1999) and Brown (2013) have acknowledged the component of personal responsibility for
health within the grand scheme of broader social and economic context.

Conclusion

With the WHO recommending that Islamic countries provide booklets that contain Quranic
verses connected to mental health (Mottaghi et al. 2011), opportunities of introducing
similar booklets connected to healthy lifestyles, behaviors, and practices seem viable. A
close attention to Quranic verses can have a significant influence on the correction and
maintenance of healthy lifestyles and the prevention of chronic diseases. A reflection of
these Quranic verses could serve as a health-promoting guide for culturally competent
health educators and public health practitioners in diverse populations. Faith-based health
promotion interventions and programs could serve as a strong influence in shaping health,
behaviors, and well-being particularly in Muslim communities. Quranic verses that
advocate healthy lifestyle habits could play in delivering effective health-promoting
messages and recommendation for adopting a healthy lifestyle. It is for these reasons that
the discoveries and revelations in the Quran that identify health-promoting behaviors and
advocate a healthy lifestyle should not be ignored and should be given due consideration in
the relationship between religion and health.

Limitations

There are several limitations to this narrative analysis worth noting. Although the author
reviewed through two formats of the Quran, relevant verses may have been missed. In
addition, since the English language was the primary language by which the Holy Quran
was translated for the purpose of this study, relevant citations may have been misinter-
preted through semantics and syntax in the translation of chapters and verses. It is
important to note that this narrative review was intended mainly to provide an overview of
a specific area of interest of health promotion. Since narrative reviews are considered
among the lowest levels of evidence-based research, caution should be considered with
regard to their conclusions.

Conflict of interest The author declares no conflict of interest.

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