Islam does not separate physical wellbeing from spiritual discipline. In the teachings attributed to Amir al-Mu’minin, Imam Ali (a), believers are repeatedly encouraged to maintain cleanliness, eat moderately and protect both body and soul.
Here are ten practical health lessons drawn from his reported sayings.
1. Keep your mouth clean
Imam Ali (a) encouraged the use of the miswak and is reported to have said that cleaning the teeth pleases Allah, cleanses the mouth and follows the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (s).
Today, this principle can be applied through regular brushing, flossing and good oral hygiene.
Source: Tuhaf al-‘Uqul.
2. Maintain bodily cleanliness
Imam Ali (a) is reported to have urged believers to remove unpleasant smells from their bodies with water and avoid causing discomfort to others through poor hygiene.
The Qur’an also states: “Indeed, Allah loves those who purify themselves.” (2:222)
Source: Tuhaf al-‘Uqul.
3. Wash your hands around meals
Imam Ali (a) encouraged washing the hands before and after eating, associating the practice with cleanliness, wellbeing and blessing.
It is a simple habit that combines hygiene with Islamic discipline.
Sources: al-Kafi and al-Khisal.
4. Eat when you are hungry
In advice attributed to Imam Ali (a) for Imam Hasan (a), he says:
“Do not eat unless you are hungry, leave eating while you still desire food, and chew well.”
This encourages mindful eating rather than eating simply because food is available.
Source: al-Khisal.
5. Avoid overeating
Imam Ali (a) is reported to have said:
“Whoever eats much, his health diminishes.”
Other sayings attributed to him link moderation in eating with greater clarity of thought.
Source: Ghurar al-Hikam.
6. Make time for night worship
Imam Ali (a) is reported to have said that worship during the night brings health to the body, the pleasure of Allah and exposure to His mercy.
Wellbeing in Islam therefore includes spiritual tranquillity as well as physical health.
Source: Tuhaf al-‘Uqul.
7. Maintain personal hygiene
Imam Ali (a) encouraged practices such as trimming the nails and removing underarm hair as part of cleanliness and protection from unpleasant odours.
The Ahl al-Bayt (a) repeatedly emphasised regular personal hygiene.
Sources: Tuhaf al-‘Uqul and al-Kafi.
8. Eat simple, nourishing foods
Narrations attributed to Imam Ali (a) mention foods such as dates, honey, milk, vegetables and harisa, a traditional grain-based dish.
The wider lesson is to choose nourishing foods that strengthen the body.
Sources: al-Kafi and Wasa’il al-Shi‘a.
9. Practise moderation in food and drink
In advice to Kumayl ibn Ziyad, Imam Ali (a) discouraged completely filling the stomach and instead encouraged moderation.
Islamic health guidance repeatedly returns to the principle of balance and avoiding excess.
Source: Tuhaf al-‘Uqul.
10. Protect yourself from stress and envy
Imam Ali (a) is reported to have said:
“Worry melts the body.”
He also warned that sadness, envy and resentment can harm a person physically and spiritually.
Source: Ghurar al-Hikam.
For Imam Ali (a), health was not only about diet and hygiene. It was about discipline, moderation, cleanliness, worship and protecting the heart from destructive emotions.
The body is an amanah from Allah, and caring for it helps a believer worship, serve others and fulfil their responsibilities with greater strength.
