Nourishing the Body and Soul

Child’s Nutrition: Nourishing the Body and Soul   

By Moqheeta Mehboob  

Food—the first love for many—is not merely a necessity for survival. It is a source of joy, comfort, and togetherness. Sharing meals or feeding loved ones brings immense happiness. For parents, the simple act of watching their child eat well serves as a soothing balm, filling their hearts with a sense of fulfillment and relaxation.

In Islam, this act of love holds spiritual significance, as Allah smiles upon the sincere expression of a parent's care. By nourishing their children, parents mirror Allah’s attributes of being the Provider and Sustainer.  

However, the question arises: Are parents overdoing this act of love? Are they overly fixated on feeding their children "the best," to the extent that they become distraught if a meal is skipped or left unfinished?  

In this article, we’ll explore how Muslim parents should approach their child’s nutrition, focusing on two key areas:  

1. Food for the Body  

2. Food for the Soul  

Food for the Body  

Feeding a child is one of the most basic and natural aspects of parenting. A father earns Allah’s pleasure by striving to provide halal income to feed his family. Similarly, a mother’s effort in preparing meals and caring for her children is a source of reward and blessings from Allah.  

Mother's diet

The nourishment of a child begins even before birth, encompassing both physical and psychological care. A mother’s diet, habits, moods, emotions, and spiritual state all contribute to the child’s growth. A mother’s milk, for instance, is not only packed with essential nutrients and antibodies but also serves as a means of expiation for her sins with every drop. This incredible blessing highlights the spiritual depth of nurturing. While many parents opt for formula, it is important to recognize the unique goodness that a mother’s milk provides—both physically and spiritually.

To ensure this, a mother should consume only halal and tayyib (pure) food, maintain an attitude of gratitude, and foster positive relationships with those around her.

Incorporating Sunnah Foods  

A Muslim’s home should be a place where tayyab food is prepared—a kitchen that honors and celebrates the Prophet’s ﷺ choice of foods, which are both nutritious and spiritually rewarding, such as dates, honey, olive oil, milk, figs, and barley. Every household should make an effort to stock and incorporate Sunnah foods that are available in their region. These foods not only nourish the body but also bring blessings. Parents should avoid refined oils, flours, and processed foods, recognizing their own bodies and their children’s bodies as an amanah from Allah, and treat them with the care and respect they deserve.

Instilling Islamic Values at Mealtime  

The Prophet ﷺ emphasized gratitude and mindfulness in every meal. Parents should encourage children to say “Bismillah” before eating and “Alhamdulillah” afterward, to acknowledge Allah’s blessings.

Overeating can harm the body, making it essential to teach children the lifelong skill of restraint. Unfortunately, it has become common in many households to eat until they are completely full, leaving no room for even another morsel. This was not the practice of our beloved Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ advised filling only a third of the stomach with food, a third with water, and leaving a third empty. We must strive to adopt these beautiful, healthy Sunnah practices so that we can maintain our health and gain the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

Ditching Unnecessary Practices  

In many households, dietary habits have drifted away from prophetic traditions. Parents often adopt modern, Western-style practices, such as using a fork and knife, with the fork held in the left hand. However, this contradicts the Sunnah of eating with the right hand and from what is directly in front of us. These small acts are not just manners but reflections of Islamic teachings.

Food for the Soul  

Just as the body needs nourishment, the soul requires care and attention. In today’s fast-paced world, spiritual nourishment often takes a backseat, leaving children disconnected from their faith and purpose.  

Connecting Children to Allah  

- Teach gratitude for both material and non-material blessings. Gratitude nurtures contentment and a positive outlook.  

- Instill the importance of Salah, not just as an obligation, but as a means to build discipline, routine, and a direct connection with Allah.  

- Introduce the practice of Dhikr (SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar), helping children keep Allah in their hearts and minds.  

Balancing Technology and Spirituality  

Excessive entertainment and material pursuits can leave the soul feeling neglected. Encourage children to balance their time with activities that nurture their spiritual side, such as prayer, fasting, and acts of kindness.  

Fostering Contemplation  

Homework and daily activities can become opportunities for spiritual growth. Use lessons in science or nature to help children observe and reflect on Allah’s creation. This cultivates a love for Allah and an understanding of their place in His universe.  

Conclusion  

By nourishing both the body and soul, parents fulfill their duty to raise children who are healthy, resilient, and spiritually anchored. While food for the body ensures physical strength and vitality, food for the soul nurtures character, strengthens their relationship with Allah, and prepares them to face life’s challenges with faith and confidence.  

Let us strive to nourish our children holistically, creating balanced individuals who embody the beauty of Islam in their actions and lives.