Moderation in Eating and Drinking in Islam (Al-Iʿtidāl fī al-Akl wa al-Shurb)

Suyuti1 · Jun 09, 2025, 03:40 PM

Moderation in eating and drinking is an Islamic principle that promotes physical health, spiritual discipline, and gratitude. Islam rejects both gluttony and starvation, urging a balanced approach that reflects mindfulness and self-control.

Allah says:

وَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ
"Eat and drink, but do not be excessive. Indeed, He does not love the wasteful."
— Surah Al-Aʿrāf (7:31)

The Prophet ﷺ laid down a perfect formula for moderation:

"مَا مَلَأَ آدَمِيٌّ وِعَاءً شَرًّا مِن بَطْنٍ، بِحَسْبِ ٱبْنِ آدَمَ أُكُلَاتٌ يُقِمْنَ صُلْبَهُ، فَإِن كَانَ لَا مَحَالَةَ، فَثُلُثٌ لِطَعَامِهِ، وَثُلُثٌ لِشَرَابِهِ، وَثُلُثٌ لِنَفَسِهِ"
"No human fills a container worse than his stomach. A few bites to keep the back straight are sufficient. If he must eat more, then a third for food, a third for drink, and a third for air."
— Sunan al-Tirmidhi (2380)

Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) discouraged luxury and overeating among the Sahaba, encouraging simple meals and gratitude.

Moderation strengthens the body, sharpens the mind, and allows the soul to focus on worship and service.

Moderation in Eating and Drinking in Islam (Al-Iʿtidāl fī al-Akl wa al-Shurb)

Suyuti1

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