Halal Sustenance & Its Effect on Life and Deeds

Studying the verses and teachings of the Qur’an, we find that the Qur’an has never invited us to ignore the divine gifts and has not considered poverty as a value and a blessing; rather, it has encouraged human beings to work and has emphasized that they should earn a proper and good provision by working and making effort. These teachings have also commanded people to eat a lawful/Halal and clean sustenance.

All eatable and drinkable things are called sustenance, but mankind, who is the flower of the flock among the creatures, is distinguished from other living beings by his honor, intellect and wisdom. So he does not eat/drink anything. Man may recognize with his intellect that some kind of food is harmful to him, so he never goes to it and expresses its harm to others and warns them about that food. In this case, all human beings, Muslims and non-Muslims, are equal; these are based on a number of common factors such as intellect, experience and nature, so all human beings acknowledge them. In addition, a big part of human society is made up of religious people who somehow consider themselves committed to religious teachings and give special importance and position to religious teachings.

In the Shari’ah and invitation of the prophets, the importance of sustenance and avoidance from haram had a special position as ideological issues, monotheism and other practical rulings had; this issue had always been at the forefront of the invitation of the prophets. Therefore, a pious Muslim is obliged in Islamic law regarding the provision of sustenance and livelihood to seek lawful/halal and pure sustenance and to avoid haram.

Human beings are often caught in the bondage of greed as they see apparent and quick benefits and do not distinguish between what is forbidden and what is lawful; while the forbidden/haram sustenance is like a poisonous food, but much more than that; it not only harms the spiritual health of man, but also damages the appearance of the body and organs. But, clean and halal food not only keeps the appearance of the body and organs healthy and safe, but also provides comfort and peace of mind.

Some of the good effects and positive consequences of halal sustenance in life: 1. Halal sustenance paves the way to attain piety and goodness; 2. Halal sustenance makes prayer/dū’ā acceptable; 3. Halal sustenance is a source of blessing; 4. Halal sustenance leaves an effect on family upbringing and reform; 5. Halal sustenance is a source of inner peace.

Some of the important reasons for attracting and increasing sustenance: 1. The belief of Tawhīd/monotheism and the faith that He is the Creator and the Provider; 2. Protecting and adhering all family members to the five daily prayers; 3. Repentance and seeking forgiveness; 4. Relying on Allāh Almighty in all deeds and situations; 5. Maintaining friendly relations with relatives and paying their rights, especially parents and family members; 6. Striving for obligatory and supererogatory charity; 7. Piety, piousness and avoidance of sins; 8. Thanksgiving to Allāh; 9. Marriage; 10. Performing Hajj and Umrah; 11. Effort and struggle; 12. Prayer and supplication.