Does the Quran Have an Opinion on Lifestyle Change for Health and Meaning?

The Holy Quran, as a divine guide, comprehensively and profoundly addresses various dimensions of human life, offering invaluable guidance for achieving a healthy, meaningful, and balanced lifestyle. In the Quranic view, health is not merely physical well-being but also encompasses mental, spiritual, and social health. This celestial book, by emphasizing moderation and temperance, guides humanity towards a life where both the body is strengthened and the soul reaches perfection. The Quran explicitly asks believers to prioritize their physical purity and health, as the body is a trust from God, and its preservation is obligatory. Eating lawful and good (pure and beneficial) foods and avoiding impurities (harmful things) are among the explicit Quranic injunctions in this regard. This not only impacts the material and physical aspects of life but also brings spiritual and mental tranquility. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 168, Allah states: "O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy." This verse not only emphasizes consuming lawful provisions but also links it to avoiding satanic temptations that lead to physical and spiritual harm. Furthermore, the Quran clearly emphasizes the role of piety and righteousness in achieving spiritual and mental health. A life built upon moral and spiritual values reduces anxiety and mental pressures, fostering a sense of inner peace and contentment. Observing discipline and planning in acts of worship, such as prayer, helps individuals find divine structure and order in their lives, which significantly contributes to their mental well-being. Beyond physical health, the Quran places immense importance on the meaningful dimension of life. Fundamentally, the meaning of life in Islam is intertwined with the concept of servitude and proximity to God. The creation of humans and jinn was solely for the purpose of worshipping God, as stated in Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 56: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." This servitude not only includes outward acts of worship but encompasses all aspects of an individual's life, from earning a lawful living to social interactions and helping the needy. Changing one's lifestyle to achieve meaning implies a re-evaluation of priorities, values, and goals. One must ask themselves if their life aligns with divine objectives. Are they spending their time and energy on matters that bring them closer to God or distance them from Him? The Quran emphasizes that true happiness lies not in accumulating wealth, possessions, or worldly power, but in attaining divine pleasure and performing righteous deeds. The concept of 'Tazkiyah al-Nafs' or purification of the soul is the beating heart of lifestyle change in the Quran. This process involves freeing oneself from moral vices such as envy, arrogance, greed, and selfishness, and adorning oneself with virtues like humility, generosity, patience, and gratitude. Tazkiyah al-Nafs requires self-knowledge, introspection, and continuous self-accountability, placing an individual on a path of continuous growth and perfection. Every time a person decides to abstain from sin and takes a step towards righteous action, they are changing their lifestyle for the better. Ultimately, the Quran offers hope to humanity that positive internal and external change and transformation are always possible. In Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 11, Allah says: "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." This verse states a fundamental principle that every external transformation originates from an internal one. Therefore, if one desires greater health, deeper peace, and a nobler meaning in their life, they must, with reliance on God and strong will, embark on the path of changing their lifestyle. This change includes conscious choices in nutrition, physical activity, stress management, social relationships, and, of course, deepening their connection with God through worship and contemplation. The Quran provides a complete roadmap for such a transformation, promising believers salvation and a 'Hayat Tayyibah' (a pure and good life) – a life that is prosperous in this world and successful in the Hereafter.