Validation and medical analysis of the hadith "The root of body ruin is the abandonment of dinner"

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Islamic Science University of Razavi, Mashhad, Iran. E-mail: delbari@razavi.ac.ir

2 Associate Professor, Department of Iranian Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. E-mail: yousefim@mums.ac.ir

3 Doctoral Student in Quran and Hadith Sciences, Islamic Science University of Razavi, Mashhad, Iran. E-mail: S.m.mosavi9794@gmail.com

4 Master of Science in Quran and Hadith, Islamic Science University of Razavi, Mashhad, Iran. E-mail: Mohaghegh.gr@gmail.com

10.30512/kq.2023.20253.3698

Abstract

Despite the emphasis of traditional medical narratives on the importance of eating dinner and the prohibitions against skipping it, some physicians have believed that consuming dinner leads to adverse outcomes, such as eye diseases, earaches, body itching, colic, and neurological problems. This study aims to validate the narration attributed to Imam Sadiq (AS) stating, "The root of bodily ruin is avoiding dinner" (Asl Kharab Al-Badan Tark Al-Ashaa) in terms of its chain of transmission (isnad), content, and its correlation with contemporary scientific and medical findings. The goal is to highlight the importance of eating dinner, correct misconceptions on this matter, and provide solutions rooted in religious teachings and medical science for healthy nutrition.This research employs a comparative-analytical approach, utilizing library-based resources. Initially, the chain of transmission for the narration was critically examined, and the credibility of its narrators was assessed. The content of the narration was then compared against Quranic criteria, authentic hadiths, and medical findings related to nutrition, evaluating its compatibility or contradiction with these sources. The results of this study indicate that the chain of transmission of the mentioned narration is credible, and all narrators are trustworthy. Furthermore, the content aligns with Quranic teachings and other authentic narrations that underscore the importance of proper nutrition and avoiding hunger, particularly during the dinner meal. Additionally, medical findings demonstrate that skipping dinner may lead to metabolic disorders, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of various diseases. This highlights the need to counter false beliefs about avoiding dinner and emphasizes that while overeating at dinner is harmful, avoiding it entirely can also have detrimental effects.The narration from Imam Sadiq (AS) is supported by a valid chain of transmission and contains content consistent with religious teachings and medical evidence. Consuming dinner as part of a healthy and balanced diet can contribute to maintaining bodily health. It is recommended to avoid overeating and late-night dinners while adhering to the principles of healthy nutrition.

Keywords

Main Subjects