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Healing Body & Soul: Your Guide to Holistic Wellbeing Following Islamic Teachings
Like other guides to good health,
Healing Body & Soul
advocates abandoning an unhealthy diet and altering a sedentary lifestyle, but this book goes beyond the mere physical aspects of health. Amira Ayad is a practitioner and researcher with a Master’s in Pharmaceutics and a Doctorate in Natural Health. She writes:
During the course of this work, I try to explain how you can combine the rich tradition of Islamic teaching with beneficial contemporary scientific knowledge in order to lead a holistically healthy and happy life.
The book is divided into five chapters, each concerning one of the five components that make up your body, mind and soul, clarifying in each chapter how to look after that part of you and keep it healthy. During the course of the book you will notice how these bodies are interconnected; the health of one is highly dependent on the wellbeing of the others, so that a happy, healthy life entails a balance between all of them.
Healing Body & Soul presents holistic Islamic health science in a simple yet comprehensive user-friendly guide to better health. Healing Body & Soul is an invaluable reference that encourages and empowers people to take control of their health and their lives.
During the course of this work, I try to explain how you can combine the rich tradition of Islamic teaching with beneficial contemporary scientific knowledge in order to lead a holistically healthy and happy life.
The book is divided into five chapters, each concerning one of the five components that make up your body, mind and soul, clarifying in each chapter how to look after that part of you and keep it healthy. During the course of the book you will notice how these bodies are interconnected; the health of one is highly dependent on the wellbeing of the others, so that a happy, healthy life entails a balance between all of them.
Healing Body & Soul presents holistic Islamic health science in a simple yet comprehensive user-friendly guide to better health. Healing Body & Soul is an invaluable reference that encourages and empowers people to take control of their health and their lives.
- GenresIslamReligionNonfiction
526 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
47 people are currently reading
472 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 30, 2013
I absolutely LOVE this book!
As someone who is fascinated with the health and fitness world, I've always wondered how the many teachings in Islam fit in. The health/fitness 'industry' (as that is what it is now), seems to be forever coming up with a study of something that would benefit us, only to retract the study a few months later. So to learn what Allah has taught us, through His Prophet (peace be upon him) and the science behind it is amazing. Things like salat (prayer) and how each movement is not only spiritually beneficial but physically too, recommendations of consuming herbs like black seed which western medicine is only discovering now, etc. etc.
I was however disappointed to see the USDA food pyramid used in the book. Although it's only mentioned on a page or two - and referenced in a few pages, that pyramid has got to go. It's out dated, and I personally don't think it's correct. What the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam) ate is NOT the same quality food we have available today. So although I'm not against any food (natural food) group we need to re-adjust what we are consuming more of.
As well, as a graphic designer I wasn't impressed with the images - I suppose only I notice how pixalated they are, but it still bothers me.
Overall, the book is very thorough, I feel like I need to re-read it just to retain everything. I found the section on 'Subconscious Mind' and the three types of happiness fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed the "Emotional body" section.
I highly recommend others check it out, especially those passionate about following the Sunnah and learning what the Qur'an says in regards to out body (physically, mentally and emotionally).
As someone who is fascinated with the health and fitness world, I've always wondered how the many teachings in Islam fit in. The health/fitness 'industry' (as that is what it is now), seems to be forever coming up with a study of something that would benefit us, only to retract the study a few months later. So to learn what Allah has taught us, through His Prophet (peace be upon him) and the science behind it is amazing. Things like salat (prayer) and how each movement is not only spiritually beneficial but physically too, recommendations of consuming herbs like black seed which western medicine is only discovering now, etc. etc.
I was however disappointed to see the USDA food pyramid used in the book. Although it's only mentioned on a page or two - and referenced in a few pages, that pyramid has got to go. It's out dated, and I personally don't think it's correct. What the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam) ate is NOT the same quality food we have available today. So although I'm not against any food (natural food) group we need to re-adjust what we are consuming more of.
As well, as a graphic designer I wasn't impressed with the images - I suppose only I notice how pixalated they are, but it still bothers me.
Overall, the book is very thorough, I feel like I need to re-read it just to retain everything. I found the section on 'Subconscious Mind' and the three types of happiness fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed the "Emotional body" section.
I highly recommend others check it out, especially those passionate about following the Sunnah and learning what the Qur'an says in regards to out body (physically, mentally and emotionally).
July 21, 2013
This book takes the saying "Islam is a way of life" to whole other level. Ayad outlines holistic Islamic health science and shows you how you can connect all your food choice and health-maintenance to Allah. I highly recommend this.
August 6, 2017
An elegantly written, practical manual that deals with the 5 'bodies': physical health, biochemical health (nutrition and environment), intellectual health (conscious and subconscious mind), emotional health and spiritual health (food for the soul). Ayad keeps the reader captivated by balancing her writing using facts, Sunan du'as, facts, short excerpts from other books where applicable, recent studies, personal experiences and anecdotes - many of which made me smile and chuckle. Ayad offers practical tips on how to live a balanced and harmonious life by working on all five aspects of our body.
Ayad reiterates the importance of intention, which converts seemingly mundane, daily tasks into acts of ibaadah (worship). Furthermore, she urges the reader to take control of his/her life by planning and setting goals, whilst keeping in mind that "They plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the Best of Planners." (S8:Vs30)
This allows one to be content with what Allah has ordained and having faith that "what befalls you was never meant to miss you and what misses you was never meant to befall you." We have no control over the future so there is only harm in worrying and stressing about it, especially when things don't coincide with our plans. However, it is important to try our best and aim for excellence in whatever we do and then leave the rest to Allah by practising "tawakkul".
There is much of wisdom in the Prophetic traditions, especially with regard to eating habits. If we lived our lives in accordance with the Sunnah: by performing 5 daily salaaah, mediating, eating healthy and staying fit, we would rarely need to visit a doctor or try different kinds of diets. Furthermore, this kind of lifestyle is proved to lead to peace of mind and improved concentration and productivity in our ibaadah and daily tasks.
Ayad uses Quranic verses to emphasise the importance of traveling in the lands and appreciating the bounties Allah has provided us with. It is also proven that travelling and the change of environment is beneficial to the mental, emotional and spiritual bodies.
As stated before, the food pyramid is outdated but as the author mentioned, it is merely a guide. Research continues to improve on these guides.
These are just a few of the points that stood out for me. Overall, a brilliant book that I have flagged in numerous places and will continue to refer to as future reference, InshāAllah.
I feel that every home needs a copy of Ayad's Healing Body & Soul.
Ayad reiterates the importance of intention, which converts seemingly mundane, daily tasks into acts of ibaadah (worship). Furthermore, she urges the reader to take control of his/her life by planning and setting goals, whilst keeping in mind that "They plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the Best of Planners." (S8:Vs30)
This allows one to be content with what Allah has ordained and having faith that "what befalls you was never meant to miss you and what misses you was never meant to befall you." We have no control over the future so there is only harm in worrying and stressing about it, especially when things don't coincide with our plans. However, it is important to try our best and aim for excellence in whatever we do and then leave the rest to Allah by practising "tawakkul".
There is much of wisdom in the Prophetic traditions, especially with regard to eating habits. If we lived our lives in accordance with the Sunnah: by performing 5 daily salaaah, mediating, eating healthy and staying fit, we would rarely need to visit a doctor or try different kinds of diets. Furthermore, this kind of lifestyle is proved to lead to peace of mind and improved concentration and productivity in our ibaadah and daily tasks.
Ayad uses Quranic verses to emphasise the importance of traveling in the lands and appreciating the bounties Allah has provided us with. It is also proven that travelling and the change of environment is beneficial to the mental, emotional and spiritual bodies.
As stated before, the food pyramid is outdated but as the author mentioned, it is merely a guide. Research continues to improve on these guides.
These are just a few of the points that stood out for me. Overall, a brilliant book that I have flagged in numerous places and will continue to refer to as future reference, InshāAllah.
I feel that every home needs a copy of Ayad's Healing Body & Soul.
May 13, 2019
Inspirational book to try no matter your beliefs, always look for the best! This author interpreted the quran's teachings on body healing.
May 19, 2021
I bought this book years ago! And I never got around to reading it, because until recently it was usually around Ramadan time that I read an Islamic book and this one mentions a lot of food benefits. And I thought reading this during Ramadan would make me hungrier!
But I was pleasantly surprised when I started this book a few months before Ramadan this year and saw that it was actually divided into five sections — four of which had nothing to do with food! I really enjoyed the last three sections on intellectual, emotional and spiritual body vs. the first two on physical and biochemical body. The usage of Quran and ahadith to support the author’s advice was more effective in the latter part while in the beginning of the book, the ayaat and sayings seemed kind of forced into supporting the text. Also, sometimes the references seemed dated even if the topic at-hand was still relevant. Mostly however, this book is really important. It has so many beautiful reminders on how to achieve a hopeful and positive mindset (drawing not only from religious sources but also psychological and cognitive processes e.g. NLP), a healthy routine (in terms of nutrition and otherwise) and integrate deen in every aspect of our lives. I appreciated the author’s disclaimers when she prescribed foods for various ailments and deficiencies, saying that these did not override medical professional advice and were meant to be undertaken as preventative measures.
All in all, I loved spending time with this book and Amira Ayad’s words. Her optimistic outlook on life does ‘heal the body and soul’; her work inspires you to want to improve your life and streamline the chaos and turmoil you inflict upon yourself unknowingly when you live without truly reflecting over the wisdom within your religion.
But I was pleasantly surprised when I started this book a few months before Ramadan this year and saw that it was actually divided into five sections — four of which had nothing to do with food! I really enjoyed the last three sections on intellectual, emotional and spiritual body vs. the first two on physical and biochemical body. The usage of Quran and ahadith to support the author’s advice was more effective in the latter part while in the beginning of the book, the ayaat and sayings seemed kind of forced into supporting the text. Also, sometimes the references seemed dated even if the topic at-hand was still relevant. Mostly however, this book is really important. It has so many beautiful reminders on how to achieve a hopeful and positive mindset (drawing not only from religious sources but also psychological and cognitive processes e.g. NLP), a healthy routine (in terms of nutrition and otherwise) and integrate deen in every aspect of our lives. I appreciated the author’s disclaimers when she prescribed foods for various ailments and deficiencies, saying that these did not override medical professional advice and were meant to be undertaken as preventative measures.
All in all, I loved spending time with this book and Amira Ayad’s words. Her optimistic outlook on life does ‘heal the body and soul’; her work inspires you to want to improve your life and streamline the chaos and turmoil you inflict upon yourself unknowingly when you live without truly reflecting over the wisdom within your religion.
November 11, 2017
Brilliant book for every muslimah who is very much interested in natural health, well being and the benefits of all foods.
October 30, 2020
Amira Ayad, what a wonderful book she has written with great substance. I admire the amount of research undertaken to connect each of the five aspects (physical, biochemical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual body) to the Quran, and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The language is easy to understand and the advice included is full of practical steps to implement in the life of one seeking to live a conscious and holistic life with guidance from our greatest example (pbuh).
The book is content heavy, and one that I will revisit time and time again - as knowledge is empty without action. I have already implemented some of the sunnah advice given and am so grateful for the additional energy in my life.
I thought some sections could have been shorter as they had several stories emphasising similar points, but I can see the benefit in them for someone completely new to these areas of knowledge. Some information could also be succinct into small graphics to make it more digestible. Other than these minor points, there are barely any negatives. I appreciate the summary tables of illnesses, potential natural remedies, and descriptions of vitamins and minerals - super useful! Such an excellent book, so glad I have a hard copy to keep for life. Thank you Amira Ayad, an excellent book worthy of great rewards.
The book is content heavy, and one that I will revisit time and time again - as knowledge is empty without action. I have already implemented some of the sunnah advice given and am so grateful for the additional energy in my life.
I thought some sections could have been shorter as they had several stories emphasising similar points, but I can see the benefit in them for someone completely new to these areas of knowledge. Some information could also be succinct into small graphics to make it more digestible. Other than these minor points, there are barely any negatives. I appreciate the summary tables of illnesses, potential natural remedies, and descriptions of vitamins and minerals - super useful! Such an excellent book, so glad I have a hard copy to keep for life. Thank you Amira Ayad, an excellent book worthy of great rewards.
October 1, 2020
A very well-rounded and beautifully written book MashaAllah ❤️ This book embodies that Islam truly is a way of life and we are so blessed to have guidance from the Qur'an and Sunnah to maintain all aspects of our wellbeing.
January 24, 2023
That’s such a beautiful and inspiring book that light up and motivates our soul, it push us to work hard in ourselves and find guidance in the Islamic teachings to live a better life in so many aspects; physically, mentally, spiritually… As a new reverted muslim it inspired me to keep working hard on myself, reading, searching and looking for guidance focusing on the things that really matters in life, while obtaining Allah’s pleasure in whatever I do. I would definitely recommend the reading, the language used is really pleasurable to read and drive us to a deep reflective state to live better, to be better…
December 13, 2019
It was an honor to work with Dr. Amira Ayad on this book. Amira's eclectic knowledge and her ability to draw upon time-honored teachings to make connections between what are often treated as disparate aspects (spirituality and physical well-being, for example) make Healing Body & Soul a pleasure to read. It's also a valuable reference book that one can reach for and come back to time and again.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews