worshipping Him alone.”

He thus commanded people to eat of the good things and give thanks to Allah. Whoever forbids the good things is a transgressor, while whoever fails to give thanks is negligent and fails to fulfil Allah’s right.

In Sahīh Muslim, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is reported to have said:

“Indeed, Allah is pleased with a servant who eats a meal and praises Him for it, or takes a drink and praises Him for it.”

Al-Tirmidhī and others report that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The grateful person who eats is of the same standing as the patient person who fasts.”

This way, which the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, followed, is the most balanced and upright of all ways. Deviation from it takes two forms.

Some people indulge excessively in their desires while turning away from fulfilling their obligations. Allah Most High has said:

“Eat and drink, but do not be excessive. Indeed, He does not love those who are excessive.”

Allah Most High has also said:

“But they were succeeded by generations who neglected prayer and followed their desires; they will meet with evil.”

Others forbid the good things and introduce a monasticism that Allah Most High has not prescribed. There is no monasticism in Islam.

Allah Most High has said:

“Do not forbid the good things Allah has made lawful for you, and do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not love transgressors.”

Allah Most High has also said:

“O messengers, eat of the good things and do righteous deeds. Indeed, I know well what you do.”

It is reported in the Sahīh that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Indeed, Allah has commanded the believers