and blood is Satan’s pathway through the body, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Satan flows through the son of Adam as blood flows.”

For this reason, when Ramadan begins, the devils are chained, for fasting is a shield. The wholesome things he permitted are foods that benefit the mind and character, while foul things are those that harm the mind and character. Likewise, wine is the mother of all evils because it corrupts the mind and character.

Allah has therefore permitted the God-fearing wholesome things that help them worship their Lord—the purpose for which they were created—and forbidden them foul things that hinder them from fulfilling that purpose. Along with consuming these wholesome things, He commanded them to give thanks and forbade them to declare such things unlawful. Whoever consumes them without giving thanks neglects what Allah has commanded and deserves punishment. Whoever declares them unlawful—as monks do—has transgressed Allah’s limits and deserves punishment. Allah Most High says:

“O you who believe, eat of the wholesome things We have provided for you, and give thanks to Allah, if it is Him that you worship.”

In an authentic hadith, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

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

Another hadith states:

“The grateful person who eats is like the patient person who fasts.”

Allah Most High also says:

“Then, on that Day, you will surely be questioned about your blessings.”

That is, about giving thanks for them. For He does not permit something and then punish someone for doing it. Rather, He questions the person about the duty He prescribed alongside it and about what He prohibited: whether that person fell short by neglecting a command or committing a forbidden act. As Allah Most High says:

“O you who believe, do not forbid the wholesome things