Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving

 

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

 

There is no problem for a Muslim to eat to his full. This is based on the report of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who was offered to drink milk by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) who said to him, ‘Abu Hurairah, drink.’ So he drank, then he said: ‘Drink.’ Abu Hurayrah kept drinking and he kept on saying, ‘Drink.’ Then he said: ‘By the One Who sent you with the truth! I have no more space for it.’ So he took the bowl and praised Allah, mentioned His Name and drank.’” (Al-Bukhari)

 

The Prophet’s approval of Abu Hurayrah’s doing is an evidence that it is permissible to eat and drink to one’s full stomach.

 

However, it is preferable that one does not indulge in excessive habits of overeating or drinking in a way that may affect his practice of regular supererogatory services such as praying at night or fasting on Mondays and Thursday.

 

Moreover, Ibn Al-Qayyim warns against health problems arising from eating too much by saying, “Material illnesses arise from an increase of matter which comes to a point of excess in the body whereby it harms its natural functions – and these are the most common illnesses. They are caused by consuming more food before the previous meal has been properly digested; by eating in excess of the amount needed by the body; by consuming food which is of little nutritional value and is slow to digest; and by eating different foods which are complex in their composition. So when a person fills his belly with these foods and it becomes a habit, they cause him various diseases…” (At-Tibb An-Nabawi, p. 20; Medicine of the Prophet, ITS, p. 13.)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported as saying, “The human being can fill no container worse than his belly. Sufficient for the son of Adam are so many morsels of food as will keep his spine upright. But if he must eat more, then a third for his food, a third for his drink and a third for his breath.”

 

Therefore, one should have a moderate and balanced system of food and drink in a way to help him/her does his/her duties without causing health problems.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.