Islamic Dietary Practices and Metabolic Health: A Correlational Study of Eating Behavior and Metabolic Parameters

Abstract

An Islamic diet, embracing the principles of halal (permissible), thayyib (good), moderation, regularity, voluntary fasting, and dietary etiquette, is believed to support physical and spiritual health. A balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolism and endurance. This study aimed to analyze respondents' implementation of an Islamic diet and correlate it with health parameters such as blood pressure, cholesterol, uric acid, and blood glucose levels. Questionnaire data showed that the majority of respondents consistently ensured the halal and hygiene of food and practiced Islamic dietary etiquette. However, dietary moderation, regular mealtimes, and voluntary fasting were less consistently implemented. Health examinations revealed that a number of respondents had hypertension, high cholesterol, and high uric acid levels, although the majority had normal blood glucose levels. These findings indicate that moderation and regularity in eating need to be strengthened to optimally achieve the benefits of an Islamic diet. This analysis is also supported by classical Islamic jurisprudence sources that emphasize the importance of maintaining balance and cleanliness in food consumption as part of worship and the responsibility to maintain health. This study underscores the important relationship between the implementation of an Islamic diet and physical health, as well as the need to integrate Islamic jurisprudence values into health education for the Muslim community.