Whenever Muslims think about protecting the breast we immediately think of Suratul Nur in the Holy Quran, verse 31 where Allah tells the believing women: “Let them draw their veils over their bosom…” The Arabic word ‘bikhumurihinna’ used in this verse is a form of the word ‘khimar’ which means to cover. To cover doesn’t just mean to conceal, it also means to protect. As Muslim women cover their bosom, they are also protecting their private parts and as the verse continues, preventing the sharing of their beauty. There is much wisdom in this act as the nature of mankind is to hypersexual this body part and covering it protects it from the unwanted thoughts and actions from others. There is also the practical application that protecting this sensitive body part also prevents damage like sunburn from the sun, dryness from the cold or even insect bites.
Allah teaches us in the Quran
We have indeed created humankind in the best of molds.
Quran 95:4 (Surat At-Tin, The Fig)
This beautiful human body is a Mercy from Allah, and the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught us that our bodies have rights over us. Our bodies require that we take the necessary actions to keep them healthy. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation lists ten actions that women can take to protect and prevent the incidence of cancer. These preventative behaviors lower the risk of developing the disease and include maintaining a healthy weight, eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains, breastfeeding, exercising, staying away from intoxicants, seeking medical assistance if you suspect cancer and knowing your family history and risk statistics.
Healthy weight
Muslims are advised by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to eat with moderation. This behavior inherently helps us to maintain a healthy weight.
"The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to straighten his back. But if he must (fill his stomach), then one-third for his food, one-third for his drink, and one-third for his breath".
Sunan Ibn Majah 3349
Exercise
One of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy weight is keeping the human body moving and staying physically fit. Exercising regularly reduces disease overall, strengthens the cardiovascular system, strengths bones and muscles, improves mood and cognitive health and helps to maintain balance and coordination. When we look to the life example of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) we find that he was a very physically active person.
Aisha (ra) stated that, “I raced with the Prophet and I beat him. Later, when I had put on some weight, we raced again and he won. Then he said, ” This cancels that (referring to the previous race.”
Sahih Bukhari
There are other reports of the lifestyle physical fitness methodology of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): Also in the reports of the life of Prophet Muhammad we learn that the Prophet (saw) walked at fast pace and even wrestled.
“The Prophet (s) once wrestled with a man called Rukhanah who was well known for his strength, throwing him down more than once.”
reported by Abu Dawud.
Abu Huraira narrated that, “I did not see anyone walk faster than him, as is the earth folded for him. A few moments ago he would be here, and then there. We found it difficult to keep pace when we walked with him and he walked at his normal pace.”
Tirmidhi
Eat healthy
Muslims can look both to the holy Quran and the reported sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) when it comes to considering what type of diet we should follow. One of the attributes of Allah is Ar-Razzaq, The Provider of The Sustainer. Allah has created the earth with the necessary food resources that help maintain the excellence of the human body.
O you who have Faith! eat of the good things We have provided you with, and be grateful to Allah, if Him it is you worship.
Surah Al Baqarah 2: 172
Researchers in the medical field often advise people to include fresh fruit and vegetables in their diet to not only maintain a healthy weight but to maintain an overall healthy body. Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the body, reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, strengthen the heart and prevent disease. As Muslims refer to the holy Quran for guidance, here Allah teaches us the value of fruits and vegetables
“With it He causes to grow for you the crops, the olives, the date-palms, the grapes, and every kind of fruit...”
{Surah Nahl: 11}
“And from the fruits of date palms and grapes, you obtain (date and grape juice) and a goodly provision...”
{Surah Nahl: 67}
Besides fruits and vegetables, it is recommended to eat whole grains like wheat, rice, corn, oats, barley, quinoa and others. Whole grains provide iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B and other essential vitamins as well as fiber. Their consumption helps to regulate the human body and even cognitive mood and development.
That We may bring forth thereby grain and vegetation
Surah An Naba 78:15
Breastfeeding
Cancer researchers have found through studies that women who have breastfeed their children have lower incidences of breast cancer. As the human body is created in the most excellent of modes, science has discovered that breastfeeding protects and boosts the immune system of both the mother and the child. Breastfeeding reduces hormones that promote cancer, reduces the incidence of breast cellular mutations that can lead to cancer and the breast milk itself has alpha-lactalbumin and oleic acid which contain anti-tumor properties. From an Islamic perspective, the Quran teaches that women should breastfeed in the child’s early years:
Divorced˺ mothers will breastfeed their offspring for two whole years…,
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:233
Avoiding intoxicants
Medical researchers have found that consumption of alcohol, drugs and even smoking increases the risk of breast cancer. This is because these intoxicants have carcinogens that cause inflammation and mutation of cells in the body. But Muslims we understand that intoxicants are harmful and displeasing to our Lord.
Say, 'In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.'" This verse acknowledges the potential harms and benefits of alcohol but emphasizes its greater sinful nature.
Surah Al Baqarah 2: 219
Seeking medical help
Early detection and prevention increase the survival rate of breast cancer significantly. By screening regularly both at home with monthly checks and with medical appointments, any abnormalities can be detected. The earlier breast cancer is noted, the earlier its spread can be prevented.
Abu Darda reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, Allah sent down the disease and the cure, and for every disease He made a cure. Seek treatment, but do not seek treatment by the unlawful.”
Sunan Abu-Dawud 3874
Knowing family history
There is considerable evidence that breast cancer can run in families due to a gene mutation. It is important that women understand if this is part of their family medical history because it allows for more rigorous monitoring for early detection of any abnormalities to the breast. The ancient proverb prevention is better than a cure is profoundly relevant in this instance. In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad advised for Muslims to know their family lineage and strengthen the bond.
Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Learn your lineages to solidify your family ties. Verily, keeping family ties causes love among the kinship, enriches the wealth, and increases the lifespan.”
Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1979
Author bio: Mahasin D. Shamsid-Deen is the news curator and content manager for Muslim Network TV (MNTV) and contributing writer for Sound Vision. She holds a master’s degree in English writing and has worked as both a High School and College ESL Instructor and Writing Instructor for more than a decade. Mahasin has numerous published articles, books, essays and is a published playwright with three award winning stage plays. She is currently writing her dissertation for her doctoral degree.
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