THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EATING LITTLE AND MODERATE HUNGER

The great friend of Allah Mahmud Sami Ramazanoghlu emphasized the significance of eating and drinking little in his book Mukerrem Insan (The Perfect man) and says:  “ They asked the doctors: what is the best cure, they answered: Eating little. The people of wisdom are asked how they found so much power and courage for worshipping Allah. They answered: Eating little. The ascetics are asked: what makes the tie between man and Allah stronger:  They answered: Eating little. The scholars are asked what is the best state for learning. They answered: being in a state of hunger (rather than satiety) and eating little.”
There are so many benefits of eating little (never eating until the stomach is filled):
 In moderate hunger there is clearness of mind and heart; the memory is stronger. In the state of being overly full, there is forgetfulness and foolishness.
In moderate hunger, there is gentleness of the heart. The heart benefits and takes pleasure from worship and supplication. With a full stomach, the heart is insensitive and takes no pleasure in worship.
In moderate hunger, there is softness of heart. Satiety produces insolence, conceit, pride and bragging.
In moderate hunger, one thinks of the poor and hungry, whereas a man with a full stomach never remembers the poor and the needy.
In moderate hunger the appetite, needs and the wishes of the animal soul are broken. When full, the animal soul is strong and the desires find strength.
In moderate hunger the body is in an agile and aware condition. When full it feels sleepy and careless.
In moderate hunger, one feels ready to worship and give service to Allah. When the stomach is full one feels lazy and wax.
In moderate hunger, the body is healthier. Sickness disappears. Overeating makes the body feel worn out and sick.
In moderate hunger, the body feels light and spacious, making one cheerful.
In moderate hunger, one feels more generous and ready to provide support for the poor with charity. On the other hand those who do not experience hunger all do not understand the sufferings of the poor. Also, for this, in the heat on the fearful Day of Judgment, the servant will come into a state of coolness and shade. Fullness produces a state that goes from stinginess to wasteful spending which leads to the destruction of the servant.

Culled from the book:  ‘Islam; Spirit and form’ by   Osman Nuri Topbas.