RESUMO
This paper aims at briefly specifying an analytical approach for the understanding of diet and nutrition in Islam and its effects on the promotion of health within the society. The Qur'an and other Islamic literature on Hadiths [Traditions], Figh [Jurisprudence] and traditional medicine are studied. The specifications of the Islamic food, the significance of the use of a diet compatible with the nature of the human body, manners of fostering hygienic principles, and ways and means of improving nutrition in the society are duly elaborated. The study further verifies that Islam has an independent approach towards nutrition, which is based on social and economic justice. It also shows that people should have equal opportunities to acquire a sufficient and legitimate amount of food for subsistence. The study also concludes that the world oppressors are the ones who have brought about poverty and starvation to a large number of humans in the world. One of the most important responsibilities of Muslims and the Islamic States is to eradicate such an oppression