Health, greatest blessings that God bestowed to us

From an Islamic perspective health is viewed as one of the greatest blessings that God has bestowed upon mankind. It should be noted that the greatest blessing after belief is health, as the Last messenger of God, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said: "Ask Allah for forgiveness and health, for after being granted certainty, one is given nothing better than health."
Health is indeed a favour that we take for granted. We should express gratitude to God for bestowing us with health, and we should try are up most to look after it. God has entrusted us with our bodies for a predestined period of time. He will hold us to account on how we looked after and utilized our bodies and good health.
It has been narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "No one will be allowed to move from his position on the Day of Judgment until he has been asked how he spent his life, how he used his knowledge, how he earned and spent his money and in what pursuits he used his health"
The preservation of this blessing can only be achieved through taking good care of one’s health and taking every measure to maintain and enhance it. With this in mind every Muslim should make sure they undertake all necessary actions which are conducive to the preservation of good health. Healthy living is part and parcel of Islam, introduced with the inception of Islam more than 14 centuries ago. Furthermore, the Quran outlines the teaching that shows every Muslim how to protect their health and live life in a state of purity. Numerous examples in Islam instruct its followers to live a healthy life.
Daily prayer
Any health benefits derived from prayer or any other worship (fasting) are secondary in importance. Islamic prayer comprises both physical movement and mental concentration. Performed five times a day at specific times of the day, the obligatory prayers provide a good means for the circulation of blood, breathing and general suppleness of joints. Though it is not physically over demanding, we know that anything done moderately and consistently is far better than sudden over-exertion at infrequent periods.
Ablutions and Cleanliness before Prayer
Before Muslims performs their prayers, they must perform the ablution which comprises thorough washing of the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms (up to the elbow) and the feet. This ritual of self-purification when carried out five-times a day leaves the worshiper clean, refreshed and ready to face his creator. Muslims are also required to clean themselves with water after urinating or defecating. Another act of worship which also helps to maintain good health is taking a shower, or ghusl. This is compulsory when one is in the state of ritual impurity, and is compulsory at least once a week before attending the weekly Friday prayer.
Diet & Nutrition
Various verses and texts within Islam promote the eating of healthy wholesome food and eating in moderation. God clearly states in the Quran:
"O you who have believed, eat of the good things (only) which We have provided you... (2:172)"
"O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good… (2:168)"
A healthy nutritious diet must also be balanced, in order to maintain the balance that God has established in all things, this is addressed in the Quran when God says:
"And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance That you not transgress within the balance. And establish weight in justice and do not make deficient the balance. (55:7–9)"
As we know, eating excessively causes harm to our systems. Many aliments are related to uncontrolled eating habits such as, diabetes, vascular diseases, stroke, heart attack etc. It has been said that the ‘stomach is the home of ill health’ and is usually responsible in some way to ill health. Islam teaches us to eat moderately:
"Eat and drink, but avoid excess. (20:81)"
Over indulgence and wasting of food are further dissuaded as the Messenger of God said: "No human being has ever filled a container worse than his own stomach. The son of Adam needs no more than a few morsels of food to keep up his strength, doing so he should consider that a third of his stomach is for food, a third for drink and a third for breathing."
Fasting
Fasting during the month of Ramadan from dawn till dusk is undertaken to seek the pleasure of God and to practice self-control and restraint in all aspects of living, with the idea being to continue this state of God consciousness and piety after Ramadan is over. It is an ideal time to remove the impurities and shortcomings in one’s life.
"Hold fast to that which We have given you, and remember that which is therein so that you may become Al-Muttaqun. (the pious) (2:63)"
Fasting in Islam is not like crash dieting, it is adequate in calorie intake and involves no malnutrition. All foods are permissible to eat in moderation, once the fast is over. Many processed foods we eat contain chemicals which over-time can be stored by our bodies as toxins within cells. Fasting can assist our body to purge these toxins while also allowing our body and digestive system to rest. Research has indicated that fasting can lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol, suggesting it may be advisable for moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension.
Prohibition of Intoxicants
Islam strictly forbids indulgence in intoxicants such as alcohol and drugs for good reason. The limited pleasure of such vices causes immense long-term damage to mind, body and the social fabric of society. Particular schools of thought include smoking within the list of prohibitions because of its harmful effects on the body. It seems that if Muslims adhere to the teachings of Islam, they would automatically lead a healthier lifestyle. God says in the Quran:
"Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not desist? (5:91)"