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Full-version-Shefa-bio-of-Prophet, page : 48
Waila Aska's son tells of the time the Prophet spoke of his lineage saying, "Allah chose Ishmael from the children of Abraham, and from the children of Ishmael He chose the children of Kinanah, then from the children of Kinanah He chose the Koraysh and chose the children of Hashim from the Koraysh, then He chose me from the children of Hashim."
The daily life of the Prophet
The necessities of one's daily life can be categorized as being of three kinds:
1. That which is excellent in small quantities
2. That which is excellent in large quantities
3. That which varies according to the situation
In both the Islamic Law and custom being satisfied with a little, no matter what the circumstances maybe, is considered to be worthy of praise and a greater degree of perfection. Not only the Arabs but sages have always praised making do with just a little, whereas they are critical of having too much. Indulging in too much food and drink is indicative of greed, avarice, excessive desire for wealth and being controlled by the appetite. Excess leads not only to harm in this life but also in the Everlasting Life. Excesses cultivate illness, coarseness and dull the intellect. However, when one is satisfied with a little it is an indication of contentment and self-control.
The same can be said of excessive sleep, it is an indication of weakness, lack of intelligence and astuteness. The result is that of laziness, habits that lead to failure, squandering one's life away in useless pursuits, hard-heartedness, neglect, and this leads to the death of one's heart.
Ample proof is found in sayings transmitted by wise men of bygone eras and nations, and referenced to in Arabic poems and stories. It is also found in the authentic prophetic sayings, and the traditions of the Companions of the Prophet, Tabien and the Tabi Tabien (who were people who lived in the first three generations of Islam) which are unnecessary to quote. Such proofs will not be mentioned in full since the knowledge they contain is well known, instead they will be summarized.
The Prophet was the most abstemious of men and encouraged his followers to be satisfied with a little. Al Mikdam, Madikarib's son reported that he said, "The son of Adam does not fill any container worse than his belly. A little is sufficient for the son of Adam to keep his back straight. If there must be more, then a third for his food, a third for his drink and a third for his breath." The result of excessive consumption of food and drink is excessive sleep.
The daily life of the Prophet
The necessities of one's daily life can be categorized as being of three kinds:
1. That which is excellent in small quantities
2. That which is excellent in large quantities
3. That which varies according to the situation
In both the Islamic Law and custom being satisfied with a little, no matter what the circumstances maybe, is considered to be worthy of praise and a greater degree of perfection. Not only the Arabs but sages have always praised making do with just a little, whereas they are critical of having too much. Indulging in too much food and drink is indicative of greed, avarice, excessive desire for wealth and being controlled by the appetite. Excess leads not only to harm in this life but also in the Everlasting Life. Excesses cultivate illness, coarseness and dull the intellect. However, when one is satisfied with a little it is an indication of contentment and self-control.
The same can be said of excessive sleep, it is an indication of weakness, lack of intelligence and astuteness. The result is that of laziness, habits that lead to failure, squandering one's life away in useless pursuits, hard-heartedness, neglect, and this leads to the death of one's heart.
Ample proof is found in sayings transmitted by wise men of bygone eras and nations, and referenced to in Arabic poems and stories. It is also found in the authentic prophetic sayings, and the traditions of the Companions of the Prophet, Tabien and the Tabi Tabien (who were people who lived in the first three generations of Islam) which are unnecessary to quote. Such proofs will not be mentioned in full since the knowledge they contain is well known, instead they will be summarized.
The Prophet was the most abstemious of men and encouraged his followers to be satisfied with a little. Al Mikdam, Madikarib's son reported that he said, "The son of Adam does not fill any container worse than his belly. A little is sufficient for the son of Adam to keep his back straight. If there must be more, then a third for his food, a third for his drink and a third for his breath." The result of excessive consumption of food and drink is excessive sleep.