We have the perfect example of our honourable Prophet Muhammad^sa before us who taught us a variety of life lessons; from how to attain a spiritual connection with the Divine to the minutest subtleties of everyday life.

Narrations from the Holy Prophet ^sa life show that his food was as simple and humble. He was never particular about what he ate and never demanded specific types of food. Instead, he accepted whatever was provided to him. Through various narrations, we learn about the foods and drinks that the holy Prophet ^sa enjoyed. Here are some of the items that he consumed:

Foods: 

• Dates
• Barley bread
• Sheep meat
• Camel meat
• Honey
• Milk
• Olives
• Pumpkin
• Vinegar
• Pomegranate
• Figs
• Melon
• Fish

Some of the dishes he enjoyed included:

• Talbina: A nourishing porridge or soup made from barley, milk, dates, and
• Nabidh: A refreshing, energizing drink made from water and raisins or
• Tharid: A dish made by soaking barley bread in a Savory meat soup or

These foods and dishes reflect the Holy Prophet’s (sa) preference for simple, wholesome, and nourishing meals, emphasizing moderation and gratitude for the provisions he received.

Food is essential for survival and health, and in Islam, it plays a significant role in maintaining both physical and spiritual well-being. The Quran encourages the consumption of food that benefits us and warns against food that can harm us, not just physically but also morally and spiritually. As the Quran states:

“O ye men! Eat of what is lawful and good in the earth.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:169)

The Arabic term Tayyab emphasizes that one should not only focus on whether food is Halal but also consider how it affects the body, mind, and soul—spiritually and morally. While something may be Halal, it could still have a negative impact on one’s health. Islam teaches us to consider not only the permissibility of what we consume but also its overall effect on our well-being.

The Islamic perspective on food goes beyond mere nourishment; it serves as a means to strengthen our spirituality, sharpen our minds, and foster healthier communities. What we consume doesn’t just shape our physical well-being—it also profoundly influences our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual state. The Promised Messiah (as) beautifully elaborates on this in his book The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, where he states:

Experience also shows that different types of food affect the intellect and the mind in different ways. For instance, careful observation would disclose that people who refrain altogether from eating meat gradually suffer a decline of the faculty of bravery; they lose courage and thus suffer the loss of a divinely bestowed praiseworthy faculty. This is reinforced by the evidence of the divine law of nature that the herbivorous animals do not possess the same degree of courage as do carnivorous ones. The same applies to birds. Thus there is no doubt that morals are affected by food. Conversely those who are given to a diet consisting mainly of meat and eat very little of greens suffer a decline of meekness and humility. Those who adopt the middle course develop both types of moral qualities. That is why God Almighty has said in the Holy Quran:

کلﻮاواﺷﺮ ﮳ﺑﻮاوﻻﺗﺴﺮِﻓﻮا

That is to say, eat meat and other foods but do not eat anything to excess, lest your moral state be adversely affected and your health might suffer.

One of the key principles in Islam is the concept of “the middle path.” The Quran states:

“And thus, have We made you a moderate nation…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:143)

This means avoiding extremes in all aspects of life, including food. Islam encourages balanced consumption—not too little, not too much. The Quran further says:

“Eat and drink, but do not be immoderate.” (Surah Al-A‘raf, 7:31)

This teaches us to enjoy food in moderation, without overindulgence. Whether it’s plant-based or animal-based, we are encouraged to balance our intake according to our needs and circumstances. Allah has allowed us to benefit from His provisions but with responsibility.

The Keto diet is based on high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carbohydrate foods. From an Islamic perspective:

• If the foods consumed are Halal—such as meats, eggs, dairy, nuts, and low-carb vegetables—then the diet is permissible.
• However, it must also fulfill the principle of Tayyab, meaning it should not harm the body or health. If the strict nature of the diet results in adverse health effects, adjustments are necessary to align with Islamic teachings of balance and well-being.

Permissibility of the Carnivore Diet in Islam

 The Carnivore diet involves consuming primarily animal-based products such as meat, fish, and eggs, while avoiding plant-based foods.

• As long as the meat is Halal (properly slaughtered and prepared), the diet itself is not inherently prohibited.
• However, Islam emphasizes balance and avoiding harm. A Carnivore diet may lack essential nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and grains, which could negatively affect health over time. If such harm occurs, Islam advises against continuing such a diet.

It is crucial to consult a qualified medical professional or a registered dietitian before adopting any diet plan. Expert guidance ensures that the chosen diet aligns with your unique health needs, medical history, and nutritional requirements. This helps minimize potential risks and supports your overall well-being.

Both the Keto and Carnivore diets are permissible in Islam if they consist of Halal foods and do not harm one’s health. However, Islam encourages moderation, balance, and mindful consideration of the impact on both physical and spiritual well-being.

Islam has completely forbidden the drinking of Alcohol. The Holy Qur’an states:

The short answer to this question is that it is the belief and practice of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community that even in such cases those foods should be avoided.

We find a narration of the Promised Messiah^as in which he stated that even if biscuits contain alcohol, then they should not be eaten. The Promised Messiah^as states:

“In our view, the food of Christians is permissible only when there is no doubt or suspicion about it, and when, according to the Holy Qur’an, it is not forbidden. Otherwise, it would mean that certain items deemed forbidden are not consumed at home but consumed outside when prepared by Christians. This principle is not limited to Christians alone. Even if a Muslim is in doubt, their food cannot be consumed. For instance, if a Muslim is mentally unstable and unaware of what is lawful or unlawful, how can their food or prepared items be trusted? For this reason, we do not allow the consumption of imported biscuits at home. Instead, we order biscuits manufactured by Hindu companies in India…If no Muslim shops are available and everything must be purchased from Hindu shops, then one must certainly avoid buying edible items from them as much as possible.” ⁵

5 Fatawa Hazrat Masih-e-Maud (as) Page 203

Islam is a religion that seeks to establish a society free from all forms of harm—whether moral, spiritual, or physical. It emphasizes the protection of human life and urges the avoidance of anything that endangers it, as Holy Qur’an states: