Throwing up to lose weight

31-3-2011 | IslamWeb

Question:

Is it halal or haram for my husband to lose weight by throwing up? He says he wants to lose weight, so he vomits to get rid of the food he eats. I am so sad because of this.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

If your husband does not eat more than his fill, then he has acted moderately; Allaah Says (what means): {… and eat and drink, but be not excessive.} [Quran 7:31]

In this case, if he wants to vomit in order to lose weight, it is permissible for him to do so – Allaah willing – but instead of vomiting, he may first of all consume the appropriate food in regard to quality and quantity in a way that it does not affect his weight. In addition to this, he may use other means to lose weight, like following a diet and practising some sport.

Allaah Knows best.