The question of fish and milk has been debated for centuries in different cultures, religions, and traditions. Especially in South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, it is believed that drinking milk after eating fish can be harmful, and can increase the risk of skin diseases, especially vitiligo (white spots). In this article we will take a detailed look at the question whether drinking milk after eating fish is really harmful or is it just a misconception.
Fish and Milk: The Traditional Approach
1. Ancient traditions and opinions
According to ancient traditions and various cultural opinions, drinking milk after eating fish is considered harmful. In this regard, there is a concept that the combination of fish and milk can act like a poison in the body, which can increase the risk of various diseases, especially urinary problems.
2. Vitiligo risk
A common misconception is that drinking milk after eating fish can cause vitiligo (colloquially known as vitiligo). It is believed that the combination of fish and milk causes chemical reactions within the body that can affect skin color.
Islamic perspective
1. Guidance in the Qur’an and Hadith
From an Islamic point of view, there is no clear ruling in the Qur’an and Hadith regarding the mixing of fish and milk. In the Islamic Shari’ah, the laws of halal and haram food and drink are clear, but there is no clear tradition or hadith regarding the prohibition of eating fish and milk.
2. Opinions of the jurists
There are different opinions on this subject among the jurists. Some scholars say that eating or drinking fish and milk together may be makruh, while others allow it, provided it does not cause any harm. The general rule in Islamic jurisprudence is that if a food item threatens to harm the body, it is better to avoid it.
3. Teachings of Imam Ghazali
Some Islamic scholars, such as Imam al-Ghazali, have mentioned various dietary rules in their books, which suggest avoiding certain food combinations, but these rules are related to general health, not Shariah prohibitions.
Scientific approach
1. Modern medical research
From a scientific point of view, there is no clear research regarding eating or drinking with fish and milk to prove that it causes harm to the body. There is no evidence in modern medical research that consuming fish and milk together is harmful or can cause any early disease.
2. Digestive system
Medical experts say that both fish and milk are protein-rich foods, and both can be digested in the body’s digestive system. However, some people may experience digestive problems with these food combinations, such as gas, indigestion, or heaviness in the stomach.
3. Consequences of combining milk and fish
Some people have digestive system sensitivities, due to which the combination of fish and milk can be overwhelming for them. However, this sensitivity is individual and not harmful to everyone.
Popular misconceptions and their relationship to reality
1. Mixture of milk and fish: poison?
A common misconception is that consuming fish and milk together can be toxic. According to scientific research, this concept is wrong and there is no solid evidence for it.
2. Risk of early diseases
The association of quick diseases with the combination of fish and milk is also just a misconception. According to modern medical research, most skin diseases are related to genetic, environmental, or immunological factors, not to a specific dietary combination.
3. Traditional treatment
Some traditional healers advise not to eat fish and milk together. However, this advice is mostly based on experience and conventional wisdom, not scientific research.
The result
There are different traditions, cultures, and medical opinions regarding drinking milk after eating fish. According to the Islamic and scientific point of view, the consumption of fish and milk together is generally safe, and there is no evidence that it causes any specific disease. However, each person’s body system is different, and anyone experiencing problems with this combination should avoid it. More research and knowledge on this topic is needed to provide a definitive answer to this question.