41 Sunnah of Eating
Islam provides guidance for every aspect of our daily lives, including how to eat food. The beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salallaho alayhay wa alehe wa barik wa sallam) has taught us comprehensive details on this matter. Below are the Sunnah of eating, which outline the proper way to eat food in Islam. With the help of Mufti Irshad Qasmi’s book, I have gathered 41 Sunnah of eating from authentic Islamic references.
There are two important principles of Sunnah of eating in Islam.
- Necessity: One of the most profound teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) regarding eating and drinking is the understanding that they are essential for sustenance and should be done in moderation, according to one’s necessity.
- Simplicity: A significant aspect of the Sunnah is the principle of simplicity. The lifestyle of Allah’s dearest Prophet Muhammad ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم )exemplified modesty and restraint, devoid of any indulgence or extravagance.
- Feeding others:A very important aspect of the Sunnah of eating is that to share food with everyone,whether needy or not needy. This also includes all animals , birds and all creatures.
Following are some of the Ahadith regarding the above 3 principles of eating according to Sunnah.
Companion Nu’man (R.A) once said to the people: ‘Are you not indulging in eating and drinking and satisfying all your desires?’ He then alerted them about the manner in which Allah’s Prophet Muhammad ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) lived so that they would take a lesson from his sublime example. He said: ‘I have witnessed your Nabi ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) experiencing such extreme conditions that he could not even satisfy his hunger with inferior dates. ( Sahih Muslim, Kitab az-Zuhd wa ar-Raqa’iq)
Ummul Momineen Sayyidah Aayesha Siddiqa (Radiallahu Anha) says: ‘We, the family of Muhammad ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) would pass a month at a time without lighting a fire [to cook food]. We survived on dates and water. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab az-Zuhd wa ar-Raqa’iq)
عن صهيب بن سنان قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ خِيَارُكُمْ مَنْ أَطْعَمَ الطَّعَامَ 23926 مسند أحمد
Suhayb ibn Sinan reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The best of you are those who feed others.”. [Musnad Aḥmad 23926]
Following are the 40 Sunnahs of eating food.
1-Eating less-very important Sunnah of eating
Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah said: A believer eats the equivalent of one belly and the disbeliever eats to satiate seven guts: -Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Page 812*
Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu relates that Rasulullah once hosted a non-Muslim guest. Rasulullah instructed that a goat be milked and the milk be offered to the guest. When the milk was offered to him he consumed the entire portion. A second goat was milked and the guest consumed all the milk once again. At the end he had consumed the milk of seven goats, He’ embraced Islam the next day. Rasulullah
instructed that a goat should be milked. The milk was presented to him and he consumed it. When the second goats’ milk was presented to him he declined expressing satiation. It was on this occasion that Rasulullah remarked: ‘A believer eats the amount which fills one gut and the disbeliever eats to satiate seven guts. [Targhib, Vol. 3, Page 135 / Tirmizi, Muwatta]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls, to keep him going. If he must do that (fill his stomach), then let him fill one third with food, one third with drink and one third with air.” [Narrated by al-Tirmidhi 2380]
2-Eating less often
Allah’s Prophet Muhammad (Salallaho alayhay wa alehe wa barik wa sallam) used to eat when extermely hungry and used to stop eating while still hungry.
This shows long duration between meals. It also shows that Prophet Muhammad (Salallaho alayhay wa alehe wa barik wa sallam) less often . We can only be very hungry between meals if we have only 2 meals a day which shows a duration of 12 hours between meals.
3-Giving food to poor neighbor
عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لَيْسَ الْمُؤْمِنُ الَّذِي يَشْبَعُ وَجَارُهُ جَائِعٌ إِلَى جَنْبِهِ
19668 السنن الكبرى للبيهقي
Ibn Abbas reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “He is not a believer whose stomach is full while the neighbor to his side is starving.” .[Al-Sunan al-Kubrá lil-Bayhaqī 19668]
4-Giving food to rich neighbor
Even if the neighbor is not poor, a Muslim sends food to the neighbors.
عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ قَالَ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَا أَبَا ذَرٍّ إِذَا طَبَخْتَ مَرَقَةً فَأَكْثِرْ مَاءَ الْمَرَقَةِ وَتَعَاهَدْ جِيرَانَكَ
وفي رواية أخرى قال فَأَصِبْهُمْ مِنْهَا بِمَعْرُوفٍ
2625 صحيح مسلم كتاب البر والصلة والآداب باب الوصية بالجار والإحسان إليه
Abu Dharr reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “O Abu Dharr, when you cook a stew, put more water in the broth and take care your neighbors.”In another narration, the Prophet said, “Pour some of it for them courteously.” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2625]
5-Giving food to all the needy
Whether neighbor or not poor, a Muslim tries to feed all the needy.
:سُوۡرَةُ یسٓ
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ أَنفِقُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَنُطۡعِمُ مَن لَّوۡ يَشَآءُ ٱللَّهُ أَطۡعَمَهُ ۥۤ إِنۡ أَنتُمۡ إِلَّا فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬ (٤٧)
:سُوۡرَةُ یسٓ
اور جب ان سے کہا جاتا ہے کہ جو رزق خدا نے تم کو دیا ہے اس میں سے خرچ کرو۔ تو کافر مومنوں سے کہتے ہیں کہ بھلا ہم ان لوگوں کو کھانا کھلائیں جن کو اگر خدا چاہتا تو خود کھلا دیتا۔ تم تو صریح غلطی میں ہو
And when it is said unto them: Spend of that wherewith Allah hath provided you, those who disbelieve say unto those who believe: Shall we feed those whom Allah, if He willed, would feed? Ye are in naught else than error manifest. [36:47]
سُوۡرَةُ الحَاقَّة
ثُمَّ فِى سِلۡسِلَةٍ۬ ذَرۡعُهَا سَبۡعُونَ ذِرَاعً۬ا فَٱسۡلُكُوهُ (٣٢) إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ ٱلۡعَظِيمِ (٣٣) وَلَا يَحُضُّ عَلَىٰ طَعَامِ ٱلۡمِسۡكِينِ (٣٤)
پھر زنجیر سے جس کی ناپ ستر گز ہے جکڑ دو (۳۲) یہ نہ تو خدائے جل شانہ پر ایمان لاتا تھا (۳۳) اور نہ فقیر کے کھانا کھلانے پر آمادہ کرتا تھا (۳۴)
Below is are some Ahadith about feeding the needy
عن صهيب بن سنان قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ خِيَارُكُمْ مَنْ أَطْعَمَ الطَّعَامَ 23926 مسند أحمد
Suhayb ibn Sinan reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The best of you are those who feed others.”. [Musnad Aḥmad 23926]
The below quote has been taken from a longer Hadith Qudsi:
The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, ’Allah, Mighty and Sublime be He, will say on the Day of Resurrection […] “O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you did not feed Me“. He will say, “O Lord, how can I feed You when You are the Lord of the worlds?” He (Allah) will say, “Did you not know that My servant so-and-so asked you for food and you did not feed him? Did you not know that had you fed him you surely would have found that (the reward for doing so) with Me?“′ [Muslim]
6-Giving food to all animals and birds
Islam orders Muslims to feed animals , birds and all creatures as shown in the following Ahadith
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “While a man was walking on a road. he became very thirsty. He came across a well, got down into it, drank (of its water) and then came out. Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. The man said to himself, “This dog is suffering from the same state of thirst as I did.” So he went down the well (again) and filled his shoe (with water) and held it in his mouth and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him.” The people asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?” He said, “(Yes) there is a reward for serving any animate (living being).” [Bukhari; Muslim]
Another hadith with a similar story
Narrated by companion Abu Huraira in which the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “A prostitute was forgiven by Allah, because, passing by a panting dog near a well and seeing that the dog was about to die of thirst, she took off her shoe, and tying it with her head-cover she drew out some water for it. So, Allah forgave her because of that.” [Bukhari]
7- Eating together
We should discard the habit of eating individually. Eating together from one utensil enhances love and unity whilst multiplying the blessings of the food too as told in the following Ahadith.
Sayyiduna Umar Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) said:‘Eat together and do not eat separately as there is more barakah when eating in a group (jama’ah]. [Ibn Majah, Vol. 2, Page 236]
Wahshi Radiallahu Anhu narrates that they complained to Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) about eating but not feeling satiated. Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) said: ‘Perhaps you eat individually. The Sahabah affirmed this. Rasulullah( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) said: ‘Eat together and recite the name of Allah before eating. [Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 2, Page 236/Sunan Abu Dawud]
Rasulullah said: “The food of two people suffices for three and the food of three people suffices for four. [Sahih Bukhari ]
Ibn Jariir maintains that the actual meaning of this Hadith is that the amount eaten by one person till he is satiated suffices for two people.
8-Feeding people upon returning from a journey
Jabir Radiallahu Anhu narrates that when Rasulullah returned to
Madinah Munawwarah, (after an important journey] he would slaughter a cow or a camel.’ -Aadab, Li-l Bayhaqi, Page 438
Note: One should invite relatives and associates for a meal after returning from an important journey such as Hajj [pilgrimage].
9-Washing hands before and after meal
Companion Anas (RA) relates that Allah’s Prophet Muhammad ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم )said: ‘One who desires that his home be filled with goodness and prosperity should wash his hands before and after partaking of meals. (Sunan Ibn Majah)
It is a Sunnah to wash one’s hands before and after meals. The hands should be washed before eating even though they may be clean.
Note: Barakah in this instance means that the higher purpose for which we are eating would be fulfilled. Such food would become a beneficial art of our bodies and aid us in doing good deeds and displaying good aracter. -Khasa’il, Page 116
Barakah also means that an increase will be perceived in the food. Jmdat al-Qari, Vol. 21, Page 76
10-Saying Bismillah
Umar Ibn Salamah Radiallahu Anhu relates that Rasulullah said (to him]: “Take the name of Allah [i.e. recite Bismillah] and eat from the food which is directly in front of you!’ —Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Page 810*
Jabir Radiallahu Anhu relates that Rasulullah said: If a man takes the name of Allah upon entering his home and upon partaking of his meal then the devil says to his companions: “There is no meals or lodging for you here! -Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2, Page 172
Companion Abu Ayyub Ansari (رضي الله عنه) reports that they were once in the company of Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) when food was presented to them. When they began eating they noticed that there was a tremendous amount of barakah in the food. However, this barakah was snatched away towards the end of the meal and the food was depleting rapidly. They enquired about this from Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) and he said: ‘You recited Bismillah commencing the meal. Therefore you noticed the barakah. A person joined you later on and he did not take the name of Allah so Shaytan joined in the meal and the barakah vanished. (Majma, Vol. 5, Page 12/ Musnad Ahmad)
When one forgets to take the name of Allah initially
Sayyidah Aayesha (May Allah subhanahu wa ta ala be pleased with her) relates that Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) said: ‘One who forgets to say Bismillah initially should recite the following upon remembering:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ أَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ. (Abu Dawud, Vol. 2 Page, 173)
Note:
It is a Sunnah to recite Bismillah before eating. In fact, some Ulama classify it as wajib [obligatory] as it is sinful to omit it intentionally. (Umdat al-Qari, Vol. 21, Page 28)
11-Eating with right hand
Companion Umar Ibn Salamah (رضي الله عنه) narrates that Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) said to him: “Take the name of Allah, eat with the right hand and eat the food which is directly in front of you.(Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Page 810)
Companion Abdhullah Ibn Umar (رضي الله عنه) relates that Allah (سبحانه و تعالي)’s dearest Prophet Muhammad (صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم) said: ‘None of you should eat or drink with the left hand as it is the practice of Shaytan. (Targhib, Saheeh Muslim, Jamia Tirmizi)
12-Eating the food right in front of us
Companion Umar Ibn Salamah relates that he was eating a meal [with Allah (سبحانه و تعالي)’s dearest Prophet Muhammad (صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم) and he was picking morsels from all over the utensil.
Our dearest Prophet Muhammad (صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم) said to him: ‘Eat the food which is directly before you. [Sahih Bukhari]
Note: It is against the Sunnah to eat from all over the plate if there is only one type of food in one’s plate, especially when few people are eating from the same utensil. However, if there is a variety of food in one plate, is permissible to eat from different areas in the plate.
13-Leaving the center of the food until finishing all the food.”
Allah (سبحانه و تعالي)’s dearest Prophet Muhammad (صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم) did not eat from the center of the food as the following Hadith tells us.
14-Cleaning utensil
Companion Jabir (رضي الله عنه) narrates that Allah (سبحانه و تعالي)’s dearest Prophet Muhammad (صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم) instructed that the fingers be licked and the utensil be cleaned (i.e. before washing it]. Highlighting the benefit of this,Prophet (صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم) said: ‘It is not known which particle of food contains barakah.(Targhib, Sahih Muslim)
Companion Ummu Aasim (رضي الله عنه) relates that they were once partaking of meals when Nubayshah (رضي الله عنه) – the freed slave of Rasulullah (صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم)
entered. He related that Rasulullah said: ‘If a person eats from a utensil and cleans it, it will supplicate to Allah for his forgiveness. [ Tirmizi,Sunan Ibn Majah ]
15-Licking one’s fingers
Companion Ka’b (رضي الله عنه) narrates that Allah (سبحانه و تعالي)’s dearest Prophet Muhammad (صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم) used to eat with three fingers and lick his fingers (before washing/wiping them).[Sahih Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) relates that RAllah (سبحانه و تعالي)’s dearest Prophet Muhammad (صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم) said: ‘Lick your fingers after you have eaten as you do not know which particle of food contains barakah.[Sahih Muslim]
Companion Ka’b (رضي الله عنه) Anhu says: ‘I saw Rasulullah (صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم) eating with three fingers: the thumb; the index finger and the middle finger. I then saw him licking them in the following sequence: the middle finger first, followed er first, by the index finger and then the thumb. [Majma, Vol. 5, Page 19]
16-Eating with 3 or 5 fingers
Companion Kab narrates that Rasulullah only used three fingers when
eating. -Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2, Page 175
Saeed Ibn Mansur records a mursal Hadith which affirms that Rasulullah ate with five fingers sometimes. —Fath al-Baari, Vol. 9, Page 578
Note: Rasulullah generally used three fingers. Certain foods may require an additional finger or two. It must be borne in mind that using more than three fingers is an exception to the rule. Allamah Ayni states that one who uses more than three fingers without the need to do so is discarding a Sunnah intentionally. Using three fingers only ensures that one does not consume large morsels of food which is disadvantageous to digestion. -Khasa’il, Page, 112/Umdat al-Qari, Vol. 21, Page 77
17-Eating a fallen morsel
Note: “At times, individuals hesitate to follow this Sunnah due to concerns about the impression it may give. However, the mere fact that it is a Sunnah is reason enough to adhere to it. The situation changes if the fallen morsel is unfit for consumption.”
18-Wiping hands after meals
Jabir Radiallahu Anhu relates: ‘There was a scarcity of food during the era of Rasulullah. We hardly ever ate to our fill and we never had· cloths to wipe our hands with. We used to wipe our hands on our palms, forearms and feet. We would then perform Salah without washing our hands!-Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Page 820*
Note: In view of the beneficial oil or fat content of certain foods, wiping heir hands on their bodies was a protection for the skin and insulation against biting winter cold. Ibn Hajar says that it is mustahab to rub the hands together and wipe them in this manner.
19– Washing hands after meals
Qadhi Iyadh says that if it is not really necessary to wash the hands if they could be wiped clean. However, it would be necessary to wash them if they are sticky and grimy. Wiping the hands on a cloth or handkerchief is a Sunnah on condition that this is done after the fingers have been licked.
A Hadith recorded in Sunan Abu Dawud contains the following: ‘Whoever sustains harm (e.g. insect bites etc.] due to not washing and cleaning the stickiness which remains on his hands after eating has none but himself to blame’ -Sunan Abu Dawud, Vol. 2, Page 182*
A Hadith recorded in Sunan Abu Dawud contains the following: ‘Whoever sustains harm (e.g. insect bites etc.) due to not washing and cleaning the stickiness which remains on his hands after eating has none but himself to blame. -Sunan Abu Dawud, Vol. 2, Page 182*
20-Using a tablecloth
Anas Radiallahu Anhu narrates: ‘Rasulullah (Salallaho alayhay wa alehe wabarik wa sallam) never sat at a table to eat. He was asked: ‘What did Rasulullah(Salallaho alayhay wa alehe wabarik wa sallam) eat upon?
He replied: ‘A tablecloth.[Sahih Bukhari]
Note: It is a Sunnah to use a tablecloth. The heavenly tablecloth which descended upon Sayyiduna Isa Alayḥis Salam was made of red leather.[Un dat al-Qari, Vol. 21, Page 35]
21-Clearing the tablecloth
Sayyidah Aayesha Radiallahu Anha narrates that Rasulullah discouraged them from getting up before the tablecloth was taken away. [Sunan Ibn Majah]
Sayyidah Aayesha Radiallahu Anha relates that the tablecloth was never taken away from in front of Rasulullah while it contained particles of food. [Tabarani/ash-Shami, Vol. 7, Page 148]
Abdullah Radiallahu Anhu relates that Rasulullah said: ‘Allah will forgive the one who seeks and then consumes particles of food which remain on the tablecloth.[Majma, Vol. 5, Page 28-Bazzar/Tabarani]
22-Reclining whilst eating
Abu Juhayfah Radiallahu Anhu reports that Rasulullah said: ‘I do not lean or recline whilst eating” [Shama’il]
Abu Juhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessing and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “I do not eat whilst reclining.” [Al-Bukhaari]
What is meant by reclining is any manner of sitting in which one is too comfortable and relaxed, because that may tempt him to eat a great deal, which is blameworthy according to sharee‘ah.
Hence an-Nawawi said: What this means is: I do not eat like one who wants to eat a great deal and sits comfortably; rather I sit like one who is going to get up quickly and I eat little.
Al-Haafiz (may Allah have mercy on him) said: There was a difference of opinion concerning the manner of reclining (referred to in the hadeeth). It was said that it refers to sitting in a comfortable and relaxed manner, no matter form it may take, or that it refers to reclining on one’s side, or that it refers to resting one’s left hand on the ground. Al-Khattaabi said: The common folk think that eating whilst reclining means eating lying on one’s side, but that is not the case. Rather it refers to sitting on a cushion beneath one. What the hadeeth means is I do not eat sitting on a cushion like one who wants to eat a great deal of food. I only eat enough to keep me going and hence I sit like one who is going to get up quickly.
End quote from Fath al-Baari (9/541). See: Ma‘aalim as-Sunan by al-Khattaabi (2/242); Zaad al-Ma‘aad by Ibn al-Qayyim, 4/202
Al-Qaari said in al-Marqaah: It was narrated in ash-Shifa’ from some commentators that they interpreted sitting in a comfortable and relaxed manner to eat as referring to sitting cross-legged on a cushion, because this leads to eating a lot of food and makes one arrogant.
End quote from ‘Awn al-Ma‘bood Sharh Sunan Abi Dawood, 10/244
23-The Sunnah method of sitting
It is Sunnah to either squat or to raise the right leg and keep the left one down.* Ibn al-Qayyim – the author of Zad al-Ma’ad – writes that Rasulullah would sit on his posterior and place the sole of the left leg on [the sole of] his right foot. This method of sitting reflects humility and it is the most beneficial posture to maintain whilst eating. [Sharah Munawi, Page 191]
With regard to the manner of sitting when one wants to eat,.
Anas ibn Maalik said: I saw the Prophet (blessing and peace of Allah be upon him) kneeling, eating a date. [Saheeh Muslim]
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said: This means kneeling with the feet upright, resting on one’s heels…. The Prophet (blessing and peace of Allah be upon him) ate like that so that he would not become too comfortable and eat too much, because usually when a person sits in this manner, he does not feel too comfortable, so he does not eat a lot. If he is not comfortable he will never eat a lot, but if he is comfortable he will eat a lot. This is what usually happens…[End quote from Sharh Riyaadh as-Saaliheen]
Al-Haafiz (may Allah have mercy on him) said: What is mustahabb when sitting to eat is to kneel down, with the top of the feet resting on the floor, or to sit with the right knee up, resting on the left foot.[End quote from Fath al-Baari.]
These are the three postures for eating:
- kneeling with the feet upright, resting on one’s heels.
- Kneeling with the top of the feet resting on the floor.
- Sitting with the right knee up, resting on the left foot.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said: But it is better not to sit comfortably lest that be a cause of eating a lot, and eating a lot is not appropriate.[End quote from Sharh Riyadh as-Saaliheen]
24-Eating whilst standing
Anas Radiallahu Anhu relates that Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) prohibited eating whilst standing.’ —Majma, Vol. 5, Page 15/Bazzar*
25-Removing one’s shoes when eating
Anas Radiallahu Anhu relates that Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) said: ‘Remove your shoes at meal times as this is more soothing for the feet. [Darami, Vol. 2. Page 148]
26-Impermissibility of blowing into food
Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) neither breathed into a vessel nor blew into it. [Sunan Ibn Majah]
27-Temperature of the food
Whenever [hot] Thariid was presented to Asma Radiallahu Anha she vould instruct that it be covered and left for a while. She would only eat t after there were no traces of steam. She related that Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) that food which is allowed to cool down slightly after it has been cooked has abundant barakah. [Darami, Vol. 2, Page 137]
28-Prohibition of omitting supper when one is hungry
Jabir Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah said: “Never omit the evening meal even if you have to eat a handful of dates only because omitting it speeds up the onset of old-age” . [Tirmizi, Vol. 2, Page 7]
This Hadith doesn’t justify having an additional meal. Instead, it prohibits going to bed hungry, which can be harmful to health. Sometimes, we have supper before our lunch has fully digested.
29-Examining dates or food before eating
Anas Radiallahu Anhu relates that old dates were presented to Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم )
. Rasulullah( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) examined the dates before eating them to extract any insects which may be in them. [ Sunan Abu Dawud]
Note: Old dates tend to have insects. Hence, Rasulullah felt the need examining them. It is permissible to examine any food or fruit which may have a similar condition.
30-Do not criticise food
Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) never criticized food. He would eat if he were hungry and he would abstain from eating if he disapproved of the dish. [Sahih Bukhari]
Note: Even though Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) may have not approved of a certain dish for personal consumption he never criticized it. This is evident from the Hadith pertaining to the desert lizard which will be discussed shortly,
31-Prohibition of wastage and discarding food
Sayyidah Aayesha Radiallahu Anha relates that Rasulullah #once entered the home and found a piece of bread lying on the floor. Rasulullah picked it up, cleaned it and ate it. He then said: Appreciate and value food because many nations were deprived for the rest of their lives after displaying ingratitude for the favours of Allah. [Sunan Ibn Majah]
Note: If food is not adequate for human consumption it should be left where other creatures could consume it.
32– Eating in the Masjid
Abdullah Ibn Harith Radiallahu Anhu narrates: “We used to eat bread and meat in the Masjid in the era of Rasulullah (Salallaho alayhay wa alehe wabarik wa sallam) .[Sunan Ibn Majah]
Note: Eating or drinking in the Masjid without a real need goes against the sanctity of the Masjid. The jurists declare it Makruh to do so. A mu’takif [person sitting in seclusion in the Masjid) is discouraged from eating without placing a tablecloth. However, it is permissible to eat in the Masjid as long as the Masjid does not get soiled. The above-mentioned Hadich could refer to the exceptional case of litikaf (seclusion in the Masjid) as Rasulullah observed l’itikaf annually during the month of Ramadhan.[Khasa’, Page 126]
33-Eating the food at the bottom of the pot
Anas Radiallahu Anhu relates that Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) was keen to eat the food which remained at the bottom of the pot.[Mishkat, Page 366/ Tirmizi]
Note: Scholars of Hadith draw two observations from this Hadith. Firstly, the Hadith depicts Rasulullah ‘s generosity and humility. He always fed the best portion of the food to others and ate the left-over himself. Secondly, the food at the bottom of the pot is closest to the heat. Therefore, its fat content is minimal.
34- Who should commence eating
Jabir Radiallahu Anhu narrates that whenever they are with Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) they always waited for him to commence eating before they did. [Mustadrak Haakim]
Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhu relates that whenever Rasulullah (Salallaho alayhay wa alehe wabarik wa sallam) offered [a group of people] something to drink he would say: ‘Give preference to the seniors.[Majma, Vol. 5, Page 93]
Note: If few people are eating together the Sunnah advocates that the meal be commenced by those who are senior in age, knowledge or nobility. It was during a meal when Rasulullah told Abu Ubaydah Radiallahu Anhu:’Barakah [blessings] is with the seniors”. [Majma’, Vol. 5. Page 93/Tabarani]
35- Presenting what is liked
Anas Radiallahu Anhu relates that Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) was once invited to a meal and he accompanied him. It was a dish containing gourd. Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) ate with relish. Seeing that Rasulullah( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) was fond of gourd he began seeking it (from the platter etc.] and placing it before Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ). [Aadab Li-l Bayhaqi]
36- Eating at the time of congregational Salah
Sayyidah Aayesha Radiallahu Anha relates that Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم )
said: ‘If food is presented at the time of congregational prayers, then eat first [and delay the Salah]. [Sahih Bukhari]
Anas Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) said: ‘If supper is offered at the time of congregational Salah then eat supper first and perform Salah thereafter. [Sahih Bukhari]
Note: This rule only applies if a person is extremely hungry and in a desperate need to nourish his body.
37-Having lunch after Jumu’ah prayers
Sahl Radiallahu Anhu narrates that on Fridays they used to eat lunch after Jumu’ah Salah. They would then to have a siesta. [Sahih Bukhari]
38-Determining the nature of the food
Khalid Radiallahu Anhu narrates that he accompanied Rasulullah( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) to the home of Sayyidah Maymunah Radiallahu Anha, who was his maternal aunt. She presented the meat of a desert lizard which was sent to her by her sister. Rasulullah( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) stretched his hand towards it. One of the women present informed him that it was the flesh of a desert lizard. Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) withdrew his blessed hand. [Sahih Bukhari]
Note: If one is unaware of what is being offered then he should be informed as he may have a natural aversion for that particular dish.
The Hanafi school of thought maintains that consuming desert lizard is permissible but Makruh (reprehensible]. [Umdat al-Qari, Vol. 21]
39-If a fly falls into one’s food or drink
Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah said: ‘If a fly falls into food (or drink], submerge it completely [and then remove it] as one wing contains the disease and the other wing has the cure. [Sahih Bukhari]
40-Having something sweet before or after a meal
This Hadith reports that Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) ate some dates after a meal.
Ikrash Radiallahu Anhu narrates that he once ate “Thariid” with Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) .Thereafter, they ate a few dates. [Tirmizi/Ibn Majah]
Note :
Tharid is a traditional Arab dish mentioned in a Hadith narrated by Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In the Hadith, Aisha describes tharid as the Prophet’s favorite dish. It typically consists of pieces of bread soaked in a stew of meat and broth. The Prophet praised tharid for its nutritious and filling qualities, highlighting its simplicity and the way it brings people together
Ulama maintain that eating something sweet before or after a meal was coincidental and not a routine. Rasulullah led a very simple and austere life and having two dishes at one time was surely not his Sunnah. Whilst there are great benefits attached to emulating the coincidental practices of Rasulullah the Sunnah should not be used as an excuse for indulgence.
41-Eating meat by biting
Companion Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that meat was brought to Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) and the foreleg was presented to him. Rasulullah ( صلي الله عليه وٱله وبارك وسلم ) (held the bone in his hand and) began biting the meat with his teeth [instead of breaking pieces of meat with his hand]. [Sahih Bukhari]
Jazak Allahay Khair for reading. Please check “Importance of Dua mentioned in Ahadith“.
