Eating and drinking are essential acts of daily life, and in Islam, they come with beautiful teachings that encourage both physical health and spiritual awareness. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized balance, cleanliness, and gratitude in these habits. By following these hadiths, Muslims are reminded to eat mindfully, be moderate, and practice good manners. Let’s explore some key hadiths that guide moderation, cleanliness, and etiquette in eating and drinking.
Washing Hands Before and After Eating
Arabic Text
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: بَرَكَةُ الطَّعَامِ الوُضُوءُ قَبْلَهُ وَالْوُضُوءُ بَعْدَهُ
“Barakat al-Ta’am al-wudu’ qabla-hu wa-l-wudu’ ba’da-hu”
English Translation
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said
“The blessing of the food is in washing hands before and after eating.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
Urdu Translation
“نبی کریم ﷺ نے فرمایا
کھانے میں برکت ہاتھ دھونے میں ہے، کھانے سے پہلے اور کھانے کے بعد۔
(سنن الترمذی)“
Explanation
This hadith emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and hygiene when eating. Washing hands before eating ensures that any impurities, dirt, or germs are removed, preventing them from entering the body. Similarly, washing hands after eating helps cleanse any leftover food or grease, making it both a hygienic and respectful act.
In Islam, hygiene is not only a physical requirement but also a spiritual practice that brings blessings, or “barakah,” into daily life. This hadith teaches that the small act of washing hands can lead to greater spiritual and physical benefits, reminding us that taking care of one’s cleanliness is a way of respecting the food that Allah has provided.
Eating with the Right Hand
Arabic Text
“قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: إِذَا أَكَلَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيَأْكُلْ بِيَمِينِهِ، وَإِذَا شَرِبَ فَلْيَشْرَبْ بِيَمِينِهِ، فَإِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَأْكُلُ بِشِمَالِهِ وَيَشْرَبُ بِشِمَالِهِ
“
English Translation
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said
“When one of you eats, let him eat with his right hand, and when he drinks, let him drink with his right hand, for the Shaytan eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Urdu Translation
“نبی کریم ﷺ نے فرمایا
جب تم میں سے کوئی کھانا کھائے تو دائیں ہاتھ سے کھائے، اور جب پئے تو دائیں ہاتھ سے پئے، کیونکہ شیطان بائیں ہاتھ سے کھاتا اور پیتا ہے۔
(صحیح مسلم)“
Explanation
This hadith emphasizes the etiquette of using the right hand when eating or drinking. This practice holds spiritual significance as it differentiates human actions from those of Shaytan, who is described as using the left hand for such activities. The Prophet ﷺ instilled this habit in his followers as a sign of respect and discipline.
In many cultures, using the right hand for eating is associated with good manners. In Islam, it also becomes an act of obedience and humility, as it is an easy yet profound way to align everyday habits with the Prophet’s ﷺ teachings. This small, intentional act helps Muslims cultivate self-awareness and mindfulness, even in simple daily routines.
The Etiquette of Eating from What is Nearest
Arabic Text
“كَانَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ يَقُولُ: يَا غُلَامُ، سَمِّ اللَّهَ، وَكُلْ بِيَمِينِكَ، وَكُلْ مِمَّا يَلِيكَ
“
English Translation
The Prophet ﷺ said
“O young boy, mention the name of Allah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is in front of you.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Urdu Translation
نبی کریم ﷺ نے فرمایا
اے لڑکے! اللہ کا نام لے کر کھانا شروع کرو، دائیں ہاتھ سے کھاؤ اور اپنے سامنے سے کھاؤ۔
(صحیح البخاری و صحیح مسلم)
The Importance of Sharing Food
Arabic Text
“قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: طَعَامُ الاثْنَيْنِ كَافِي الثَّلَاثَةِ، وَطَعَامُ الثَّلَاثَةِ كَافِي الأَرْبَعَةِ
“
English Translation
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said
“The food for two people is enough for three, and the food for three is enough for four.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Urdu Translation
“رسول اللہ ﷺ نے فرمایا
دو آدمیوں کا کھانا تین کے لیے کافی ہے اور تین کا کھانا چار کے لیے کافی ہے۔
(صحیح مسلم)”
Explanation
This hadith highlights the virtue of generosity and the blessings that come with sharing food. The Prophet ﷺ encourages Muslims to adopt a mindset of sharing rather than hoarding, trusting in Allah’s blessings to provide sufficiency. This simple statement teaches two important principles:
Barakah (Blessing) in Sharing
When people share food, Allah increases its barakah, making it more fulfilling. This is a divine concept in Islam, where acts of generosity and kindness invite blessings from Allah. Sharing is encouraged as a means to cultivate a sense of community and to foster a spirit of care among individuals.
Community Spirit
Sharing food reinforces bonds between people, whether family, friends or even strangers. It serves as a reminder that Allah provides for all and that one should have trust in His provision. When people share their sustenance, it creates a sense of mutual support and connection, fulfilling an important social and spiritual role in the community.
In today’s world, this hadith emphasizes the need to move away from excess and selfishness, teaching that even in limited resources, there is always enough if shared with a generous heart. Practising this in daily life can help cultivate gratitude and reduce wastefulness.
The Virtue of Moderation in Eating
Arabic Text
““قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: مَا مَلَأَ آدَمِيٌّ وِعَاءً شَرًّا مِنْ بَطْنٍ، بِحَسْبِ ابْنِ آدَمَ أُكُلاَتٌ يُقِمْنَ صُلْبَهُ، فَإِنْ كَانَ لاَ مَحَالَةَ فَثُلُثٌ لِطَعَامِهِ، وَثُلُثٌ لِشَرَابِهِ، وَثُلُثٌ لِنَفَسِهِ
““
English Translation
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said
“No human ever filled a container worse than his stomach. Sufficient for the son of Adam are a few mouthfuls to keep his back straight. If he must eat more, then a third should be for his food, a third for his drink, and a third for his breath.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
Urdu Translation
““رسول اللہ ﷺ نے فرمایا
آدمی نے کوئی برتن نہیں بھرا جو اس کے پیٹ سے زیادہ برا ہو۔ ابن آدم کے لیے چند لقمے کافی ہیں جو اس کی پیٹھ سیدھی رکھیں۔ اگر زیادہ کھانا ضروری ہو تو ایک تہائی اس کے کھانے کے لیے، ایک تہائی اس کے پینے کے لیے اور ایک تہائی اس کے سانس کے لیے۔
(سنن ابن ماجہ)”“
Explanation
This hadith emphasizes moderation in eating and the harm of excessive consumption. The Prophet ﷺ advises limiting one’s intake to what is necessary, pointing out the wisdom of eating only what is needed to maintain strength and health. This advice contains both physical and spiritual insights:
Physical Health and Balance
Overeating can lead to physical ailments, including obesity, heart issues, and digestive problems. The Prophet’s ﷺ guidance in limiting food intake reflects an understanding of the importance of health and wellness. Eating in moderation allows the body to function properly and efficiently.
Structure of Eating
The division of the stomach into thirds—one-third for food, one-third for drink, and one-third for air—provides a practical approach to eating that promotes a balanced lifestyle. This ensures that one avoids discomfort and maintains the ability to move, breathe, and engage in worship effectively after meals.
Spiritual Discipline
Practising moderation is not only beneficial for physical health but also helps one develop self-control and discipline. The Islamic approach to eating is intertwined with the concept of self-restraint, a quality that is spiritually enriching and strengthens one’s character. By avoiding overindulgence, Muslims can maintain focus on spiritual priorities and avoid the distractions of physical indulgence.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
Moderation in food consumption also has broader implications in reducing waste and preserving resources. By eating only what is necessary, individuals contribute to a more sustainable environment and respect the blessings provided by Allah.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these hadiths illustrate Islam’s holistic approach to well-being, compassion, social responsibility, and spirituality. Each hadith presents a practical and moral directive that enhances a Muslim’s daily life and contributes positively to society. From showing compassion and mercy to one another, being conscious of our impact on the environment, and striving for inner and outer cleanliness, these teachings encourage Muslims to embody values that are beloved to Allah and beneficial to all of humanity. These values not only cultivate personal piety but also strengthen communal bonds, promote a healthy environment, and create a peaceful society. Embracing these hadiths as a guide to everyday life brings us closer to a life that aligns with divine principles and fosters a greater sense of purpose, integrity, and gratitude.