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The Holy Prophet SAW's Habits In Eating And Drinking
The Holy Prophet SAW never ate reclining. He used to say: I am servant of Allah and sit like that and eat like that. (he used to sit in such a manner as it appeared that he was just going to getup with the support of his knees). This otherwise means that he sat with his knees upwards and the bottom of his feet touching the ground. (Zadul-Ma’ad)
By sitting firmly and squatting cross-legged while taking meals is like sitting on a support placed beneath. (Qadi Ayad)
The author of mawahib says that while taking meals it is desirable to sit in a manner that the knees are upward and the bottom of the feet touch the ground or in manner that only right knee is kept upward and the left knee touches the ground making a secure posture. Ibn Qayyim has related that the Holy Prophet SAW as a gesture of courtesy used to keep the inner side of his left foot over the back of the right foot. (Madarijun-Nubuwa)
Another gesture of the Holy Prophet’s courtesy was that he never found fault with the food. If he liked it he ate it, otherwise he did not touch it but never passed any remark as to whether it was bad or sour, or that the salt was too according to taste or that the soup was too thin or thick. (Madarijun-Nubuwa)
This indicates that it is unmannerly to find fault with the food and such an action is against the sunnah. Some scholars held that it would in order if it is mentioned by the way that the food has not been properly cooked and that the provision has gone waste. But even in this case, the feelings of the cook are likely to be hurt. As such it is better not to do so. (Madarijun-Nubuwa)
The Holy Prophet SAW used to say Bismillah (in the name of Allah) before beginning to eat and to praise Allah at the end.
He used to wash his hands before taking meals, ate with his right hand and from before him. (Zadul-Ma’ad)
If the vessel was full of food to its top, then he would not begin eating from the top but from the bottom before him and is reported to have said that the blessings descends from the top of it (vessel). (Kasa’il-e-Nabawi, Nashrut Teeb, Ibn Majah, Mishkat)
While eating he would never put the whole of his fingers into the food. (nashrut teeb)
Ka’b Ibn Malik RA has related that the Holy Prophet SAW's habit was to eat with three fingers, and he used to lick them clean. (Shama’il-e-Tirmizi, Muslim)
In some tradition it occurs that he used to lick the middle finger first, then the forefinger and after it the thumbs. (Kasa’il-e-Nabawi)
If an item of food was thin, he would also use the ring finger, but only rarely. (Tabarani, Kasa’il-e-Nabawi)
The Holy Prophet SAW never blew in any food or drink considering it to be a bad habit. (Ibn Sa’ad)
He did not smell the food and thought it undesirable. (Nashrut-Teeb)
If there was one item of food only, he would take it from before him and if there were, more items but in one dish, he would extend his hands to other sides also. (Zadul-Ma’ad)
When meals are served to him, he would say:
“O Allah! Bless us in what you have given us, and save us from the punishment of Hell fire. (I begin) With the name of Allah.”
When the Holy Prophet SAW took the first morsel of the food, he would say:
“All praise is due to Allah who gave us to eat and drink and made us muslims.” (Sham’il Tirmizi)
When the table cloth was removed he would say:
“Praise belongs to Allah, praise which is good and pure and blessed. We can neither eschew this food, nor forego it, nor do without it. O our Cherisher! (Accept from us our thanks).”
When the Holy Prophet SAW was invited by somebody (to a meal) he would pray for the host in the following words:
O Allah! Bless them in what you have bestowed on them forgive them and have mercy on them.
After meals he would wash his hands and dry them by rubbing them together or on the face and head. In one of the traditions, drying the hands on the other parts washed in Wudu (ablution) has also been mentioned. (Ibn Majah)
Wudu (ablution Before Meals)
Sayyidina Ibn Abbas RA has related: once the Holy Prophet SAW came out from the closet, meals were served to him and he was requested to indicate whether water should be bought for wudu he replied, “I have been commanded to perform wudu only when I have to offer prayers.” (Shama’il Tirmizi)
Sayyidina Salman Farsi RA said that the Holy Prophet SAW said, “It is a means of blessings to perform ablution (wash hands and face) before and after meals.” (Shama’il Tirmizi)
Saying Bismillah (in the name of Allah) before meals
Amr Ibn Abu Salmah RA once came to the Holy Prophet SAW when meals have just been served to him. The Prophet SAW said, “Come closer, son, and say Bismillah (in the name of Allah), commence eating with the right hand before you.” (Shama’il Tirmizi)
There are unanimous agreement (amongst the scholars) that saying Bismillah before taking a meal is a sunnah while eating with the right hand is a sunnah according to majority of them but some of them hold it to be wajib (obligatory). It had been commissioned by the Holy Prophet SAW that one should eat and drink with his right hand for satan eats and drinks with his left. (Khasa’il-e-Tirmizi)
Sayyidina Anas RA has related on the authority of the Holy Prophet SAW that Allah, the Glorious and magnificent expresses great pleasure when a servant of his, thanks him on taking a drought of water.
If someone began eating food without reciting Bismillah, the Holy Prophet SAW would hold his hand and command him to say Bismillah. (Zadul Ma’ad)
According to theologians, it is preferable to say Bissmillah aloud so that this may serve a reminder to those who have forgotten to do so. (Khasa’il-e-Nabwi)
One will not be questioned for a bounty on the DAY OF RECKONING which is preceded by Bissmillah and followed by Alhamdu-lillah.
Sayyisina Aisha RA has narrated that the Holy Prophet SAW said, “If one forgets to say Bismillah at the beginning and recollects it during or after the meals, he should say, (in the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end of it). (Zadul Ma’ad, Shama’il-e-Tirmizi)
His Food
Sayyidina Aisha RA has related that till the death of the Holy Prophet SAW his family members did not get a full meal of even barley bread for two successive days. (Shama’il-e-Tirmidhi)
It may be that they could have taken dates to their satisfaction but they did not get enough bread on two successive days.
The Holy Prophet SAW has often taken wheat bread. (Khasa’il-e-Nabawi)
Sahl ibn Sa’d “ on being asked by someone as to whether the Holy Prophet had ever taken bread prepared from superfine flour, replied that superfine flour was unknown during his lifetime. (Bukhari, Shama’il-e-Tirmidhi)
Sayyidina Anas RA has related that the Holy Prophet SAW never took meals off a table. He never ate food from small plates, nor chapatti (thin loaf) was baked for him. He used to take food served on a piece of leather (spread on the ground). (Shma’il-e-Tirmidhi)
His Favourite Dishes
Sayyidah Aishah RA has related: The Holy Prophet SAW once said, “What a nice condiment vinegar is.” (Shma’il-e-Tirmidhi)
According to a tradition, the Holy Prophet SAW prayed for vinegar to be blessed and mentioned that the earlier Prophets also used this (vinegar) with food. According to another tradition, the Holy Prophet SAW is reported to have said that the house in which there is vinegar, there is no need for a condiment. (Ibn Majah)
Abu Usaid RA has related that the Holy Prophet SAW said: Use olive oil in food as also for anointing, for this comes from a blessed tree. (Shama’il-e-Tirmidhi)
The Holy Prophet SAW relished the mat of foreleg (and on one occasion when it was offered to him) he took a bite of it, i.e. he did not cut it with a knife or any other thing.
The Holy Prophet SAW has impressed the desirability of biting the meat. In one of the traditions he has directed to bite the meat, for that is more beneficial and wholesome. (Khasa’il-e-Nabawi)
In a tradition it occurs that the meat of hip-joint is the best meat. (Shma’il-e-Tirmidhi)
Sayyidina Anas RA has related that the Holy Prophet SAW specially relished roast meat and pumpkin as condiment. (Ibn Sa’d, Shama’il-e-Tirmidhi)
Sayyidah Aishah RA has related that the Holy Prophet SAW had a liking for vinegar, olive oil, sweets and honey. (Zaad-ul-Ma’ad)
The Holy Prophet r is reported to have eaten chicken, red duck, mutton, beef and flesh of camel. He relished Surid (bread crumbled and mixed with soup which may have pieces of meat in it). He also ate black pepper and spices. He is reported to have eaten date (raw, ripe or dried) beet and Hais (soup made of flour, water and either oil or clarified butter/cheese)
Sayyidina Anas RA has related that the Holy Prophet SAW liked what was at the bottom. He used to eat cucumber with dates as Abdullah-Bin Ja’far has reported on the authority of sayyidina Aisha RAthat the Holy Prophet SAW used to eat water melon with dates and to say that the heat of the one is broken by the coolness of the other. He liked cold sweet water. He used to drink water and milk as well as water obtained from steeped dates from the same cup. This cup was rough and was made of wood with iron strips affixed on it. (Ibn Sa’d)
He also said that excepting milk there is nothing which could serve both as a food and drink. (Nashrut-Teeb)
Hospitality
The Holy Prophet SAW used to request his guests again and again to take meals with him. Once having served a person with milk he asked him again and again to drink more until the man said: “By the Lord (Most High) who has sent you with truth, I have no room left for more.”(Bukhari, Madaarijun Nubuwwah)
If the Holy Prophet SAW chanced to eat along with people he was the last to finish eating. Some people habitually taken much time in eating and when they see others getting up, they feel embarrassed and also finish eating. As such in order to accommodate such persons the Holy Prophet SAW continued eating bit by bit till the end. (Zaadul Ma’ad, Ibn Maajah, Baihaqi, Mishkaat)
When he was in the company of people and wished to give someone something to eat or drink, he would hand it over to one who was sitting on his right as he thought him to be more rightful. In case he would give it to someone who was sitting on his left then he used to do so with the permission of the person sitting on his right. He used to do so scrupulously irrespective of the importance of the person sitting on his left. (Bukhari, Muslim, Zaadul Ma’ad)
Whenever the Holy Prophet SAW was invited to a meal and some uninvited person accompanied him, he would ask permission of the host and would then keep him in his company. (Madaarijun Nubuwwah)
Few noble habits about eating
Sayyidah Asma has related that whenever hot food was brought to the Prophet SAW , he would keep it covered until the force of its steam had gone and used to say that there is blessing in cold food. (Daarimi, Madaarijun Nubuwwah)
Sayyiduna Anas SAW has related that the Holy Prophet SAW said, “When food is set down, take off your sandals, for it gives more rest to your feet.” (Ibn Maajah, Mishkaat)
The Holy Prophet SAW did not drink water after taking meals as it affects digestion adversely. One should not drink water until the food is nearly digested. (Madaarijun Nubuwwah)
He also used to take evening meal even if it comprised of a few dates. He used to say that giving up evening meal hastens old age. (Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Maajah, Zaadul Ma’aad)
If he found a date or a piece of bread lying in a clean place he would remove the dirt and eat it. (Muslim)
He advised people not to go to bed immediately after taking meals (as this increased sluggishness of heart). (Zaadul Ma’aad)
Taking rest for a while after forenoon meal is reported from the Holy Prophet SAW . (Zaadul Ma’aad)
One should be content with the food that is available being unmindful of its quality or quantity and should eat it as a bounty from Allah. (Maalik)
One’s intention should always be that he eats to be fit enough to carry out the command of Allah. (Al –Targhib wa Al-Tarhib)
The Holy Prophet SAW used to induce people to be sparing in diet and to say that let one of the stomach be for food, one third for water and one third left for the stomach itself (breathing). (Zaadul Ma’aad)
He used to take fruits and vegetables with their correctives. (Zaadul Ma’aad)
Right hand should be used in giving food to somebody and similarly in taking food from somebody. (Ibn Maajah)
Eating together brings blessings. (Abu Daawood)
The greater the number of hands at meals, the greater the blessings. (Mishkaat)
Picking up whatever falls on the cloth or from a cup during eating and taking it brings reward (from Allah). In some traditions it occurs that this protects from poverty and leprosy and one who does so, his offspring is protected from being muddle headed and is favored with complete peace. (Madaarijun Nubuwwah)
Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas RA has narrated that one who picks up and eats the things fallen on the cloth, gets handsome and beautiful children and he is protected from poverty. (Madaarijun Nubuwwah)
Sayyiduna Ali RA has forbidden eating garlic unless it was cooked. (Tirmidhi, Abu Daawood, Mishkaat)
While eating together, an elderly and respectable person should be requested to begin eating. (Muslim)
While eating, if some eatable or a morsel falls down, it should be eaten after removing the dirt. It should not be left for the Satan. (Ibn Maajah, Muslim)
While taking meals, if someone drops in, he should be requested to join. (Ibn Maajah)
The people at meals should rise only after the cloth (spread for serving food) is removed. (Ibn Maajah)
Eating the first fruit of the season
Whenever the first fruit of the season was presented to him, the Prophet SAW would touch it with his eyes and lips and say:
“Oh Allah! Show us its last as you have shown us its first”
He would then offer it to the youngest child present in his company. (Zaadul Ma’aad)
His noble manners in drinking
Sayyiduna Anas RA has related that the Holy Prophet SAW used to breathe three times in the course of a drink and to say that drinking in this manner is more acceptable, more thirst quenching and more wholesome. (Shamaa’il-e-Tirmidhi)
In another tradition it has been expressly mentioned that one should not breathe into a vessel while drinking but should remove his lips from the cup. (Zaadul Ma’aad, Shamaa’il-e-Tirmidhi)
The Holy Prophet SAW best liked sweet cold water. (Zaadul Ma’aad)
Drinking water after taking meals is not the sunnah of the Prophet SAW particularly when the water be warm or intensely cold since both these are harmful. (Zaadul Ma’aad)
The Holy Prophet SAW did not consider it advisable to drink water after being tired with exercise, after taking food or fruit, after sexual intercourse and after taking a bath. (Zaadul Ma’aad)
It occurs in traditions that the Holy Prophet SAW has advised that one should sip the water and should not drink it without stopping. (Madaarijun Nubuwwah)
Whenever the Holy Prophet SAW desired any beverage to be distributed to a company, he would direct that the elderly people should be served first and in case of a drinkable item being served again and again, he would ask that the next round should start from the person next to the one who was served last. When he served a beverage to his friends, he would be the last to drink saying that the server is usually the last drink. The noble habit of the Holy Prophet SAW used to drink water sitting and in authentic traditions, it occur that he has forbidden drinking water standing and has forbidden drinking with one hand. (Zadul Ma’ad)
Sayyidina Ibn Abbas RA has related that the Holy Prophet SAW said: When Allah gives one anything to eat he should say:
“O Allah, Bless us in this and give us what is better than it.
In case of milk one should recite the following:
“O Allah! Bless us in this and give us plentiful.”
The Holy Prophet SAW definitely liked sweet cold water the most and such water was brought for him from far off places. (Khasaa’il-e-Nabawi, Madaarijun Nubuwwah)
The Holy Prophet SAW has taken honey mixed in water and this he used to do early in the morning. After some time when he felt hungry, he would eat whatever was available. (Madaarijun Nubuwwah)
The Holy Prophet SAW liked milk. He said, “ There is nothing (other than milk) which serves both as food and drink.” After taking meals he used to recite the following supplication:
“O Allah! Give us more and better than this”
Sometimes he used to drink pure milk and sometimes mixed with water. (Madaarijun Nubuwwah)
Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas RA has related that when he brought a bucket of Zamzam water he drank it while standing. (Probably there was no room to sit at that moment) (Shamaa’il-e-Tirmidhi)
Some have held that drinking water while standing is particular for Zamzam and wudhu water. (Madaarijun Nubuwwah) |
