Food & Eating

[Gham-e-Madinah]

 

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

ASALATU WASALAMU ALAYKA YA RASULLALLAH

 

To eat in a descent and polite manner is also a Sunnah of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Food (sustenance) is great blessing of Almighty which has been given to us. It is something which plays an important role in the nourishment of the body, giving strength and good health. Almighty Allah increases the sustenance of a person who eats to gain strength so that he may be able to worship Almighty Allah, for example to read Namaaz, To Keep fast etc;

 

Hazrat Sayyiduna Imam Ghazzali (radi Allahu anhu) has stated that the path to Ibaadat (worship) is also Ibaadat, just as the goods on a journey are also part and parcel of such a journey. In other words, anything which is necessary in Deen is also Deen. It is also definite and obvious that food is not only a part of humanity but is also a part of Islam and a path to success.

 

If one eats and is healthy, then it would be easy to act upon the commands of Almighty Allah and the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). It is for this reason that Almighty Allah has stated, "Eat Good food and do good Deeds"

 

The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has stated that a believer gains sawaab at all times, for if he puts a morsel of food into his mouth or if he feeds his family, then this is reward. It has also been stated that the person who eats with the intention of carrying out his duties as a Muslim, always eats that which is halaal and stays away from haraam. He also does not behave greedily but eats according to his limits. (Kimya-e-Sa'aadat).

 

The manner in which Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) ate is known as the Sunnah method of eating. It is therefore necessary for us to follow the particular method when eating. By doing this, we will not only be satisfying our stomachs but we will be acting upon one of the Sunnah of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). It has been stated by many Saints, that it is preferable to perform wudhu before eating, and if this is not possible then the best one can do is to wash his hands including his wrists before eating.

 

One should not eat without washing the hands as this is contrary to the Sunnah of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) would usually perform ablution before eating and if time would not permit, he would wash his hands. He never wiped his hands after he washed them before eating. The reason for this was to avoid any dust particles from getting onto his hands and being digested with his food. Thus, to wipe the hands after washing them before a meal is not the Sunnah method.

 

Hazrat Wahshi bin Harb (radi Allahu anhu) states that the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (radi Allahu anhum) queried from the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), 'O Prophet of Allah! We eat, but we do not gain any satisfaction in our food.' Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said, "Then you may be eating individually." They said, 'Yes we do' He replied, "Eat in a group and say Bismillah. Blessings will be increased for you in this."

 

Wa'alaykum 'Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu