Hence - he/she will not be questioned (made Hisaab) of the food that has been eaten.
If at the beginning of the meal, he/she forgot to recite 'Bismillah', then whenever he/she remembers, the following Du'a should be recited:
1. If a food producer does not have any certification from a certifying body or organisation, that does not mean that their products are Haram. Neither does it mean that the products are Halal.
2. According to Shariah, if an upright, just Muslim who has knowledge of Halal and Haram and he is sensitive to Deen informs you that a particular item is Halal, then based on his information it will be considered Halal.
3. It is not permissible to accept the information of Non-Muslims in matters of Halal and Haram.
4. Therefore, if a Halal certifying body has classified a store as Halal and there is no Muslim to supervise that factory / store, it will be against ones conscious of Imaan to consume anything from such a factory / store as that creates doubt in ones mind.
5. Rasulullah SAW said in the meaning of one Hadith:
"Halal is Clear and Haram is Clear - between them two is doubt, whoever stays away from doubt will protect his Deen, and whoever follows his doubtful taught will soon fall into Haram."
6. Furthermore, the certifying body should be immediately informed as their certification could deceive those who are not careful. It is important for the certifying bodies to be more vigilant and not issue Halal status to non Muslim owned stores. Relative to other Muslim states / communities, our Malaysian Halal Certificate has low reliability.
7. As a golden rule, whenever in doubt - Always Abstain.
8. There is also a great possibility that the kitchens in which Haram foods are prepared would contaminate the Halal food products.
The Holy Prophet SAW expressed dislike for over-eating and said that over-eating is ill luck and misfortune. In other words, a person who over-eats will be followed by such faults and defects that he will have difficulty and hardship in every place and people will look at him in a bad way.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW used to eat with three fingers, and before wiping and cleaning his hand he used to lick clean his blessed fingers.
Whenever food is very hot, it would be left covered for a while, so that the emission of steam finishes. In doing so, the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW has said that this is a method in which barakah may be gained.
Anas bin Malik RA says:
"I once saw the Holy Prophet SAW sitting in a squatting posture and eating dates."
The posture mentioned here actually refers to that when one keeps his calves straight and sits on his feet.
Once in a gathering, the number of people eating increased, and so the Holy Prophet SAW sat with his blessed legs folded (as in the first Tahiyyat position in Solat). The reason being that there is humility in sitting like this and there is consideration for other people who are also present because sitting in this manner creates more room for them.
It is etiquette that the people eating should not get up and leave before the safrah (floor-cloth for food / table-cloth) has been lifted.
When one is eating with another person, it is etiquette to not stop eating as long as the other person is still eating, this is so that the other person does not feel ashamed. If one has to stop eating, then he should provide an excuse. This does not mean that a person continues overfilling his stomach, but the action of eating small morsels will suffice. The companionship in eating here is what is emphasised.
One should also not drink from a water container by putting the mouth onto its brim. The same prohibition has been applied against placing the mouth onto a jug and drinking from it. Similarly, we should avoid drinking directly from a flask or a bottle, etc.
Whilst drinking, one should not breathe into the utensil (e.g. mug, cup, etc.) or blow into it.
One should also refrain from placing the mouth on a utensil that is cracked or broken.
Many people have the habit of standing up and drinking. We should also refrain from this act as it contravenes the Sunnah.
Whilst eating, the Holy Prophet Muhammad never found fault with food. If he liked it, then he (SAW) would eat it; and if he did not prefer it, then he (SAW) would just leave it without complaining. Such was the Prophet Muhammad SAW's beautiful character.
A hadith has also come to us from the Noble Companion, Huzaifah RA - that the Holy Prophet SAW prevented us from eating and drinking in gold and silver utensils. This order is for both men and women. It is Haraam for Muslims to eat using gold and silver utensils.
Health is one of the most magnificent graces of Allah SWT to His slaves and one of His most venerable and abundant bounties.
Imam Bukhari RA narrates in his Sahih, that the Holy Prophet SAW said:
"There are two favours that many people are prejudiced by it - The health and the leisure."
Imam Tirmidhi RA and others have reported a Hadith narrated by Abdullah bin Mash Al-Ansari RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:
"The one who is physically healthy, safe in his community and is sufficiently nurtured will possess the whole world."
Imam Tirmidhi RA also reports from Abu Hurairah RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:
"The first question asked to a Believer on the Day of Resurrection concerning the delights of this world is: 'Have not we preserved your body and quenched your thirst with cold water?' "
Some of the Pious Predecessors RA explain said that these Divine words: "Then, shall ye be questioned that Day about the joy (ye indulged in)" - refers to our Health.
Anas bin Malik RA relates from the Holy Prophet SAW that he (the Prophet SAW) did not criticise any food ever. When he desired a (particular) food, he used to eat it, or else he used to leave it and abstain from eating it, but he did not prohibit those who desire it or who are habituated to eat if from consuming it.
THE DANGERS OF EXCESSIVE EATING
The pious scholars of Islam have simplified from Ahadith and narrations from our Pious Predecessors RA, the following benefits of eating less:
1. The heart remains pure - which then leads to recognition of the ni'mat (bounties) of Allah SWT.
2. Love for Allah SWT develops in the purified heart.
3. Mercy and tenderness become the attributes of the heart.
4. Pleasure is experienced in Du'a (supplication) and Zikr (remembrance of Allah).
5. Pride and rebellion of the Nafs are restraint and eliminated.
6. The difficulty of even a little hunger leads to abstention from sins; and the inclination for sins decreases.
7. One stays healthy.
8. One feels less sleepy, and laziness with regard to Tahajjud (a virtuous optional Solat read between the night and morning) and other acts of Ibadah (worship) is uprooted.
If the Holy Prophet SAW detested food he would not eat so much to overburden his nature. This is a great basis of health preservation, for when a human being eats what nature abhores, then the human being would be damaged.
Abu-Na'eem RA has written in Kitab-ut-Tib that the Holy Prophet SAW has said that Almighty Allah has not created any utensil bigger than the stomach; and that when a person takes a meal, he should try to divide the stomach into three parts. One for food, another for water and the third for breathing. Eating less keeps one healthy, sharpens memory, reduces the hours of sleep, helps smooth breathing and saves one from being sluggish.
TOOTHCARE
Abu-Na'eem RA further writes in Kitab-ut-Tib that Qabiyah bin Zaweer RA reports from the Holy Prophet SAW that he (the Prophet SAW) has instructed for picking the teeth, as failing to do this makes the teeth weak and the Angels disgusted.
The one who observes the Prophet Muhammad SAW's guidance will observe that it is the best way of preserving the health. In fact the health preservation depends on the good managing of food, drink, clothing, ventilation, sleeping, awakening, movement, serenity, marriage, emptying and restraining. If these elements take place moderately, and in the proper way that fits the body, the environment, and the person's; health would be preserved until death.
THE SUNNATS OF EATING
1. To wash both hands up to the wrists.
2. To spread out a cloth as a spread (Safrah) to eat the food.
3. To recite Bismillah.
4. To eat with the right hand.
5. To eat from the portion of food which is closest / in front of you. If there is a variety of food on the Safrah then one could eat whatever one likes. One should only stretch out his/her hand to get food only after the other person has drawn his/her hand back.
6. To eat with three fingers. This helps to digest the food as a result of eating little by little. This has been scientifically proven. It is the most efficient method of eating. Eating with five fingers and the palm of the hand is not hygienic and this manner leads to overfilling the stomach by food, and overworking the digestive organs.
7. To clean the plate, bowl and other utensils; and to consume whatever is left on one's fingers by using one's lips.
8. To pick up and eat a fallen morsel, and not to leave it for Shaytaan. In this way a person will find his sustenance in abundance. According to one Hadith, the fallen morsel, if taken, become the Mahr (Dowry) for the Hur'ains (Maidens) of Paradise. Allah SWT would also keep the person and his /her offsprings safe from leprosy, leucoderma and lunacy. It should be noted however that only food that falls on the Safrah be consumed. Any food that has been contaminated by the floor / ground should not be consumed. According to the type of food, they may be washed first before eaten.
9. Not to find fault in food.
10. Not to blow on to food.
11. Not to lean while eating.
12. To read the du'as before, during and after the meals.
13. To get up after lifting the Safrah and to read the du'a whilst lifting the Safrah.
14. To rinse and gargle the mouth.
15. To wash the hands, before and after eating - together with the relevant supplication.
16. To recite a special du'aa after having iftar (breaking fast) or after having eaten at another person's house.
EATING BLESSED FOOD
The kitab Umdatul-Ihkam mentions that the Holy Prophet SAW has instructed his Sahabah RA to eat together for achieving blessings. His companion - Jabir RA reports from the Holy Prophet SAW that the most desirable food is food that is taken by many hands. Rasulullah SAW has also said that eating with brethren is remedial. Rasulullah SAW has also said that the worst man is the one who takes food alone, beats his slave girl, abandons his offerings and marries with his hand (i.e. performs masturbation). He has also instructed us to take food after making it cold, because extremely hot food is devoid of blessings. According to some other kitabs, extremely hot food makes the stomach weak.
PRE-CAUTION AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF OLD AGE
Abu Na'eem RA quotes Anas bin Malik RA saying that the Holy Prophet SAW instructed the people to not have food in the night, for the old age approaches very fast if the night meal is given as usual. Thus, only a little should be eaten in the night. It is harmful to eat so much.
MANNERS OF SITTING WHILST EATING
Regarding the manners of sitting when eating, it was the habit of the Holy Prophet SAW that he did not eat whilst reclining.
The Holy Prophet SAW said:
"I do not eat while reclining. I do sit like the slave of Allah and I do eat like him."
In another narration, it is reported that the Holy Prophet prohibited the man to eat while lying with his face downward.
The concept of reclining has been explained in various ways:
1. To sit cross-legged.
2. To lean on an object.
3. To lean upon a flank (side).
Regarding number 3 (to lean upon a flank) - it is the most harmful way of sitting because when we lean flank-like it alters the natural way of food . The other two (to sit cross-legged and to lean on an object ) are the ways the so-called powerful people sit when eating, in contrary to a slave.
The Holy Prophet SAW said: "I do eat like the slave of Allah does" - and the Holy Prophet SAW ate sitting on his heels.
Rasulullah SAW has said that he ate leaning on his knees. This method is by placing the inside of the left foot to the back of the right foot; as a sign of modesty towards Allah SWT of politeness between his hands and of respect for the food and the guest. This way of eating is proven to be the best and safest, because all the organs are left in their natural condition which Allah has created.
Abu Nu'aim RAhas related:
"The Holy Prophet (SAW) prohibited sleeping immediately after dinner as he said that this action hardens the heart."
Thus, even doctors have advised us to walk after dinner for a few minutes and prohibit sleeping immediately after, as this is very harmful. Muslim doctors further say that one should pray after supper so that the food settle at the bottom of the stomach to allow easier and better digestion.
MANNERS OF DRINKING
Among the Sunnats of drinking include:
1. To not drink from a bottle / large utensil.
2. To not drink from the mug's cleft and to not breathe into the drink.
3. To drink in three sips.
4. To invoke Allah SWT when about to drink and to praise Allah when finished.
5. Do not drink while standing up. The Holy Prophet SAW used to drink while sitting. It has been reported that he (SAW) even prohibited a person to drink standing and infact he (SAW) ordered the person to vomit the water drank while standing up. The exception is for the case of drinking Zam Zam water.
Further explaining the above, it is reported in a Hadith that the Holy Prophet SAW said:
"Do not drink the water in one draft just like camels but drink it in one or three gushes (sips), and invoke Allah when you drink and praise Him when you finish."
The Holy Prophet SAW has also prohibited us to drink water lying our faces downwards, the same as he prohibited us from drawing water with the hands, saying:
"Do not lick the water like a dog and do not taste the water at night before examining it out of fear that the recipient is covered during the night."
It should be noted that if a person drinks by the mouth while standing up from an elevated basin, there would be no difference between drinking with the hand or by the mouth, because drinking with the mouth is very dangerous if the drinker is lying faced down on his venture.
Indeed, if we follow the Prophet Muhammad SAW's Sunnats - we are promised good physical health in this world, as well as the most superior and everlasting success in the Hereafter.
The Holy Prophet SAW has said: "The water quenches the thirst and is sanitary."
Abu Hurairah RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:
"Leave the food to cool for hot food has no blessing." (Majma'ul Awsat of Imam Tabrani RA)
COMMENTARY
The above Hadith is further supported by a Hadith graded as authentic by Imam Hibbaan RA which is as follows:
"When Saiyidatina Asma binti Abu Bakr (RA) used to cook Thareed (a special type of food), she used to cover it a while till the steam stopped. Then she used to say, 'I heard Nabi (SAW) saying, 'Verily it is greater in blessing'. " (Sahih Ibn Hibbaan)
It is quite often that people resort to blowing food and water due to impatience. This is further agitated by the hunger of an empty stomach. The hidden wisdom of observing such Sunnah is that we also learn to discipline our desires which become much weaker when we are hungry. Waiting for hot food to become cold is excellent tarbiyah to eliminate distructive animalistic behaviour when hungry.
However, the above is just a hidden spiritual benefit. We should always correct our intention that we are practicing Sunnah only to please Allah SWT.
1. The Barakah (blessing) of eating is gained by washing the hands and rinsing the mouth before and after meals. (Tirmidhi)
2. Recite Bismillah before eating. (Bukhari, Muslim)
3. Eat with the right hand. (Bukhari, Muslim)
4. Never eat and drink with the left hand because Syaitaan eats with the left hand. (Muslim)
5. Eat from the portion of food that is nearest to you, i.e. do not eat from all sides of the plate. (Bukhari, Muslim)
6. Do not eat from the centre of the plate, but rather from the side, as barakat descends in the centre of the utensil. (Tirmidhi)
7. Before commencing with meals, remove shoes as this relaxes the feet. (Darimi)
8. When morsel has fallen from one's hand, clean it and eat it. It should not be left for Syaitaan.
9. After eating, before washing the hands one should lick one's fingers for one does not know in which portion of the food does the barakah (blessing) lie. (Muslim)
10. Whoever eats from a plate and thereafter cleans it, that plate seeks repentance on behalf of that person. (Tirmidhi)
12. Always partake of food in company and utter Allah's name before eating, as this will be a source of blessing for one. (Abu Dawud)
13.When partaking meals with another person, do not stop eating until he has finished eating; for this will embarass him. If one has to leave than offer an excuse (Ibn Majah, Baihaqi)
14. Rasulullah SAW never leaned on anything while eating. (Bukhari)
15. Rasulullah SAW never found fault with food. If he liked it, he would partake of it. If he disliked it, he would leave it. (Bukhari)
16. When commencing to drink first recite Bismillah. (Tirmidhi)
17. After drinking water says Alhadulillah. (Tirmidhi)
18. Do not drink directly from a water pitcher (or any water container). (Bukhari)
19. Do not breath into the utensil nor blow into it (whilst drinking). (Tirmidhi)
20. Do not stand and drink. (Muslim)
21. Do not drink in one draught like a camel but in two or three sips.
22. Do not drink from utensils that have chipped or cracked edges. (Abu Dawud)
