Provision for the Seekers: A Brief Study of Selected Ahadith (6)

 

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet(s.a.w) said: "The one who eats and is grateful is like the status of the patient fasting person." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2486)

• Food is one of the greatest blessings given to us, therefore disrespecting it is a major sin, and major sins are not forgiven unless we repent for them sincerely. 

• If we are offered a food item that we do not like, we should not complain, rather not eat it. After the meal has ended, then you may advise or express your likes. 

• To cultivate gratefulness, we should spend time with those who have less, so volunteer in cooking, distributing meals, give in charity, and sincerely reflect. 

• Before eating a meal, look at it and reflect over how all the individual ingredients came together by the command of Allah to becomes a means of energy for you to perform good deeds. 

• The ahadith advise us:

'Umar bin Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), said to me, "Mention Allah's Name (i.e., say Bismillah before starting eating), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you." (Riyad as-Salihin 727)

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) never found fault with food. If he had inclination to eating it, he would eat; and if he disliked it, he would leave it. (Riyad as-Salihin 735)

Lessons by Alimah Sobia Hasan and Alimah Sana Khan at Maryam Institute