Islamic Manners of Eating

ISLAMIC MANNERS OF E AT I N G 
  

‘Aādāb-e-Ta’ām’

Shaykh-ut-Tariqah, Ameer-e-Ahle Sunnat, the Founder of Dawateislami, the Honourable, Allama, Maulana, Abu Bilal

MUHAMMAD ILYAS ATTAR QADIRI RADAWI

RENDERED INTO ENGLISH BY MAJLIS-E-TARĀJIM (Da’awat-e-Islāmī)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed in any manner without the explicit permission of the publisher, except in the case of quotations with complete citations.

Islamic Manners of Eating Copyright © 2009 Maktaba-tul-Madina

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TRANSLATOR’S NOTES

A

SSALĀMUALAIKUM DEAR READERS,

Da’awat-e-Islāmī’s Majlis-eTarājīm, a department responsible for reproducing Amīr of AhlusSunnah, Hazrat Allamah Maulana Muhammed Ilyās Attār Qādri’s works into various languages of the world, is proud to present this renowned work “Aādāb-e-Ta’ām” in English.

Although any translation is inevitably a form of interpretation, we have tried our level best to convey the thoughts of the author in its true form, using a choice of words which help maintain the interest of the reader and drive the point home. Our hope is to pass on some flavour, which is a captivating and distinctive feature of the original text. For the ease of the reader and correct pronunciation of Arabic letters, we have also provided a transliteration chart which can be found in the subsequent section. In our translation, we have tried to maintain the originality of the literature by using Islamic terms as is, and to an extent together with their translations in square brackets. A complete list of these Islamic terms and their translation is also provided in the Glossary A. Da’awat-e-Islāmī also has its own terminology. We have retained some of those words whereas translated and integrated others into the text. Terms used in the Environment of Da’awat-e-Islāmī are provided in Glossary B. The meaning of Arabic phrases used in the book have been given in Glossary C. Often you will see some English words followed by a word in square brackets; those are the Arabic / Urdu words that we have retained from the original text to maintain the originality as at times no English words can be found that are equivalent in meaning to their Arabic and Urdu counterparts. For the citations of the various sources, we have used the APA citation style, though we have suppressed the name of the author and have used the title of the book instead. The “pp” and “p” in the citation stands for the page number, “vol” is volume. The Bibliography at the end of the page is in Chicago style as the APA suppresses the full names to just initials. One unique feature of this book is that the author uses many different

 titles for the Prophet                 to highlight many of his qualities

and his high status. We have tried doing the same by incorporating their English translations in the text. For a non exhaustive list of the titles in English and their Urdu counterparts, please refer to Glossary D. We have used the words Sunnah and Prophetic Practice interchangeably depending on the flow and readability of the text. However, we have included the word Sunnah in square brackets where ever we have used the phrase “Prophetic Practice”. We have translated the Urdu word “dastarkhuwān” as dining-mat. Near the end of the book we have also provided supplemental chapters on the virtues of reciting Durūd and how to deliver Dars.

  ! By the Grace of Allah Almighty 

 ", by the favour of His Beloved

 

Prophet                  and the spiritual support of our great Sheikh, founder of Da’awat-e-Islāmī, Hazrat Allamah Maulana Muhammed Ilyās  $% & ' Attār Qādrī       (

, we have completed this translation after a lot of   # hard work and diligence. If you find any shortcomings in this work, it may be a manifestation of our own deficiencies and not the author of the original work. Therefore, if you discover any mistakes or shortcomings in this book, please notify us at the following address and or email:

Majlis-e-Tarājim (Translation Department) International Madanī Markaz, Faizan-e-Madina Muhallah Saudagran, Old Sabzi Mandi, Bab-ul-Madinah, Karachi, Pakistan. Phone: (92-21) 3492-1389, 90, 91 Email: [email protected]

CONTENTS TRANSLATOR’S NOTES

CHAPTER 1 THE MANNERS PERTAINING TO FOOD An Amazing Angel ..................................................................................... 1 Consumption of Food is Also Worship ....................................................... 2 Virtues of a Halāl Morsel ........................................................................... 3 What Intentions should One Render when Eating? .................................... 3 How Much Food Should be Consumed? .................................................... 4 The Significance of Intentions ................................................................... 4 Why was Kohl [Surma] Used?.................................................................... 4 43 Intentions of Eating .............................................................................. 5 More Intentions of Eating Collectively ............................................... 8 Wudū [Ablution] before Eating Does Away with Destitution .............. 9 Wudū [Ablution] before Eating Augments Good in the Home ............ 9 The Reward for Doing Wudū [Ablution] before Eating ..................... 10 Protection from Satan, The Accursed ...................................................... 10 Remedies that Prevent Illness ................................................................. 10 Sudden Death of a Truck Driver ...................................................... 11 Eating in the Marketplace ....................................................................... 12 Bread from the Market ........................................................................... 12 There is no Blessing in the Food from the Marketplace ........................... 13 Is it Appropriate to Eat at Restaurants? ................................................... 13 It is Wājib [Compulsory] to Refrain from the Sounds of Music ................. 14 Cover the Auditory Canal of the Ear with the Fingers ............................... 14 I

CONTENTS

Move Away, if the Sounds of Music are Heard ........................................ 15 The Benefit of Giving Dars at Home......................................................... 15 A Means to Safeguard Our Īmān [Faith] .................................................. 17 Light in the Grave ................................................................................... 17 The Graves will be Radiant ...................................................................... 18 Rectify the People within the Household ................................................. 18 The Marvels of a Booklet Published by “Maktaba-tul-Madinah” ...... 19 Blessing [Barakah] in Eating Food Collectively ......................................... 20 Means of Being Satisified [Sair] ............................................................... 20 Virtues of Eating Collectively ................................................................... 21 Cure for the Stomach When Eating Collectively ....................................... 21 The Food for One is Sufficient for Two .................................................... 21 Instructions for Contentment .................................................................. 21 Where did the Dessert Come From? ....................................................... 22 A Word of Caution for Things that are Endowed [Waqf] .......................... 23 Forgiveness for the Eater ........................................................................ 23 It is not Sunnah to Eat on a Dining Table ................................................. 24 Mufti Muhammad Amjad ‘Ali Aāzmi States ..................................... 24 What Type of Dining-Mat [Dastarkhuwān] is Sunnah? ............................. 24 Żikr of Allah on every Morsel .................................................................. 25 The Proper Manner of Reciting on Every Morsel ..................................... 25 Madanī Qāfilah Looked After by a Saint .......................................... 26 The Saint in the Shrine Came to Help ...................................................... 27 The Saints Benefit Others Even After They Have Passed Away ................. 29 Which Food is Illness? ............................................................................. 29 The Food Becomes Halāl for the Satan .................................................... 30 Save the Food from Satan ....................................................................... 30 II

CONTENTS

Protection from Satan ............................................................................. 31 Solution to Arguments at Home .............................................................. 31 What if One Forgets to Recite Bismillah? ................................................. 31 Satan Threw Up! ............................................................................. 32 Nothing is Hidden from the Blessed Vision of the Prophet............... 32 My Bedridden Mother’s Recovery ................................................... 33 17 Pearls of Wisdom of Supplication ....................................................... 35 The Prophetic Manner of Sitting during Meals ........................................ 38 Benefit of Raising the Knee When Eating ................................................. 39 Eating and Overlay Oneself ..................................................................... 39 To Eat Seated at a Table .......................................................................... 40 Cause of a Broken Marriage .................................................................... 40 How I Joined Da’awat-e-Islāmī ........................................................ 41 The Virtues of Modest Attire ................................................................... 43 Fashion Enthusiasts Beware! ................................................................... 43 What are ‘Clothes of Publicity’? .............................................................. 43 A Matter of Concern for the Trendy Generation ...................................... 44 The Virtues of Patched up Attire ............................................................. 45 How is it to Eat While Standing?.............................................................. 45 Medical Harms of Eating While Standing ................................................. 45 Eat and Drink with the Right Hand .......................................................... 45 Satan’s Practice ...................................................................................... 46 Offer and Receive with the Right Hand .................................................... 46 Why is the Left Hand Used for Everything?.............................................. 46 May Your Right Hand Never Rise..................................................... 47 May Your Face Be Disfigured .......................................................... 48 Oh Allah! Make Sabāhī Blind ........................................................... 49 III

CONTENTS

Saint’s Inspiring Others from His Grave ................................................... 50 A Pony Gifted in a Dream ........................................................................ 52 Eat Only from Your Side .......................................................................... 53 Don’t Eat from the Center ....................................................................... 53 Do You Eat from the Center of the Plate? ................................................ 53 Do Not Embarrass Others ....................................................................... 54 Explanation of Blessings Descending in the Center .................................. 54 Five Acts Sunnah Pertaining to Eating ..................................................... 55 Defense Against Nightmares ................................................................... 55 A Platter of Different Dates ..................................................................... 56 Eating with Five Fingers is the Practice of the Illiterates ........................... 56 Satanic Manner of Eating ........................................................................ 57 Proper Manner of Eating with Three Fingers ........................................... 57 Account of Eating with a Spoon............................................................... 58 When is it Permissible to Eat with a Spoon? ............................................ 59 Medical Benefits of Eating with Hands .................................................... 59 Appendicitis was Cured................................................................... 59 A Conscious Person Undergoes Surgery .......................................... 60 Martyrdom of His Son ............................................................................. 62 Generosity of Sayyidunā Urwah .............................................................. 62 To Eat while Resting [Your Back] Against a Support is not Sunnah ........... 63 Do not Eat While Resting Against a Support ............................................ 63 What does ‘Resting Against a Support Mean? ......................................... 63 The Medical Harms of Resting Against a Support While Eating ................ 64 Respect Bread......................................................................................... 64 Repent from Wasting Food ..................................................................... 65 The Definition of ‘Wasting’?............................................................ 66 IV

CONTENTS

Virtues of Being Slim ............................................................................... 67 A Non-Muslim Accepts Islam .......................................................... 68 Don’t Forgo a Sunnah Just Because You are Embarrassed........................ 69 Personally Inspire People Towards .......................................................... 70 Another Non Believer Embraces Islam ............................................ 71 Protection of Children From Being Mentally Inept ................................... 72 A Solution to Eradicate Poverty ............................................................... 72 Don’t Forgo any Sunnah Due to Embarrassment ..................................... 73 44 Actions that Cause the Deprivation of Blessings:................................. 73 Virtues of Eating a Fallen Piece of Bread.................................................. 76 Narrative about a Piece of Bread............................................................. 77 Madanī Outlook ...................................................................................... 77 Lay the Dining-Mat ................................................................................. 78 When I read the booklet “Dreadful Camel” ..................................... 78 Distribute Booklets ................................................................................. 80 It is Sunnah to Lick the Fingers Clean ....................................................... 81 We Do not Know which Part of the Food Possesses Blessings .................. 81 How should One Reap the Lessings of Food? ........................................... 81 Order of Licking the Fingers Clean ........................................................... 82 It is Sunnah to Lick the Fingers Clean Three Times ................................... 82 It is Sunnah to Wipe the Utensil Clean ..................................................... 82 There are More Blessings at the End ....................................................... 82 Utensil Supplicates for Forgiveness ......................................................... 83 Wisdom in Wiping the Plate Clean .......................................................... 83 A Faith Enlightening Statement ....................................................... 84 The Blessings of Sunnah .......................................................................... 84 The Reward of Freeing a Slave ................................................................ 84 V

CONTENTS

Drinking from the Dish ............................................................................ 84 Drops of Water ....................................................................................... 85 Medical Benefits of Drinking the Water from the Dishes ......................... 85 How The Kidney Stones Dissolved? ......................................................... 86 Hot Food is Not Allowed ......................................................................... 87 How Cool Should the Food Be? ............................................................... 87 Hazards of Hot Food ............................................................................... 87 If a Fly Falls in Ones Food ................................................................ 88 What does Modern Scientific Research Ascertain? .................................. 88 Chew the Meat ....................................................................................... 88 Remoe the Black Strands from the Chicken’s Leg..................................... 89 Long Lost Brother Found After 2 Years! ........................................... 89 Wisdom in Duā not Being Accepted ........................................................ 90 Picking One’s Teeth [Khilāl] ..................................................................... 91 Kirāman Kātibīn & Those Who Don’t Pick There Teeth! ........................... 92 Those Who Eat Paān Should Pay Heed .................................................... 93 Fragile Teeth ........................................................................................... 94 Which Type of Toothpick Should be Used? .............................................. 94 Seven Intentions for Picking One’s Teeth [Khilāl]: .................................... 95 How to Properly Rinse the Mouth ........................................................... 96 Medical Benefits of Khilāl ........................................................................ 96 Gum Cancer ............................................................................................ 97 The Dangers of Fake Kattha ............................................................ 97 The Cause of Gum-bleeding .................................................................... 98 Miswāk is the Best Remedy for the Teeth ................................................ 98 Fourteen Pearls of Wisdom Pertaining to Miswāk: .................................. 99 Four Pearls of Madinah Pertaing to Healthy Teeth ................................ 100 VI

CONTENTS

A Remedy for Bad Breath ...................................................................... 101 A Spiritual Cure for Bad Breath ..................................................... 101 How Should We Recite In a Single Breath .............................................. 102 Five Fragrant Mouths ............................................................................ 102 Heavy Rain............................................................................................ 103 Food Stains on One’s Hand ................................................................... 104 Danger of a Snake ................................................................................. 105 Is it Appropriate to Use Other People’s Utensils? .................................. 105 25 Practices (Sunnah) of the Prophet    ٖ           Pertaining to Food ......... 106 92 Pearls of Madinah Pertaining to Food ............................................... 109 Render Intentions Prior to Consuming Food .................................. 109 Habitualize Yourself to Overlay [Parday main Purdah] ................... 110 Continue to do Żikr while Eating ................................................... 111 Make a Habit of Eating with Three Fingers .................................... 112 Breaking the Crust of the Bread .................................................... 113 Intestines are not a Substitte for the Teeth ................................... 113 Fruits Should be Consumed First ................................................... 114 Do not Find Defects in Food .......................................................... 114 It is More Despicable to Find Defect in Fruits ................................ 115 Converse Virtously While Eating ................................................... 115 Spare and Give up Good Pieces of Meat to Others ........................ 116 The Virtues of Eating Grains that have Fallen Down ...................... 116 Is it Impermissible to Blow on the Food? ....................................... 117 Learn How to Sip the Water When Drinking .................................. 117 Taste Lasts Only until the Root of the Toungue ............................. 118 Wipe the Utensils Clean ................................................................ 118 What should One Do after Putting Water in the Utensils? ............. 119 VII

CONTENTS

It is Sunnah to Anoint Certain Parts of the Body after Eating ........ 120 Previous Sins are Forgiven ............................................................ 120 How Much Should One Eat? ......................................................... 122 It is Sunnah to Take a Siesta [Qailulah] .......................................... 122 Actions that Cause the Deprivation of Blessings [barakah] ............ 123 Is it Permisible to Eat Fruit From Tree Belongs Another Person? .... 123 How is it to Eat without Permission? ............................................. 124 The Heart of a Chicken .................................................................. 125 Do not Eat Blood Vessels .............................................................. 125 Do not say ′′Bismillah karo [Do Bismillah]′′ .................................... 125 It is Harām [Strictly Forbidden] to Eat Rotten Meat ....................... 126 Green Chilies ................................................................................ 126 What should One Do with the Left Over Bread? ............................ 126 How is it to Eat Crab or Small Shrimps? ......................................... 126

CHAPTER 2 FOODS OF JINNS The Virtues of Durūd ............................................................................. 128 Delegation of Jinns Visited the Prophet ................................................. 128 Population of Jinns ............................................................................... 129 Jinns at the Dining-Mat of the Muslims ................................................. 129 Private Whispers of a Snake with the Prophet ....................................... 129 Dark Jinns ............................................................................................. 130 Jinns are Apprehensive of Lemons ........................................................ 131 Jinns Fear White Roosters ..................................................................... 131 Fodder for the Animals of the Jinns ....................................................... 131 Jinns Can Abduct People As Well! ......................................................... 132 VIII

CONTENTS

Protection from Jinns and Magic ........................................................... 133 Jinns Also Kill ........................................................................................ 134 My Spinal Cord Compresion Got Cured ......................................... 136 Staying Blind is Fine with Me................................................................. 138

CHAPTER 3 NINETY NINE PARABLES Virtues of Durūd [Blessings on the Prophet] .......................................... 140 1. Three Birds ....................................................................................... 140 Saving Things for the Next Day...................................................... 141 2. The Goat Rose From the Dead Twitching its Ear ................................. 141 3. Children Rose from the Dead ............................................................ 143 4. Seven Dates ...................................................................................... 145 5. I would Watch Two Movies Everyday ................................................ 147 6. Blessing in Just Little Food ................................................................. 148 7. Blessing of Sweets for Celebration of the Blessed Birth ...................... 149 8. Father is Relieved from the Torment ......................................... 150 9. Three Hundred Men Metamorphosed into Swine .............................. 151 Does the Wudū become Invalid by Saying the Word ‘Swine (Pig)’? ........ 155 10. Where Did the Third Piece of Bread Go?.......................................... 155 Sayings of the Saints Demeaning Wealth....................................... 157 11. An Admirer of the Prophet .............................................................. 159 12. Blisters formed on the Hands .......................................................... 160 13. Have a Heart ................................................................................... 161 14. Mending Shoes ............................................................................... 161 15. Savory Falooda ................................................................................ 162 Accountability [Hisāb] tantamount to the Blessings [Nai’mah] ............... 162 IX

CONTENTS

Types of Blessings [Nai’mah] and Questioning on the Day of Judgment . 163 When does Mubāh [Permissible] become Ibādah? ................................ 164 Acting on Mubāh [Permissible] Deeds for Pleasure................................ 165 A Reduction by a 100 Parts in the Hereafter .......................................... 165 16. The Dancing Party was Underway When… ............................... 166 Earthquakes Strike Because of the Sins ................................................. 166 17. A Living Baby Girl Boiled in a Pressure Cooker ......................... 167 18. A Severed Head............................................................................... 167 19. Blessings of Writing “Yā Rasūl-Allah    ٖ              

! "” ............................ 168 20. A Difficult Valley .............................................................................. 169 We Should not Complain ...................................................................... 169 21. Duā of the Distressed ..................................................................... 170 22. Welcome! Oh Starvation! ................................................................ 171 Leave Unnecessary Worries Aside ......................................................... 171 23. An Unusual Patient ......................................................................... 172 Blessing of Hiding Adversity (hardship).................................................. 173 24. Narrative of Donating One’s Reward to Sayyidatunā ‘Ayeshaĥ ......... 174 One Should Donate Rewards [Iīšāl of Šawāb] to Everyone ............. 175 25. Old Lady’s Faith Enhancing Dream........................................... 176 Madanī Revolution among the Islamic Sisters........................................ 177 26. A Miraculous Handkerchief ............................................................. 178 27. Abū Hurairah’s Provisions for the Journey ....................................... 179 28. Karāmt of Sheikh Syed Muhammad Na’īmuddīn Murādabādi .. 181 29. The Crippled Should Get Their Share. .............................................. 182 30. The Name Can Also Work Wonders ................................................. 183 31. The Tube-light Stopped Flickering ........................................... 183 Wheat Infestation and Headaches are Prevented .................................. 184 X

CONTENTS

32. Dough was given to the Beggar ....................................................... 185 Giving Sadaqa Does not Decrease Wealth ............................................. 185 Wealth keeps increasing ....................................................................... 186 The Retribution (punishment) of Not Giving Zakāt ................................. 186 33. A Korean Comes Into the Fold of Islam ............................................ 187 34. Became a Muslim by looking at the Glowing Face ............................ 189 35. Judge’s Yeast................................................................................... 189 36. Karāmat of Imām Ahmad Bin Hanbal ....................................... 191 37. The Reward of Respecting ............................................................... 191 38. Shoes of Gold .................................................................................. 191 39. Forgiveness Granted on Every Strike of the Whip ............................ 193 40. A Thief Instructs to be Patient ................................................. 194 Bounties of Allah  

 !  "

on His Auliyā ...................................................... 195

41. Brain Tumor Vanished ............................................................. 195 42. Knew What Was in Their Heart of Hearts ......................................... 197 43 Did Hussayn Bin Mansūr say Anal-Haqq ............................................ 197 44. I was an Alcoholic & a Thief ............................................................. 199 Keep Calling others to Join the Qāfilah .................................................. 201 Punishment of One Sip of Alcohol ......................................................... 201 45. & 46 Could Not Recite the Kalmaĥ ................................................... 201 Medical Harms of Alcohol ............................................................. 202 47. A Blind Drunkard ............................................................................. 203 48. Cloth was Woven by Itself ............................................................... 204 49. He Sells Watermelons ..................................................................... 204 Spritual Rulers ...................................................................................... 206 356 Saints of Allah ................................................................................ 206 Abdāl .................................................................................................... 207 XI

CONTENTS

50. Pleas of the Hungry Students .......................................................... 210 Appeals are heard by the Holy Prophet    ٖ           .................................... 211 51. Cured from Hepatitis C ............................................................ 212 52. An Enlightened Baker ...................................................................... 213 53. A Jewel in Rags ................................................................................ 213 Three are Concealed Among Three Things ............................................ 214 54. How Did I Get Rid of My Wicked Habits? ................................. 215 The First Madanī Markaz [center] of Da’awat-e-Islāmī ........................... 216 55. A Narrative about “The Orator of Pakistan” ..................................... 218 56. An Enlightening Narrative About the Aid of the Prophet .................. 219 One Should not Judge after Hearing Only One Side ............................... 221 Talebearer Will Not Enter Paradise ....................................................... 221 Things that Diminish one’s Prestige ....................................................... 222 What are the Signs of a Pious Person? .................................................. 223 57. The Shaykh Assisted From His Tomb........................................ 224 Who Grants Death ................................................................................ 225 58. Saints are Alive [Hayāt-ul-Auliyā]: .................................................... 226 59. Adherence of Imām Ahmad Razā to Sunnah: ................................... 227 It is Sunnah to Eat Dates and Cucumber ................................................ 228 60. I Vow Not to Eat for 15 Days............................................................ 229 Elders should Begin Eating First ............................................................. 229 Redemption for Putting the Left Shoe on First ....................................... 230 61. I was Fortunate to Travel to Madinaĥ ...................................... 230 62. Grits made from Barley ................................................................... 231 Frivolously Spending is a Means of ........................................................ 232 Deprivation of Blessing ......................................................................... 232 The Du’a of Three Types of People is not Answered .............................. 233 XII

CONTENTS

Nothing can be done............................................................................. 235 A Cause of Obesity ................................................................................ 236 15 Examples of Putting Oneself in Dangerous Situations ....................... 236 63. How do you Get your Food? ............................................................ 239 64. Baked Bird ...................................................................................... 239 65. Good news: A baby-girl will be born ................................................ 241 Two Minor Miracles [Karāmat] were Certified ....................................... 242 Abu Bakr Siddique had ‘Ilm-ul-Ghayb ............................................ 242 66. Good News of the Birth of a Baby Boy ............................................. 243 67. A Delicious Drink ............................................................................. 244 Better than 12 Months’ Worship ........................................................... 245 The Prophet’s Hunger ........................................................................... 246 68. Reward of Charity on the Day of ‘Ashurāĥ ....................................... 247 Prominence of ‘Ashurāĥ ............................................................... 248 5 Prophetic Narrations on the Significance of Muharram .............. 249 Guard Against Ailments ........................................................................ 250 A Devastating Earthquake in Pakistan ................................................... 250 619 Truckloads of Aid ........................................................................... 251 69. Staring Twice at the Face of Death.................................................. 251 70. A Piece of Dry Bread........................................................................ 253 An Invitation from the Prime Minister ........................................... 253 Success in Both Worlds ......................................................................... 254 71. The Vision of the Noble Prophet Seventy-Five Times ....................... 254 72. Why the Naat Reciter was Deprived ................................................ 255 73. The Troubles of the Royal Dining-Mat.............................................. 256 One Third of the Deen Goes Away......................................................... 257 The Disapproval of Flattery ................................................................... 258 XIII

CONTENTS

74. My Aunt Received the Ŝawāb [Rewards] Even For the Malīdah ........ 258 75. A Single Grape................................................................................. 259 76. Blessings of A Blow in a Dream ........................................................ 259 77. Unique Princess .............................................................................. 261 78. Imām Bukhārī’s Teacher .................................................................. 262 There is Dignity in Contentment ............................................................ 263 Leave the Materialistic World ............................................................... 263 Do not Rely on the Wealth of Others..................................................... 263 It is Better Not to Take the Wealth from Others .................................... 264 Don’t be Dependent on Others ............................................................. 264 The Stomach is Small ............................................................................ 265 Sand of the Grave will Fill the Stomach ................................................. 265 79. 100 Pieces of Bread ......................................................................... 265 80. Allergies Were Cured ...................................................................... 266 What is the Tarbiyatī Course? ....................................................... 267 Virtues of Teaching Quranic Recitation.................................................. 267 Character Enrichment in the Tarbiyatī Course ....................................... 268 81. Ten for One ..................................................................................... 269 82. Favor Returned ............................................................................... 271 Serving a Walī Bears Fruit ..................................................................... 273 Three Heaven Dwellers ......................................................................... 273 83. Strange traveller of the Madanī Qāfilah. .................................. 274 84. A Trader in the City of Baghdad ....................................................... 276 Awful Suspicions of a Wicked Heart ...................................................... 277 85. The Punishment of a Bad Suspicion ................................................. 277 Bad Suspicions are Harām ..................................................................... 278 86. Cry When You See Someone Crying ................................................. 279 XIV

CONTENTS

87. Nine Non-Believers Accepted Islam ................................................. 279 88. Šurīd and Delicious Stew ................................................................ 281 89. Stew & Halvaĥ................................................................................. 282 90. Crippled Boy Started to Walk .......................................................... 284 Cure in the Leftovers of a Muslim.......................................................... 285 91. Paralysis was Cured Right Away .............................................. 285 Can one Hire a Sayyid as a Worker? ...................................................... 286 92. Who can Harm the One Allah  

 !  "

Protects? ................................... 287

93. Source [Wasīlaĥ] of Sustenance....................................................... 289 If You Get Without Asking Then............................................................. 289 Gift or Bribe .......................................................................................... 291 94. A Container of Apples ..................................................................... 291 Who Shouldn’t Take Gifts and From Which People? ...................... 292 To Borrow a Motorcycle or Car ..................................................... 294 Two Kinds of Gatherings ............................................................... 295 Two Stories of Returning the Gifts ................................................ 299 95. They were Buried Alive ................................................................... 300 Consequence of Disobedience .............................................................. 302 96. A Wise King ..................................................................................... 302 97. The State of Ibn Tūlūn in the Grave ................................................. 303 98. The One Who Made Duā’ of Forgiveness ......................................... 304 Was Forgiven ........................................................................................ 304 99. A Human Carcass after 70 Days. ...................................................... 305

CHAPTER 4 MADANĪ MUŻAKRAH Virtues of Durūd [Salutations and Peace] .............................................. 307 XV

CONTENTS

Measure the Food when You Dish out ................................................... 308 Six Hundred Thousand Prisoners ........................................................... 308 Mann and Salwā ........................................................................... 309 Why the Food Began to Spoil? .............................................................. 309 Twelve Springs Gush Forth .................................................................... 310 Is it Permissible for an Employee to Offer Nafil? .................................... 311 You are a Trustee of Every Grain ........................................................... 311 Grave Torments of Defrauding Others................................................... 312 Reasons for Food Wastage in the Madrassah ........................................ 312 Proper Method of Freezing Food .......................................................... 313 Preserve Raw Meat for Several Days ..................................................... 314 What should We do If the Biryānī Rots? ................................................ 314 It is Harām to Eat Rotten Meat .............................................................. 314 Use of Milk that has Turned to Curd ...................................................... 315 Margarine............................................................................................. 315 For A Healthy Life in Old Age ................................................................. 315 Cooking Without Oil.............................................................................. 315 How to Protect the Sewer ..................................................................... 316 Pebbles and Weevils ............................................................................. 316 Don’t Add a Whole Kidney to the Food ................................................. 317 An Airborne Fish ................................................................................... 318 Eat Little Quantity of Fish ...................................................................... 318 Who was Jālīnūs?.................................................................................. 319 Parts of the Meat that are forbidden..................................................... 319 Blood .................................................................................................... 320 Spinal Cord ........................................................................................... 320 Tendons ............................................................................................... 320 XVI

CONTENTS

Lymph Glands ....................................................................................... 321 Testicles ............................................................................................... 321 Tripe [Stomach] .................................................................................... 321 How should one identify Harām thing? ................................................. 321 Eating Bread Made by the One who does not Offer Salāh ...................... 322 It is a Privilege to Serve Students........................................................... 323 O Allah  

, Forgive Me for the Sake of the Students ........................... 323

 !  "

How to Register a Complaint ................................................................. 324 Who is Responsible if the Food is Burnt? ............................................... 325 Oven Bread and Baking Soda ................................................................ 325 How to Tenderize Hard Meat ................................................................ 326 The Meat that Does Not Cook ............................................................... 326 Signs of Good Meat .............................................................................. 327 Abuse of Animals .................................................................................. 327 How is it to Slaughter Camel from Three Places? ................................... 329 The Camel was Hit with a Metal Rod! .................................................... 330 Caution for the Meat Vendors ............................................................... 331 Prohibition of Selling by Guessing the Weight ....................................... 331 Beef Samosas Sold in the Marketplace .................................................. 332 Dead Chickens ...................................................................................... 333 Slaughtering a Goat at the Brink of Death ............................................. 333 Forgot to Say Allah’s  

 !  "

Name at the Time of Slaughter ...................... 333

Can We Eat Bones or Not? ............................................................ 334 Pearls of Wisdom for Using Bones for Cures .................................. 335 Benefits of Poultry Meat ....................................................................... 335 Can We Eat the Bones of Chicken? ........................................................ 336 Can One Eat Fish Bones? ....................................................................... 336 XVII

CONTENTS

Can we Eat the Skin of Fishes or Not?.................................................... 336 Eat and Sell Crab ................................................................................... 337 What to Do if the Stew is Burnt? ........................................................... 337 How can We Improve Our Digestion? .................................................... 337 Two Madanī Cures for Indigestion ................................................ 338 Medicinal Cure for Constipation ................................................... 339 Students Drop Food and its Remedy ..................................................... 339 Proper Way of Breaking Bread .............................................................. 340 How to Use the Leftover Bread ............................................................. 340 Fallen Food Specks on the Dining-Mat ................................................... 341 How Do We Render Intentions for Eating? ............................................ 341 Precautions of Drinking Tea .................................................................. 341 Art of Making Tea ................................................................................. 342 Can We Take Honey with Tea? .............................................................. 342 Dental Hygiene ..................................................................................... 343 Cleaning Yellow Teeth ........................................................................... 344 If You Wish to Stay Healthy, Then… ....................................................... 344 Schedule for Meals at Jāmi’a-tul-Madinaĥ............................................. 345

CHAPTER 5 LETTER OF ATTAR The Heart Rejoices ................................................................................ 346 Advice for Everyone Pertaining to Food................................................. 348 Eat Twice a Day..................................................................................... 350 Get Your Blood Tested .......................................................................... 350 Those Who Have High Levels Cholesterol .............................................. 351 Should Refrain from These Foods .......................................................... 351 XVIII

CONTENTS

Uric Acid ............................................................................................... 352 Uric Acid Patients Should Avoid.... ......................................................... 353 Foods with Moderate Amounts of Purine .............................................. 353 Water a Cure for Uric Acid Patients ....................................................... 353 Madanī Advice .............................................................................. 354

CHAPTER 6 HAJI MUSHTAQ ATTĀRĪ Virtues of Durūd [Salutation and Peace] ................................................ 355 Haji Mustaq Attārī Embraces the Madanī Environment ......................... 356 Haji Mushtaq Became the Nigrān of Shūrā ............................................ 356 The Prophet Embraced His Devotee Mushtaq ....................................... 357 Awaiting the Arrival of Haji Mushtaq ..................................................... 357 The Funeral of Haji Mushtaq ................................................................. 359 A Plethora of Iīšāl of šawāb [Donating Reward] ..................................... 359 Some Highlight of Haji Mushtaq’s Character.......................................... 360 Desires come to fruition in Haji Mushtaq’s Court................................... 361 Magic was repelled ............................................................................... 362 SUPPLEMENTAL CHAPTERS

CHAPTER 1 VIRTUES OF DURŪD AND SALĀM Forty Prophetic Narrations .................................................................... 363 Eight Propetic Narrations Regarding the Censure .................................. 369 For not Reciting Durūd .......................................................................... 369 Five Sayings of the Sahaba .................................................................... 370

XIX

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 2 METHOD OF DELIVERING DARS Delivering Dars ................................................................................ 372 Duā of Attar .................................................................................... 375

GLOSSARY OF VARIOUS TERMS USED IN THE BOOK Islamic Terms........................................................................................ 376 Da’awat-e-Islāmī’s Terms ...................................................................... 377 Arabic Phrases ...........................................................................................378 Titles for the Prophet ............................................................................ 379 Transliteration Chart ............................................................................. 381 Index .................................................................................................... 382 Bibliography ......................................................................................... 387

XX

Satan the accursed, may use every trick of the trade to keep you from reading this book, but you should counter his every deception and make an ardent effort to read this book in its entirety. Perhaps you may come to learn and understand the manners and etiquettes of eating.

CHAPTER 1 THE MANNERS PERTAINING TO FOOD

AN AMAZING ANGEL

T

COMFORTER OF HEARTS, THE NOBLE PROPHET has stated, “Undoubtedly, Allah   

! " has stationed an angel on my grave who has been Granted the power to hear the voice (or sound) of every creation. Hence, whosoever, until the Day of Judgment, recites Durūd [Blessings on the Prophet] upon me, [this angel] presents that person’s name and his father’s name to me. The angel says, ‘A certain son of a so-and-so person has recited Durūd [Blessings on the Prophet] upon you.’” (Majma'-u-Zavāid, pp. HE

                  

251, vol. 10, ḥadiš. 17291)

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Subhān-Allah    

! "! [Glory be to Allah    

! "] How fortunate indeed is the person who recites Durūd [Blessings on the Prophet] that his name, along with his father’s name, is

 presented in the court of the Holy Prophet                 . I would like to bring your attention to a noteworthy and faith enlightening word of wisdom that the foregoing Hadiš brings forth: the angel stationed at the glorious grave of the Holy

 Prophet                 , has been Granted such enormous hearing powers, that in one single instance, he can simultaneously hear the recitation of Durūd [Blessings on the 1

Islamic Manners of Eating

Prophet] of millions of Muslims around the globe and also gains knowledge of the name of the reciter and name of the reciter’s father. In other words, he has also been Granted ‘Knowledge of the Unknown’ [‘Ilm-ul-Ghayb]. If this is the state of the faculty to hear and the ‘Knowledge of the Unknown’ [‘Ilm-ul-Ghayb] of the angel who is a servant of the Holy

 Prophet                  ; just imagine the greatness of the Authority and ‘Knowledge of the Unknown’ [‘Ilm-ul-Ghayb] of

 His Excellency The Prophet                 himself! Why

 then would the Immaculate Prophet                 not be cognizant (aware) of his followers and listen to their pleas for assistance and help them, with the divine permission of Allah   

!  "? I would sacrifice myself on this mode of assistance

      When I invoked, “Yā Rasūl-Allah             ”, He rose for assistance

Mayn qurbān is adāye dast gīrī par mayray āqā

      Madad ko āgaye jab bhī pukārā Yā Rasūl-Allah            

CONSUMPTION OF FOOD IS ALSO WORSHIP Dear Islamic Brothers! Food is a great bestowment [na’mat] of Allah. He has provided many different flavours and tastes for us to relish. It is rewarding [šawāb] to eat Halāl [Lawful] food, in conformity to the Shari’ah and the Prophetic Ways [Sunnah], with good intentions. The Renowned Exegitist of the Quran,  Hakīm-ul-Ummah, Mufti Ahmad Yār Khān 2  6 7   3 4  5

   has stated, “Eating is also a form of worship [of Allah] (performed by) the believer [momin].” He further said, “Marriage [nikah] is a Sunnah of the Prophets
89 

   :  . However, Sayyidunā Yahya
89   :   

   and Sayyidunā ‘Īsa Rūh-u-llah
89 

   :   never married. On the other hand, eating is a Sunnah, which has been practiced by every Prophet from Sayyidunā Adam Safiy-u-llah
89 

   :   to The Beloved Prophet Muhammad-ur-Rasūl-u-llah 2

The Manners Pertaining to Food                   

. 

It is also noted that a person who dies of hunger, as a result of a hunger strike, has indeed died a Harām [Forbidden] death.” (Tafsīr Na’ īimī, pp. 51, vol. 8)

 Our Holy Prophet           

        has stated, “A grateful [shakir] eater is like a patient [sabir] person who fasts.” (Jāmi’

Tirmiżi, pp. 219, vol. 4, ḥadiš. 2494)

VIRTUES OF A HALĀL MORSEL There are many blessings for us in eating according to the

 Sunnah of the Beloved of Allah                    . Sayyidunā Imām Muhammad Ghazāli  -   5 6 7      , in his second volume of “Ihyā-ul-‘Ulūm” cites the following aphorism attributed to a pious predecessor: “When a Muslim eats the first morsel of Halāl [Lawful] food, he is absolved of the sins he committed in the past. [Furthermore,] the one who goes to a place of humiliation1 in search of Halāl [Lawful] food, his sins fall like leaves fall from a tree.” (Ihyā-ul-‘Ulūm, pp. 116, vol. 2)

WHAT INTENTIONS SHOULD ONE RENDER WHEN EATING? It is Sunnah to eat only when one is hungry. One should have the intention that ‘I am eating to attain strength to worship Allah    

! ".’ One should not eat just to relish the taste.  Sayyidunā Ibrahīm bin Shaybān 2  6 7   3 4 5

   states, “I have not eaten anything merely for the satisfaction of my carnal desires [nafs], for eighty years.” (Ihyā-ul-‘Ulūm, pp. 5, vol. 2 ) One should also intend to eat less than the appetite, as the intention for eating to gain strength to worship Allah   

! " can only be true if one lives up to the former intention (that is to eat less). Gluttony is only a hindrance in worship. Furthermore, eating less food is conducive to good health, and such a person rarely needs to visit a doctor. 1

A place that is normally considered inferior in rank

3

Islamic Manners of Eating

HOW MUCH FOOD SHOULD BE CONSUMED?

 The Compassionate and Immaculate Prophet                   has stated, “A person does not fill a container worse than his stomach. Merely a few morsels are sufficient for a person to maintain a straight back. If he cannot adhere to this, then one third (1/3) [of the stomach] should be for food, one third for water and one third for air.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah, pp. 48, vol. 4, hadiš. 3349)

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF INTENTIONS The very first Hadiš in the authentic book of Bukhāri is

 ‫ ﻧ  ﻤ‬that “actions are dependent upon intentions ‫ل   ﻨﻴ‬  ‫ﻻ  ﻋ ﻤ‬ (Saḥīḥ Bukhārī, pp. 5, vol. 1, ḥadiš. 1) .”One gets reward [šawāb] for an action [‘amal] that is carried out to please Allah   

! ". On the other hand, if that same action is carried out for the purpose of ostentation [riyā] it will engender sin. Contrary to both of the positions above, if the action is performed without an intention, one will not reap reward [šawāb] nor will he gain any sins, provided that the action itself is Mubāh [Permissible]. For example, if one does not make an intention before consuming something Halāl [Lawful], like ice cream or dessert, one will not be rewarded [šawāb] nor will he be punished (sin). However, on the Day of Judgment, there will be accountability for the actions. As The Authority [Mukhtār] and Master [Mālik] of

 has declared Both Worlds, Prophet                 

   ‫ و‬  ‫ ﺣﻼ ﻟ ﺣ ﺴ‬that “There is accountability [hisāb] in its  ‫ ﻣ ﻋ  ﻘ‬

Halāl [Lawful] and punishment [‘ażāb] in its Harām [Forbidden].” (Firdaus –bima’ Šaur-ul-Khitāb, pp. 283, vol. 5, ḥadiš. 8192)

WHY WAS KOHL [SURMA] USED? The Rai-son D’e-tre of Creation, The Traveller of the Heavens,    The Noble Prophet                

has warned us that,  4

The Manners Pertaining to Food

“without doubt, on the Day of Judgment, a person will be asked about every action, even about the use of kohl [surma] in the eyes.” (Ḥilyat-ul-Awliyā, pp. 31, vol. 10, ḥadiš. 14404) Therefore, one’s well-being lies in rendering righteous intentions before carrying out any Mubāh [Permissible] action. A sheikh has stated, “I prefer to render an intention before every act including eating, drinking, before sleeping and even before going to the lavatory (bathroom).” (Ihyā-ul-‘Ulūm, pp. 126, vol. 4) The Mercy for Both Worlds, The Sultan of the Prophets, Noble Prophet                   

has stated,” A Muslim’s intention is better  than his actions.” (Mu’jam Kabīr, pp. 185, vol. 6, ḥadiš. 5942) It should be noted that intention is defined as the purpose in one’s heart, towards an action. It is not incumbent to utter it with the tongue. However just verbal utterances without a willingness of the heart will not be valid. If the heart is devoid of the intention, one will not be rewarded, as he has not fulfilled the necessary condition. Here are 43 examples of intentions that can be rendered for the consumption of food. It should be noted that the list of these examples is by no means exhaustive, and those who are cognizant of the science of intention can use these as a guide to render many other righteous intentions. The more intentions one makes, the more reward [šawāb] one will attain.

43 INTENTIONS OF EATING I will: 1. Make Wudū [Ablution] prior to, and 2. Subsequent to the consumption of food2. I will consume food, to gain strength to: 2

Unlike the Wudu [Ablution] for Salāh, the Wudu [Ablution] for eating is to wash the

hands, rinse the mouth and do gargles.

5

Islamic Manners of Eating

3. Worship 4. Recite the Holy Quran. 5. Assist my parents. 6. Acquire religious knowledge. 7. Travel in the Madanī Qāfilah in order to learn the Prophetic Ways [Sunnah], 8. Partake in the tour to call people towards righteousness. 9. Reflect on the matters of the hereafter and, 10. Seek Halāl [Lawful] sources of sustenance. (Note that these former intentions can only be beneficial if one consumes less than his appetite. Conversely, eating excessively only engenders indolence (laziness) towards worship, inclination towards sin, stomach ailments and disorders.)

I will eat in the following manner: 11. Sit on the floor. 12. Sit on a dining-mat according to Sunnah. 13. Overlay (with the kurta or the shawl). 14. Sit according to the Sunnah. 15. Recite ! ‫ﺴ ﻢ‬  and other Supplications [Duā] prior to consuming food. 17. Eat with three fingers. 18. Eat small morsels. 19. Properly chew the food before swallowing. 20. Recite ‫وﺟﺪ‬  ‫ ﻳ‬with every morsel (or will recite ! ‫ ﺴ ﻢ‬ and ‫وﺟﺪ‬  ‫ ﻳ‬prior to the consumption of every morsel and % ‫ﺤ ﻤﺪ‬  ‫  ﻟ‬at the end.) 6

The Manners Pertaining to Food

21. Pick up and eat the grains of food that may fall on to the dining-mat. 22. Break the bread above the container of curry (so that every bread crumb falls into the container.) 23. Wipe3 (lick) the bones and spices (like cinnamon and cloves) clean before throwing them away [so that no particles of food remain]. 24. Eat less than the appetite. 25. Wipe the plate clean with the intention to practice upon the Sunnah. 26. Lick the fingers clean, three times, with the same intention as above. 27. Clean the plate and drink4 from it to earn the reward of freeing a slave. 28. Not get up unnecessarily from the dining-mat until it is picked up (this is also Sunnah), unless I am required to do so. 29. Recite the Traditional Supplications [Masnūn Duā] after eating5. 30. Pick my teeth (use floss or a toothpick) [khilāl].

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3 By the means of fingers to gather the food particles on your finger and then lick the finger clean 4 Pour some water into the plate so that you can easily remove the particles of food that have clung to the plate. 5 This includes the recitation of the Durūd [Blessings on the Prophet] prior to and subsequent to the Supplication [Duā].

7

Islamic Manners of Eating

MORE INTENTIONS OF EATING COLLECTIVELY I will: 31. Not begin eating before a scholar or an elder, if they are present on the dining-mat. 32. Seek the blessings [barakah] of the company of Muslims. 33. Please others by offering them the various items from the cuisine to eat or drink. (Remember that it is disrespectful to place food in other people’s plate without their permission. Perhaps at that moment, they do not desire the edibles that you put into their plate). 34. Reap the reward [šawāb] of giving Charity [Sadaqah] by smiling upon others. 35. Recite the Supplication [Duā] upon observing someone smile. (The following Supplications [Duā] should be recited upon observing someone smile:

;

3 ◌    ;

< =  

“May Allah  

 !  "

always keep you smiling”. (Saḥīḥ Bukhārī, pp. 403, vol. 4, ḥadiš. 3294)

36. Inform others of the various intentions that should be rendered at the time of eating food. 37. Inform others of the various Sunnahs. 38. Recite the Supplications [Duā] prior to eating in an audible tone so that others can repeat. 39. Recite the Supplications [Duā] subsequent to eating in an audible tone so that others can repeat. 8

The Manners Pertaining to Food

40. Give [Iīšār] the finer portions (more pleasing to one’s taste) of the cuisine to others and guard myself from greed [hirš].

 The Master of Madīnah, The Holy Prophet                 has stated, “Whosoever gives others the things that he needs for himself, Allah   

! " forgives that person.” (Itḥaf-us-Sādat-il-Muttaqīn,

pp. 770, vol. 9)

41. Gift others floss/toothpick so that they may clean their teeth. 42. Gift others a rubber band so that they may bind the two fingers (pinkie and the ring finger) not used to eat and make a habit of eating with three fingers. 43. Recite ‫وﺟﺪ‬  ‫ ﻳ‬in an audible tone so that others can be reminded to do the same, prior to the consumption of every morsel.

WUDŪ [ABLUTION] BEFORE EATING DOES AWAY WITH DESTITUTION (DEPENDENCE) It has been reported on the authority of Sayyidunā ‘Abdullah  ibn Abbās   3 "   

7 that The Master of Madīnah, Noble Prophet  ? 6

         

  

        has stated, “Performing Wudū [Ablution] [of eating] before and after eating does away with destitution [mohtāji (dependence)], and this is a Sunnah of the Prophets
89 

   :   (Mu’jam Awsaṭ, pp. 231, vol. 5, ḥadiš: 7166). ”

WUDŪ [ABLUTION] BEFORE EATING AUGMENTS GOOD IN THE HOME  Sayyidunā Anas   3 "  

7 narrates that The Merciful [Karīm] and  ?

 the Impeccable Prophet                   stated, “Whosoever 6

See footnote. 2 on pp. 5.

9

Islamic Manners of Eating

prefers that Allah   

! " augment goodness [khair] in his house, should make Wudū [Ablution] when food is served and when it is taken away (Sunan Ibn Mājah, pp. 9, vol. 4, ḥadiš. 3260).”

THE REWARD FOR DOING WUDŪ [ABLUTION] BEFORE EATING The Mother of the Faithfuls, Sayyidatunā ‘Ayesha Siddiqah 

  :3 "       

7 has narrated that The Holy Prophet             ? has stated, “To make Wudū [Ablution] before eating is one good deed and to make Wudū [Ablution] after eating is two good deeds.” (Al-Jami’us-Ṣagīr, pp. 574, ḥadiš. 9682) Dear Islamic Brothers! One should not be lazy in washing the hands before and after eating. By Allah   

! "! The importance of a ‘single good deed’ will only be apparent on the Day of Judgment, especially to the one who will be in dire need of a single good deed, and none of his relatives would be prepared to grant (transfer) that single good deed to him.

PROTECTION FROM SATAN, THE ACCURSED The Renowned, The Acclaimed, and Prominent Prophet

                   has stated, “Performing Wudū [Ablution] before and after eating (meaning washing the hands and mouth) augments one’s sustenance [rizq] and keeps Satan away.” (Kanz-ul-’Ummāl, pp. 106, vol. 15, ḥadiš 40755)

REMEDIES THAT PREVENT ILLNESS Dear Islamic Brothers! The Wudū [Ablution] prescribed for eating is not the same as the Wudū [Ablution] for Salāh. Unlike the Wudū [Ablution] for Salāh, in Wudū [Ablution] for eating you wash both hands up to the wrists and wash and rinse your  mouth. Mufti Ahmad Yār Khān Na’iīmī 2  6 7   3 4 5

   states that, “In Book of Torah, people were ordained to wash their hands and mouth twice; once before eating and once after. However, 10

The Manners Pertaining to Food

the Jews erased the former and only preserved the latter. The wisdom in washing the hands and mouth before eating is that these parts of the body [used while eating] are prone to dirt and filth as the daily activities and chores are carried out. Similarly, after the food is consumed, the hands and mouth are stained with food. Therefore, hands and mouth should be washed on both occasions. Gargling, rinsing and washing the mouth protect one from the likes of pyorrhoea. Furthermore, a habitual user of Miswāk in Wudū [Ablution] remains safe from various teeth and stomach ailments. Moreover, one should make it a habit of urinating immediately after eating as this prevents the occurrence of various diseases related to liver and kidney. This has been observed to be highly effective.” (Mirāt-ul Manājīḥ, pp. 32, vol. 6)

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SUDDEN DEATH OF A TRUCK DRIVER Dear Islamic Brothers! Undoubtedly, there is grace in Sunnah. It not only embodies great reward [šawāb], but it also engenders worldly benefits for the one who acts upon it. Washing the hands up to the wrists is a Sunnah. One should act upon this Sunnah as hands come in contact with many objects that are laden with dirt, filth, germs and bacteria. This will keep one clean and safe from various ailments of the body. Furthermore, one should also wash and rinse the mouth. Remember, that one should not wipe the hands dry when he washes them before eating as the towel may be full of germs. It was reported that a truck driver once ate at a certain restaurant, and soon after died in a state of agony. Many others had also eaten at that same place, but nothing happened to them. After investigation, it was concluded that the truck had run over a poisonous snake and the tires were laden with poison. The truck driver had checked his tires with his bare hands, and continued on to eat without 11

Islamic Manners of Eating

washing his hands. As a result, he consumed poison with his meal and died. With the Blessing of Allah    !  " , in Sunnah lies dignity With our commitment to it, in it there is safety.

Allah  

 !  "

kī rahmat se hay sunnat mayn sharāfat.

Sarkār kī sunnat mayn hay hum sab kī hifāzat.

EATING IN THE MARKETPLACE    ? Sayyidunā Abū Umāmah   3 "  

7 has narrated that, The  Compassionate, The Beneficent and the Benevolent Prophet                    

has stated that, “It is despicable to eat in the  marketplace.” (Al-Jami’us-Ṣagīr, pp. 184, ḥadiš. 3073)

Maulāna Mufti Muhammad Amjad ‘Alī A’azamī @-  A 5 6 7      has stated, “It is Makrūh [disliked] to eat on the road or in the marketplace.” (Bahar-e-Sharī’at, pp. 19, part. 16)

BREAD FROM THE MARKET Sayyidunā Imam Burhān-ud-Dīn Ibrahīm Zarnūji @-  A 5 6 7        5 has stated, “Sayyidunā Imām Muhammad bin Fadal      6

 7 never ate food from the market while he was seeking his education. Every Friday, his father would bring food for him from the village. Once, his father brought some food and noticed that the bread in his son’s room was from the marketplace. He was very upset with his son because of this, and refused to speak to his son due to anger. His son apologetically replied that he had not bought the bread, but that one of his friends had bought the bread without his permission. After hearing this, his father rebuked him and said, ‘If you had been pious [taqwā], your friend would never have dared to do this.’” (Ta’līm-ul-Muta’allim, p. 67) 12

The Manners Pertaining to Food

THERE IS NO BLESSING IN THE FOOD FROM THE MARKETPLACE Dear Islamic Brothers! Did you see how strictly our pious predecessors would adhere to asceticism [taqwā], and how meticulous they were in educating their children so much so that they would not let their children eat food from the    5  6 restaurant and marketplace? Sayyidunā Imām Zarnūji     

 7 has stated, “if it is possible, one should refrain, from nonbeneficial food and food from a market, because that food will take one closer to filth and fraud [khiyānat], and distance one from the Żikr of Allah   

! ". The reason for this is that since this food catches an eye (attracts attention) of the poor and destitute and as these poor people cannot afford this food, they are disheartened, which further results in the deprivation of blessings [barakah] from the food.” (Ta’līm-ul-Muta’allim, p. 88)

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IS IT APPROPRIATE TO EAT AT RESTAURANTS? Those who are in the habit of eating at restaurants relishing fancy and delicious cuisine should indeed learn from the parable above. If eating at a the marketplace is despised, then how despicable would it be to eat and drink in restaurants where there is a prevalence of music and various other irreligious, sinful activities. Regardless of whether music is played or not, the ambience in the restaurants generally promotes heedlessness. It is a demeaning environment for nobles and righteous in society. If one is in dire need of food and finds no other alternative venue other than the restaurant, then one should purchase the food and eat at a private place. However, a person who is helpless [majbūr] is certainly excused [ma’żūr]. However, if the restaurant does have loud music then one should refrain from going there, as it is a sin to deliberately listen to music. The following should elaborate the point further. 13

Islamic Manners of Eating

IT IS WĀJIB [COMPULSORY] TO REFRAIN FROM THE SOUNDS OF MUSIC    5 Sayidunnā Allāmah Shāmi       6

 7 has narrated that: “To dance (in a wiggling manner), to make fun of others, to clap, to play the strings of the sitar [Indian guitar] or harp [burbat] or violin [and it’s like], to play the flute [qānūn], to ring bells, or to blow the bugle are all Makrūh Tahrīmī [Close to being Forbidden] because these are all customs of the disbelievers. Listening to the flute and other such [musical] instruments is also Harām [Forbidden]. If one hears them suddenly or unknowingly, then he is excused. However, it is Wājib [compulsory] upon him to make an ardent effort to avoid listening to the music further.” (Rad-dul-Muḥtār, pp. 651, Vol: 9)

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COVER THE AUDITORY CANAL OF THE EAR WITH THE FINGERS Dear Islamic Brothers! Fortunate are those who listen to the Words of Allah   

! " [Quran], Praise of the Prophet

                   [Na’at], and the Sunnah-Inspiring speeches, and when they hear songs or music, with the righteous intention of gaining good deeds, they cover the auditory canal of the ear with their fingers and immediately move away from  that place. Sayidunnā Nafa’e once stated   3 "  

7 , “(When I was  ? young) I was going somewhere with Sayidunnā ‘Abdullah bin  ‘Umar   3 "   

7 . Along the way we heard the notes of a flute;  ?  ? ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar   3 "   

7 put his fingers in his ears and  moved to the other side of the road. After moving he asked,  ‘Nafa’e   3 "   

7 ! Can the sound [of the flute] still be heard?’ I  ? replied, ‘Not anymore.’ Then he said, ‘One time I was travelling somewhere with the Master of Makka-tul-Mukarramah and

 Madina-tul-Munawarah         

  

        and he did, just as I have done now.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd, pp. 367, vol. 4, ḥadiš. 4924) 14

The Manners Pertaining to Food

MOVE AWAY, IF THE SOUNDS OF MUSIC ARE HEARD We learnt that we should cover the auditory canal in our ears with our fingers and move away from the source of sound as soon as we hear music. If we cover the auditory canal of our ears with the fingers, but remain there sitting or standing and do not move, or move slightly to the side, then we will not be able to guard ourselves from the music. It is Wājib [compulsory] to make an ardent effort to avoid music, weather we cover our ears or not. Woe! Woe! Woe! Nowadays; anywhere you go; in cars, in buses, in planes, at home, in shops, on the streets, and in restaurants, you can hear music and musical ringtones in cellular phones. If an ‘Aāshiqān-e-Rasūl [Devotee of the Prophet] blocks his ears with his fingers to distance himself with a righteous intention of avoiding sins; he is taunted and ridiculed. Devotee of the Prophet is disdained Every hand has a stone aimed

Wo daur ayā ke dīvān e nabā kay liye Har aik hāth mayn patthar dikhai deta hay.

Dear Islamic Brothers! Embracing the Righteous Madanī Environment of Da’awat-e-Islāmī’ brings immeasurable and astounding changes in one’s life. Many individuals have been reported to have wished that only if they had been introduced to the Righteous Environment of Da’awat-e-Islāmī’ earlier! Here is a glimpse of the marvel [barakah] of Da’awat-e-Islāmī’s Environment.

THE BENEFIT OF GIVING DARS AT HOME An Islamic brother from Agolah, a state of Maharashtra (India), has narrated the following story: “Due to the company of the 15

Islamic Manners of Eating

apostates (the ones who have a corrupt beliefs [bad mazhabs]), my family was not only engaged in sinful activities, but was also influenced by the corrupt belief system and principles. Once while the entire family was watching TV, my seventeenyear-old brother, who had begun to partake in Da’awat-eIslāmī’s Ijtimā’ [Congregation], entered the house. He then entered the room, where we were watching television, with his back towards the television. He took something from the wardrobe and left in the same manner as he had entered the room. Infuriated with this strange and unusual behaviour, I yelled, ‘What is wrong with you today; you are acting childish?’ He went into another room without responding to me. My mother then explained that my younger brother had told her that he had sworn never to watch television ever again. In anger, I stopped talking to him. He then got all the people of the household together and began to give a Dars from Faizān-eSunnat. Initially, I did not sit in these sessions, but one day I decided to sit nearby and listen to what he was saying in the Dars. When I heard the Dars, I was touched and began to attend the Dars at home regularly. Slowly, my heart began to enlighten, and I started attending the weekly Sunnah Inspiring Ijtimā’ [Congregation]. Al-Hamdulillah   

! " I regained my senses; I refrained from the company of the apostates [bad mazhab] people, and began to grow a beard, and trashed all speech recordings that professed the corrupt believe system that had led me astray. Instead, I began to listen to the SunnahInspiring speeches sold by Maktaba-tul-Madinah (Da’awat-eIslāmī’s publishing house). We had televisions in all four rooms of the house, which we decided to remove with consensus. Abstain from bad company, seek company of the good, Acquire the Righteous Environment. You will enjoy your life, come closer and look, Inquire the Righteous Environment.

16

The Manners Pertaining to Food

Buri suhbaton say kināra kashī kar Aur achon kay pās ā kay pā madanī māhaul Tumhay lutf ā jaegā zindagī kā Qarīb ā kay daykho zarā madanī mahaul

A MEANS TO SAFEGUARD OUR ĪMĀN [FAITH] Giving Dars, at home, can be a powerful way to guard ones Īmān [Faith] and foster a change within one self, as it was in the account above. Similarly, one of the activities sanctioned by Da’awat-e-Islāmī’ is for brothers and sisters to fill out the Madanī In’aāmāt daily while practicing Fikr-e-Madīnah [Self Reflection], which is a powerful tool to learn good morals and build character. The 11th question in the Madanī In’aāmāt [Self Analysis Questionnaire] is about giving or listening to two Dars’, one of which is “a Dars in the household”. I humbly request that the reader start giving Dars among members of the household. Grant us a passion to do good deeds, Oh My Allah

   !  "

Guard us from sins and bad deeds, Oh My Allah    !  " May we be fortunate to give Dars of Faizān-e-Sunnat Twice a day, every day, Oh My Allah

‘Amal kā ho jazbah atā yā-ilahi  

   !  "

 !  "

Gunāhon se mujh ko bachā yā-ilahi  

 !  "

Sa’ādat mile dars-e-Faizān-e-sunnat Ki rozāna do martabaĥ yā-illahi  

 !  "

LIGHT IN THE GRAVE Now let’s take a look at the virtues of delivering Dars and   5 Speeches. Allāmah Jalāl-ud-Dīn Suyūti Shāfi’ī      6

 7 has narrated in ‘Shar-hus-Sudūr’ that Allah   

! " sent a revelation      3DE F   , “Learn the good [bhalāī]

   to Sayyidunā Mūsa
8 9

   B-C  17

Islamic Manners of Eating

and teach others about good, and I (Allah) will enlighten the graves of those who learn and teach good, so that they may not have any fear.” (Ḥilyat-ul-Awliyā, pp. , 5, vol. 6, ḥadiš. 7622)

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THE GRAVES WILL BE RADIANT The foregoing narration refers to the reward for learning and educating others of righteousness. Those who deliver SunnahInspiring speeches and Dars will surely be blissful and, Inshā-Allah   

! " [Allah    !  " willing] their graves will be radiant. Furthermore, they will not be under any fear. Inshā-Allah   

! " the graves of those who call upon others to give the Call to Righteousness, constantly engaging in efforts to inspire others towards righteousness, travel in the Madanī Qāfilah, inspire [targhīb] others to practice on Fikr-e-Madīnah [Self Reflection] by filling their Madanī In’aāmāt, call others to the SunnahInspiring Ijtimā’ [Congregation], and lend an ear to the calls of the Preacher, will all be radiant for the sake of the Nūr (light) of

 the Holy Prophet                  . In the Grave until Qiyāmah, rays of light will flow clear

      When the Blessed face of the Prophet             will appear

Qabr main lehrāenge tā hashr chasmay nūr kay

      Jalvah farmā hogī jab tal’at Rasūl-Allah             ki

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RECTIFY THE PEOPLE WITHIN THE HOUSEHOLD Dear Islamic Brothers! It is imperative that we rectify our family and ourselves. Allah    

! " Says in the Quran in Surah-ulTahreem, Juz 28, Verse 6. 18

The Manners Pertaining to Food

 H B 7  3 N  - K    7

P ,   Q O F   L  N    L 9 M  F  -ٓ K  - 3(   J  I   :H ٓ H “O People who Believe! Save yourselves and your families from the fire, the fuel of which is men and stones” (Qurān)(Surah-tut-Tahrīm, juz. 28, āyah. 6) (Kanzul Īmān(Treasure of Faith)[Translation of Quran])

Al-Hamdulillah   

! " [By the Grace of Allah    !  " ], One can fulfill the commandment of rectifying oneself and their families by giving the Dars in the household. In addition to delivering Dars, it would also be beneficial to read and listen to various booklets published by Maktaba-tul-Madinah and to play the various recorded speeches and Madāni Muzākra [question and answer sessions]. Al-Hamdulillah   

! " there have been many incidents reported in which people have fostered a change inspired by a speech or a booklet. Here is one such account.

THE MARVELS OF A BOOKLET PUBLISHED BY “MAKTABA-TUL-MADINAH” An Islamic brother from Bahawalpur (Punjab) reported: “Due to the vile company at school, my obsession with movies had reached a state of addiction. I would travel to distant cities, like Lahore, Karachi and Okara, just to watch movies. I would follow hijabless girls from college because of the profane and sexually provocative movies. I would habitually shave my beard off every day. I was infatuated by an obsession to work in theaters, circuses and the circle of death7. My family was extremely worried and concerned. One day, my father spoke to one of the people in charge of Da’awat-e-Islāmī in our local area and decided to send me to a Madanī Qāfilah with the In which a motorbike is ridden on the inside edge of a deep well like structure; which is extremely dangerous.

7

19

Islamic Manners of Eating

Devotees of the Prophet On the last day, the Amīr gave me a booklet entitled ‘Black Scorpions’ to read. When I read this booklet, I trembled due to fear. I immediately repented and decided to maintain a beard. On my return, I also took part in the weekly Sunnah-Inspiring Ijtimā’ [Congregation] and purchased the cassette entitled ‘dhal jaegi ye javani’ (You Will not Stay Young) from Maktaba-tul-Madinah. When I returned home and heard the speech, my entire world changed. Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", I began to pray punctually and began to call people towards righteousness and to take part in the Madani Activities commissioned by Da’awat-e-Islāmī. Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", (as of this report), I am performing the activities sanctioned by Da’awat-e-Islāmī’ as a Madanī Qāfilah in-charge in my city.”

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BLESSING [BARAKAH] IN EATING FOOD COLLECTIVELY  ? The second caliph, Sayyidunā ‘Umar   3 "   

7 narrated that     Beloved Rasool of Allah                

once stated, “Eat  collectively (together). Do not eat separately, as blessing is with the group [jama’at].” (Sunan Ibn Mājah, pp. 21, vol. 4, ḥadiš. 3287)

MEANS OF BEING SATISIFIED [SAIR]    5  6 Sayyidunā Wahshī bin Harb     

 7 narrated from his  %    grandfather that the blessed companions 2  - =  :   said to the

   Holy Prophet           “Oh Prophet of Allah      





 ! We eat, yet we are not [Ya Rasūlallah]                      satisified.” The Holy Prophet                

, asked, “You  must be eating individually (alone)?” The companions replied,

 “Yes.” The Compassionate Prophet         

  

        then said,

“Sit together to eat and recite ! ‫ﺴ ﻢ‬  and blessing [barakah] 20

The Manners Pertaining to Food

will be granted to you in your food.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd, pp. 486, vol. 3, ḥadiš. 3764)

VIRTUES OF EATING COLLECTIVELY Glad tidings are for those who eat collectively (together) on one    5 dining-mat. Sayyidunā Anas bin Mālik       6 7 has narrated

" " Allah  

! is pleased the most when He  

! sees a Muslim on a dining-mat sitting with his wife and children to eat. When they sit together to eat, Allah   

! " looks at them with mercy and forgives them before they separate (Tanbīh-ul-Ghāfilīn, p. 343).

CURE FOR THE STOMACH WHEN EATING COLLECTIVELY A professor of pathology has stated that when everyone sits together to eat, all the bacteria of the people is mixed in the food. These bacteria destroy other pathogenic bacteria that are capable for causing disease. At times, even healthy bacteria are found which are very beneficial to combat diseases within the stomach.

THE FOOD FOR ONE IS SUFFICIENT FOR TWO    5 Sayyiduna Jābir       6 7 has narrated that The Highly Extolled

 Prophet         

  

        has stated, “The food of one (person) is sufficient for two (people). The food of two is sufficient for four and the food of four is sufficient for eight (Saḥīḥ Muslim, pp. 1140, ḥadiš. 2059).”

 The Holy Prophet                 has said, “The food of two is sufficient for three and the food of three is sufficient for four.” (Saḥīḥ Bukhārī, pp. 346, vol. 6, ḥadiš. 5392)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTENTMENT The Renowned Exegitist [Mufassir] of the Quran, Mufti Ahmad   6 7  Yār Khān Na’iīmī 2  3 4  5

  , commenting on this Hadiš has 21

Islamic Manners of Eating

stated, “If the food is less and there are a lot of people eating, three people should be content with the food for two, and four people should be content with the food for three. Even though they may not be full, they will attain sufficient energy to worship properly. This Hadiš contains noteworthy lessons of contentment and showing regard for others.” (Mirāt-ul Manājīḥ, pp. 16, vol. 6)

WHERE DID THE DESSERT COME FROM? This is a story from the times when Sayyidunā Abu Bakr  Siddique   3 "   

7 was the caliph. Once, his wife expressed the  ? desire of eating halvah8, but he did not have enough money to buy it. She suggested that she would save a little money from her daily expenditures to buy halva. He agreed to do so. Therefore, she started saving the money, after a few days, when she gave the money to him for buying the halva, he submitted it back to the Bait-ul-mal (state treasury) instead of buying the halva and got the extra amount reduced from his monthly salary. (Al-Kāmil Fit-Tārīkh, pp. 271, vol. 2) Dear Islamic Brothers! After reading the above parable we should not present mere customary accolades or ceremonial praises, but should learn lessons of piety [taqwa] and contentment. Those at various authoritative positions; government officers, the Imām of Masājid, the teachers of religious schools and those Muslim brothers who are associated with various religious organizations, should use this parable as a deterrent from their devious ways. They should learn many pearls of wisdom from this parable as it contains lessons to embrace contentment [qanā’at], build self respect [khuddāri], create averseness to greed [hirs] and covetousness [tamā’], and make a better afterlife. 8

A dessert, a sweet confection

22

The Manners Pertaining to Food

If only, we could be content with earning little income and long for the accumulation of good deeds [naiki], instead of whining, for the mere gratification of our desires [nafs], on the variance of income that others make and refrain from making statements such as the following, “if only I earned as much as he did”. Here is another account on Sayyidunā Abu Bakr Siddique that shows his piety and his averseness to the worldly affairs.

   3 "   

7  ?

A WORD OF CAUTION FOR THINGS THAT ARE ENDOWED [WAQF] Imām of a High Station, Imam of an Exalted Stature, Sayyidunā  Imam Hassan Mujtaba   3 "   

7 has narrated that just before his  ?  ? demise, Sayyidunā Abū Bakr Siddique   3 "   

7 stated the  following to his daughter, Mother of the Faithfuls, Sayyidatunā  ‘Ayesha Siddiqah  :3 "  

7 , “’Listen! This camel, whose milk we  ? drink; this bowl, in which we eat; and this shawl, which I wear; have all been taken from the state treasury. We can only use these as long as I hold the office of the caliphate [of Muslims]. When I pass away, give all of these items to Sayyidunā ‘Umar     3 "  

7 .’ When Sayyidunā Abu Bakr Siddique   3 "   

7 passed    ?  ? away, as per his will, all of these things were returned to  ? Sayyidunā ‘Umar   3 "   

7 . When the Companion Sayyidunā   

? ? Umar   3 "     "

7 took these, he   3 "   

7 said, ‘May Allah  

!   shower him with Mercy. Abū Bakr has certainly exhausted those who will come later.’” (Tarīkh-ul-Khulafā, p. 60)

FORGIVENESS FOR THE EATER Any righteous action should be initiated by reciting ! ‫  ﺴ ﻢ‬, as it is Sunnah to do so. Similarly, it is Sunnah to recite ! ‫  ﺴ ﻢ‬prior to eating and drinking as this contains many virtues. Sayyidunā  Anas   3 "  

7 has narrated that The Authority [Mukhtār] and  ?

 Master [Mālik] of Both Worlds                  has stated, 23

Islamic Manners of Eating

“[As] food is placed in front of a person he is forgiven before it is taken away. The reason for this is that when it is placed in front of him, he recites ! ‫  ﺴ ﻢ‬and when it is taken away, he recites % ‫ ﻟ ﺤ ﻤﺪ‬.” (Al-Jami’us-Ṣagīr, pp. 122, ḥadiš, 197)

IT IS NOT SUNNAH TO EAT ON A DINING TABLE  Sayyidunā Anas   3 "   

7 has stated that The Splendid and The  ?

 Dignified Prophet         

  

        , “did not eat on a table, nor did he eat in small bowls, [furthermore,] thin bread was not  ? prepared for him.” When Sayyiduna Qatādah   3 "   

7 was   asked asto what they would eat on; he   3 "  

7 replied that they  ? ate on a dining-mat. (Saḥīḥ Bukhārī, pp. 532, vol. 3, ḥadiš. 5415)

MUFTI MUHAMMAD AMJAD ‘ALI AĀZMI STATES Even though it is not a sin to eat on a dining table, it is not a Sunnah. Sadr-ush-Shariah Allāma Maulāna Amjad ‘Ali A’zami th  @- A  5  6 7 

   in the 16 part of Bahar-e-Shariat states, “High eating stations like a table were used by the rich so that they would not have to bow down while eating. This was the custom of those who were arrogant and conceited. Certain people who use a table while eating perform the same action today. Eating in small plates was also the custom of the rich as it was customary for them to place various different foods in small bowls or plates.” (Bahar-e-Sharī’at, pp. 12, part. 16)

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WHAT TYPE OF DINING-MAT [DASTARKHUWĀN] IS SUNNAH? The Renowned Exegetist [Mufassir] of Quran, Mufti Ahmad Yār     stated, “It is sunnah to bow down a little  6 7   Khān Na’iīmī 2  3 4 5 

 in front of the food, to eat. The Holy Prophet                 ate on three types of dining-mats; made from cloth, animal skin or 24

The Manners Pertaining to Food

from leaves of palm trees (date trees). A dining-mat used to be    placed on the floor and the Holy Prophet                

 would sit on the floor near it.” (Mirāt-ul Manājīḥ, pp. 13, vol.6) Dear Islamic Brothers! It is not a sin to dine on a table but it is Sunnah to lay a dining-mat on the floor and eat on that dining-mat. Remember there is dignity and grace in following the Sunnah. It is unfortunate that in this day and age, Muslims in large, have forgone this Sunnah. Even those who seem to be religious have been observed to dine on a table. Dining on tables is very commonplace nowadays, especially in weddings, where chairs are no longer used and people have been observed to gather around the table and eat while standing! Alas! When will this graceful practice [Sunnah] return?

      Oh Prophet             , May we propagate the prophetic ways [Sunnah] Attain righteousness, and activate the Islamic traits.

Sunnatain ‘ām karain deen ka hum kām karain Naik ban jaen muslamān madine wale

ŻIKR OF ALLAH ON EVERY MORSEL  It has been reported on the authority of Sayyidunā Anas   3 "   

7  ?

" that, “Allah  

! is pleased with the one who praises [hamd] Allah   

! " when he consumes a morsel of food, and praises Allah   

! " when he drinks water.” (Saḥīḥ Muslim, pp. 1463, ḥadiš. 2734)

THE PROPER MANNER OF RECITING ON EVERY MORSEL Subhān-Allah   

! "! [Glory be to Allah   

! " ] What a wonderful and a simple way to attain the pleasure of Allah   

! "! By Allah, there is nothing more important than His    

! " Pleasure. Whosoever He   

! " is pleased with; He will bless that person 25

Islamic Manners of Eating

with His   

! " sight. Furthermore, Allah   

! " will make him enter paradise. Therefore, make an effort to habitualize yourself to invoke the name of Allah   

! " every time you eat and drink so that the time you spend eating is not spent in heedlessness. If possible, make an effort to recite '‫ﺤ ﻤﺪ ﻟ  (ﻠ‬  ‫ﺴ‬  in  ‫ ﻳ‬and ! ‫ﻢ‬  ‫ ﻟ‬, ‫وﺟﺪ‬ between every two morsels. In this way, every morsel will begin with ! ‫ﻢ‬  ‫ﺴ‬  and ‫وﺟﺪ‬  ‫ ﻳ‬and will end with the praise of Allah   

! " that is % ‫ﺤ ﻤﺪ‬  ‫[  ﻟ‬By following this] In’sha-Allah   

! " you will gain extensive good deeds and rewards [šawāb]. It is stated in the booklet entitled ‘40 Spiritual Cures’ (which is available from Maktaba-tul-Madina) that whosoever recites ‫وﺟﺪ‬  ‫ ﻳ‬with every morsel, Inshā-Allah   

! ", that morsel will become Noor (light) in his stomach and ailments will be eradicated. Grant us utter devotion in Your love Oh Allah Grant us Your Pleaure, Oh Allah

   !  "

Kar ulfat mayn apnī fanā yā-Ilahi   Ata karde apni Razā yā-Illahi  

   !  "

 !  "

 !  "

Dear Islamic Brothers! Keep aspiring to travel in the Madanī Qāfilah with the Devotees of the Prophet and you will continuously learn and practice the manners [Sunnah] pertaining to food. At times, you will see blessings [barakah] of the food manifest immediately. Here is an account of such a manifestation of food filled with blessings [barakah].

MADANĪ QĀFILAH LOOKED AFTER BY A SAINT The Madanī Qāfilah was residing inside the Masjid at the shrine    5  6 7 in the city of of Dātā Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajwayrī      Markaz-ul-Auliyā, Lahore for three days. They were learning Sunnah’s while acting upon the schedule accordingly, when a 26

The Manners Pertaining to Food

person came during the study circle [halaqah]. He met them with open arms, and continued on to say, “Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", I was fortunate last night as Dātā Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajwayrī    5       6 7 appeared to me in a dream and said, ‘The Madanī Qāfilah of Da’awat-e-Islāmī is staying in my Masjid for three days. Prepare food for them.’ Therefore, I have prepared food for the participants of the Madanī Qāfilah. Please accept it. “ Why should we restlessly run around? When we have your court sound, Oh Ganj Baksh People fill their baskets aplenty, day and night. My hopes may also come to actuality (fulfillment), Oh Ganj Baksh

Kiyā garaz dardar phirūn mayn bhīk lenay ke liye Hai salāmat āstānā āp ka datā piyā Johliyān bhar bhar ke le jāte hayn mangte rāt dīn Ho merī umīd kā gulshan harā datā piyā.

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THE SAINT IN THE SHRINE CAME TO HELP Subhān-Allah   

! "! The saints, while in their blessed shrines, help the visitors. Hujja-tul-Islām Sayyidunā Imām Muhammad Ghazāli  -    5 6 7       has narrated that a Shaafi’ee caretaker of a shrine once stated that there was once a poor person in Egypt who had just become a father. The destitute contacted one of the social workers, who took the newborn’s father to several people for financial assitance, but no one, provided any financial help. In the end, they went to a certain shrine and the social worker beseeched, “Ya Sayyidi, May Allah   

! " bless you. In your visible life, you used to give a lot. Today we asked several people for the newborn, yet no one gave anything.” After imploring a while longer, the social worker gave the 27

Islamic Manners of Eating

newborn’s father half a dinār9 as a loan and said, “Whenever you are able to repay this loan, you may repay it.” After that, both of them went their separate ways. That night the social worker saw the same saint in his dream. The saint said, “I have heard whatever you said to me. At that time I was not permitted to reply. Go to my family and ask them to dig underneath the stove. There they will find a pouch filled with 500 dinār. Give this entire amount to the newborn’s father.” Hence, the social worker went to the saint’s family and told them of all that had taken place. The family dug underneath the stove where they found the pouch, which they gave to the social worker. In response, the social worker said, “All this was just a mere dream, what is the certainty of my dream. All this belongs to you.” They replied, “When our elder is being generous even after leaving this world, why should we not be!” They then gave the entire amount to the social worker, who then gave it to the newborn’s father after informing him of the events that had transpired. That poor man took half a dinār to repay his debt and only took another half a dinār from this money and said, “This is sufficient for me.” He then gave the rest of the money to the social worker instructing him to distribute it among the poor and destitute.” The narrator went on to state his confusion as to which one of the two men was more generous. (Ihyā-ul-‘Ulūm, pp. 309, vol. 3)

May Allah

   !  "

bless

them and forgive us for their sake.

The Saint has never returned the servant empty handed Oh Servant just ask open handed They fill the baskets of the beseecher and say “Oh Allah

9

   !  "

Grant good to the Seeker”

Currency used at that time

28

The Manners Pertaining to Food

Khālī nahīn phaira hi nahīn apnay gadā ko Aai saailon mango to żarā hum hāth barhā kar Khud apnay bhikārī ki bharā kartay hayn jhaulī Khud kehte hayn yā Rab mayray mangtā kā bhalā kar

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THE SAINTS BENEFIT OTHERS EVEN AFTER THEY HAVE PASSED AWAY Dear Islamic brothers! Our predecessors looked up to the Saints with reverence and would go to them to seek help. They knew that the saints would be able to help and assist them by the permission of Allah   

! " with the blessing of Allah   

! ", the  saints      

7 are alive in their graves; they listen to those  : 6 who visit them, they counsel and help, and are aware of their    5 families. It is for this reason that the Saint of the Shrine      6

 7 guided the social worker in his dream and helped the father of the newborn child.   5  6 ‘Allāma ibn Aābidīn Shāmi Al-Hanafi    

 7 has stated, “The saints are at various stations (levels) in the court of Allah   

! " and are able to help the visitors according to their inner knowledge and awareness.” (Rad-dul-Muḥtār, pp. 604, vol. 1)

Saints of Allah    !  " , we love them all Insha Allah, we will not fall.

Hum ko sāre auliyā se piyār hai Insha-Allah  

 !  "

apna bera pār hai

WHICH FOOD IS ILLNESS?    5  6 Sayyidunā Uqbah bin ‘Āmir     

 7 has narrated that the



                      Noble Prophet     

has stated, “The food upon

29

Islamic Manners of Eating

which Allah’s   

! " is not recited is an illness and there is no blessing in that food. The atonement (for not having started in Allah’s name) is to recite ! ‫ﺴ ﻢ‬  and eat something if the dining-mat has not been yet picked up. If the food mat has been picked up then recite ! ‫ﺴ ﻢ‬  and lick the fingers clean.” (AlJami’us-Ṣagīr, pp. 294, ḥadiš. 6327)

THE FOOD BECOMES HALĀL FOR THE SATAN  Sayyiduna Huzayfah   3 "  

7 has narrated that the Immaculate,  ?

 Noble Prophet                 has stated, “Food upon which

! ‫ﻢ‬  ‫ﺴ‬  is not recited; becomes Halāl for Satan (Saḥīḥ Muslim, pp. (In other words, by not reciting ! ‫ﻢ‬  ‫ﺴ‬  , Satan also joins in on the consumption of food.) 1116, ḥadiš. 2017).”

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SAVE THE FOOD FROM SATAN There is no blessing in food which has not had ! ‫ﺴ ﻢ‬  recited   3 "  over it before eating. Sayyidunā Abū Ayyūb Ansārī   

7 has   ? narrated, “We were in the blessed company of the Holy    Prophet                

when the Food was served; in the  beginning of the meal there was so much blessing that we had never seen the likes of this blessing before, but near the end we observed the deprivation of blessing. We asked the Noble

 Prophet of Allah                   ‘Ya Rasoolullah [O Prophet of Allah], what is the reason behind this?’ He answered, ‘All of us had recited ! ‫ﺴ ﻢ‬  prior to eating, then a person who had not recited ! ‫ﺴ ﻢ‬  sat down to eat, that is when Satan also ate with him.” (Sharaḥ-us Sunnah, pp. 62, vol. 6, ḥadiš. 2818) 30

The Manners Pertaining to Food

PROTECTION FROM SATAN  Sayyidunā Salmān Fārsi   3 "   

7 narrated that The Mercy for  ? the Universe, Leader of the Sons of Adam, His Eminence, The    Noble Prophet                

said, “Whoever desires that  Satan does not eat with him, does not join him in his siesta (noon nap), nor does he spend the night with him should say

salām when entering his house and recite ! ‫ﺴ ﻢ‬  eating.” (Mu’jam Kabīr, pp. 240, vol. 6, ḥadiš. 6102)

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SOLUTION TO ARGUMENTS AT HOME The Renowned Exegitist of the Quran, Hakīm-ul-Ummah,  Mufti Ahmad Yār Khān Na’iīmī 2   6 7    3 4 5

    stated, “When entering the house, one should recite Bismillah ﷽ and enter with the right foot first, then say Salām to everyone in the house. If no one is present in the house, one should say ' 4 5‫ و ر ﺣ ﻤ ﺔ! و ﺮ‬.- / ‫ﻟ  ﺴ ﻼ م ﻋﻠ ﻴﻚ ﻳ ﻟ ﻨ‬2 Some saints have been observed to recite ﷽ and Surah-Ikhlās [! ‫ ﻮ‬8 ‫ ] ﻗ  ﻞ‬as they entered their homes in the beginning of the day. This creates harmony in the household and augments blessing in sustenance [rizq].” (Mirāt-ul Manājīḥ, pp. 9, vol.6)

WHAT IF ONE FORGETS TO RECITE BISMILLAH? The Mother of the Faithfuls, Sayyidatunā ‘Ayesha Siddiqah 

  :3 "       

7 has narrated that the Holy Prophet           ?   has stated, “When a person eats, he should take the name of Allah  



!  "

that is recite ! ‫ﻢ‬  ‫ﺴ‬  ‫ﺴ‬  . If he forgets to recite ! ‫ﻢ‬  in

the beginning, he should recite ‫ﮦ‬  ‫ط‬  8    @‫ﻟ‬   ‫ﺪﻧ‬

a. “Guide us on the Straight Path”

‫ ر‬% ‫ﺤ ﻤﺪ‬ b. “All praise is to Allah, the Creator of the worlds” A  B‫ ﻟ  ﻌ ﻟﻤ‬  ‫ ﻟ‬ (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, pp. 123-124)

2. Do not ask for anything that is beyond your limitation. For

example, asking for the same status as of the Noble Prophets
89 

   :   or to climb the skies [Heavens.] It is also forbidden to ask for every good and every excellence of both the worlds because ‘all excellences’ also entail the ranks bestowed on the Prophet
89 

   :  , and one cannot attain them. (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, pp. 80-81) 35

Islamic Manners of Eating

3. Do not ask for something which is impossible or nearly

impossible: So to ask to never become sick or never be troubled by anything during ones entire life is to ask for the nearly impossible; Similarly, a tall person should not ask to become shorter, nor should a person with small eyes ask for big eyes as these matters have been [Divinely] predetermined (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, p. 81)

4. One should not ask for sin as such a Duā is itself a sin. For

example, to ask to attain others’ wealth. (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, p. 82) 5. One should not make Duā to break up relationships or to ask

that certain families be broken up [or end up in a rift.] (Aḥsanul Wi’aā, p. 82)

6. Do not ask Allah   

! " for just lowly (inferior) things because

Allah   

! " is All Gracious. Concentrate towards Allah   and ask Him for everything. (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, p. 84)



!  "

7. If you are going through sadness and anxiety, do not ask for

death. Bear in mind that one should not ask for death if one is going through worldly problems. It is only permissible to ask for death if there is danger of protecting one’s faith [Imān.] (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, pp. 85-87) 8. Without a valid religious reason, one cannot ask for the

death or the devastation of someone. If however, one is certain or fairly certain that a certain Non-Muslim will never accept Islam and he is a danger to the religion. Similarly, if one believes that a certain oppressor will never refrain from oppression or repent and his death or destruction would be a great favour to humankind, then it is permissible to curse this person. (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, pp. 86-89) 9. It is not permissible to make Duā that a certain Muslim

becomes a disbeliever because, according to some Scholars, making such a Duā is considered as Kufr [Infidelity] in itself. 36

The Manners Pertaining to Food

However the consensus amongst the scholars is that if the person made Duā thinking and considering Islam as bad and Kufr [Infidelity] as good, then there is no doubt that making such a Duā is kufr, otherwise it is a grave sin because it is asking for the devastation of a Muslim which is a major sin. Asking for the obliteration of someone’s faith [Imān] is the worst of all the perils. (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, p. 90) 10. Do not curse a Muslim and do not call him a ‘cursed one’ or

a rejected one nor curse any Non-Muslim by name whose death on Kufr [infidelity] is not certain. It is also not permissible to curse things like mosquitoes or the wind and the other non-living things like stones, etc., and other living animals. However, some animals like the scorpion, etc. have been cursed in the Hadiš. (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, p. 90) 11. Do not curse any Muslim by saying, “May the wrath of

Allah   

! " be upon you and may you enter the fire of Hell” as such has been prohibited in the Hadiš. (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, p. 100)

12. It is Harām [Strictly Forbidden] and an act of Kufr

[Infidelity], to seek forgiveness for a non-Muslim, who died on his disbelief. (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, p. 101) 13. It is not permissible to ask Allah   

! " to forgive every sin of

every Muslim as this is rejection of the various Hadiš [Prophetic narrations] in which it is stated that certain Muslims will enter the Hell. (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, p. 106). However, it is permissible to ask that the ummah [nation] of the Holy

 Prophet                 be for given or ask that all Muslims be forgiven. (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, p. 102)

14. Do not curse oneself, friends, family, wealth and one’s

children, as one does not know in which instance the Supplications [Duā] are readily accepted, as one would regret it if the effects of the curse were to manifest. (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, p. 107)

37

Islamic Manners of Eating

15. One should not ask for that which he already has. For

example, a male should not pray, ‘O Allah   

! ", make me a male’ as this is mockery. However, it is permissible to ask for something, even if the obtaining of that matter is certain. Like the matters: which enable one to obey the laws of Islam; which show humility and servitude; which rekindle the love    for Allah   

! " and His Prophet                

; which  display admiration of the religion and the people of the religion; or which instill a dislike for Kufr [Infidelity] and the Non-Muslim. For example, asking for recitation of Durūd [Blessings on the Prophet], asking for maintaining intercessors [wasila], asking for staying on the righteous path or praying for the wrath on the enemies of Allah   

! "

 and His Prophet                 . (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, p. 108 & 109)

16. Do not limit your Duā for example, “O Allah   

! ", have

mercy only on me” or “O Allah   

! ", only have mercy on me and my certain friend.” (Aḥsan-ul Wi’aā, p. 109) It is better to include the entire Ummah in your Duā. One benefit of this is that if the seeker is not worthy of a certain thing he is asking in the Duā, he will attain it because of those pious Muslims who were also included in the Duā.

17. Hujjat-ul-Islām, Sayyidunā Imām Muhammad Ghazālī   -  5   6 7 

  

has stated, “Ask with absolute belief and be certain in its acceptance.” (Ihyā-ul-‘Ulūm, pp. 770, vol.4)

THE PROPHETIC MANNER OF SITTING DURING MEALS To lift the right knee, folding the left leg and sitting on it is one of the Prophetic Manner [Sunnah] to sit while one eats food. Another Prophetic Manner [Sunnah] manner to sit is highlighted by the following Hadiš which has been narrated by Sayyidunā  Anas   3 "  

7 . The Companion has said, “I once saw the Holy  ?

 Prophet                 eating dry dates. The Holy Prophet

                 was sitting on the floor in such a manner that 38

The Manners Pertaining to Food

both of his blessed knees were raised.” (Saḥīḥ Muslim, pp. 1130, ḥadiš: 2044)

BENEFIT OF RAISING THE KNEE WHEN EATING Dear Islamic Brothers! Sitting on the floor with both knees raised and the bottoms [buttocks] touching the floor prevents over-eating, thereby saving one from many illnesses. Sitting by raising the right knee and sitting on the left leg prevents spleen problems. This also makes the thigh muscles stronger. Whereas, sitting cross-legged increases obesity and causes the belly to buldge out. Sitting cross-legged also increases the possibility of colic and constipation. A person once said, “I once saw an Englishman eating something sitting on the floor, on his bottom with both his knees raised. I curiously asked him as to why he was sitting in that position. Rubbing his belly, he replied, ‘To flatten my belly.”

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EATING AND OVERLAY ONESELF While eating according to Sunnah, Islamic brothers and sisters are also requested to cover the area from the knee to the toes properly with the shawl. If the kurta [shirt] is long enough, then one can use that to cover the specific area. Not Overlaying makes it extremely difficult for others, sitting down with you, to guard their gaze. Even when one is alone, one should Overlay oneself as we should be most modest before Allah   

! ". If you have the intention of being modest before Allah   

! " you will, Inshā-Allah    

! ", earn great rewards. While sitting with others one can make the intention to assist others in guarding their gaze. One should strive to make righteous intentions; the more the intentions, the more the reward. The Holy Prophet

                 has stated, “Intentions of a Muslim are better than his actions.” (Mu’jam Kabīr, pp. 185, vol. 6, ḥadiš. 5942) 39

Islamic Manners of Eating

TO EAT SEATED AT A TABLE Imām Ahmad Razā Khān J  6 %   5 6 7      has stated, “It should be noted that if one is eating on the floor wearing his shoes in the absence of a dining-mat underneath, then only one preferred Sunnah has been forgone. However, it would have been better to take off the shoes. On the other hand, it is the practice of the Christians to set the food on the table and eat while sitting on a chair with shoes on. Therefore, one should refrain from this

 has stated, action as the Holy Prophet                  ‫ﻮ‬ ‫ﻣ ﻨ  ﻢ‬  F ‫ ﺸ‬H ‫ﻦ‬ ‫ ﻣ‬that is “Whoever resembles a people, he is   ‫ ﻓ‬E ‫'  ﻘ ﻮم‬ of them.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd, pp. , vol. 4, Pg: 62, ḥadiš. 4031)

CAUSE OF A BROKEN MARRIAGE Dear Islamic Brothers! Tragically, it has become a part of our life to imitate the Christians and the Jews in many ways. Marriage is indeed a very graceful Sunnah, yet even in this, many Farāidh [obligations] and Sunnahs are forgone. The marriage ceremonies now consist of activites such as playing music, dancing, movies, and women playing drums. Ma’aāż-Allah   

! ", Is there any act of Harām [strictly forbidden] that is not a part of the weddings today? Even before the wedding, the fiancé places a ring on the finger of his fiancée. They go for outings and excursions. Marriages are held with ceremonies consisting of various sinful practices. Men are called to make videos [of the events] of the women. The food is served on the table and chairs. Some people don’t even use chairs; they just walk around a table, buffet style, taking what they want from the table and just stand around and eat. This is certainly not Sunnah [Prophetic Way]. Does marriage really bring more joy and harmony to the homes today? More often than not, couples complain of their discords and troubled relationships at home. What if these are 40

The Manners Pertaining to Food

the punishments of these un-Islamic actions, carried out while acting upon such a benevolent act and a Sunnah, as blessed as marriage? How severe will the punishment of the hereafter be if our Allah   

! " is displeased with us? May Allah   

! " protect us against adopting western fashions and customs and make us an embodiment of the Prophetic Ways [Sunnah].     ٖ             

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Dear Islamic brothers! Embrace the company of the Righteous Environment of Da’awat-e-Islāmī’. Inshā-Allah   

! " you will reap many blessings. A Preacher of Da’awat-e-Islāmī narrated the events that inspired him to embrace Da’awat-e-Islāmī. Here is the story in my own words.

HOW I JOINED DA’AWAT-E-ISLĀMĪ An Islamic brother from Mundon Garh in the district of Ratnaghari in the state of Maharashtra [India] once said, “In the year 2002, due to bad company, I had joined a local gang of thugs. I quickly began to swear, curse, and even assault people. I would intentionally start fights. If there was any new fashion, I was the first to adopt it. I would change my clothes several times a day and jeans were the only pants I would wear. I used to hang around with irresponsible and negligent friends, who instilled bad habits in me. Going home in the middle of the night and sleeping well into the day, was an everyday routine. My father had already passed away and when my mother would try to counsel me, I would rudely answer back to her. Once, I met a “turban wearing” Islamic brother from Da’awat-e-Islāmī who gifted me a booklet titled ’King of Jinns’, which is published by Maktaba-tul-Madinah. I read the booklet and was very inspired. 41

Islamic Manners of Eating

During the month of Ramadān, I had the opportunity to go to the Masjid where I happened to see a calm and collected young man wearing a green turban and white clothes. I found out that he happened to be a Mu’takif [a person who abides in the Masjid in Ramadan.] When he started the Dars from the book ‘Faizān-e-Sunnat’, I also sat down to listen. After the Dars, he ellaborated on the blessings entailed in the Righteous Madanī Environment of Da’awat-e-Islāmī. His attire was very simple laden with patches at some places. The food that came for him from his home was very simple as well. I was highly impressed by his simplicity and came to admire it dearly. I began to visit him regularly. Coincidently, after Eid-ul-Fitr, it was his Nikāh (marriage), and though he was very poor and financially unsound, he neither implied, nor explicitly asked for any financial assistance. His contentment, the auspiciousness of Righteous Environment of Da’awat-e-Islāmī and the simplicity of those associated with it, highly inspired me. By the Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", the admiration for Da’awat-e-Islāmī immersed my heart so much that I travelled in the Madanī Qāfilah with the Devotees of the Prophet for eight days. My heart had gone through a total transformation, as I had experienced a Righteous Madanī Transformation within myself. I sincerely repented for all my past sins and embraces Da’awate-Islāmī. Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", today I am diligently working for the propagation of the religion as a dedicated Nigrān [Local Incharge] of Da’awat-e-Islāmī in my locality. If you want simplicity, and modesty, let’s run, let’s go to qafilah Let’s learn self-respect, and good character, come let’s learn, let’s go to qafilah. Devotees of the Prophet Carry pearls of Sunnah, come, to earn, let’s go to qafilah.

Sādghī chāhiye, ājizī chāhiye, āpko gar calain, qāfilāy mayn chalo Khūb khuddāriyān, aur khush akhlāqiyān, āye sīkh lain qāfilāy mayn chalo Āshiqāne rasūl, lae sunnat ke phool, āo lenay chalayn, qāfilāy mayn chalo

42

The Manners Pertaining to Food

Dear Islamic Brothers! It is not necessary to wear trendy clothes and beautiful turbans to spread the religion. One can also propagate the religion in tattered clothes and a simple turban.

THE VIRTUES OF MODEST ATTIRE If those who imitate the non-believers [kāfir], adopt trendy fashions, and remain elegantly dressed in designer wear; adopt modesty and humility, they would be content in this world and the hereafter. Hence, the Noble Prophet of Madinah

                 has stated, “Despite having the means to wear good clothing if one avoids them out of humility, Allah   

! " will clothe them with the attire of Karāmat [heavenly attire.]” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd, pp. 326, vol. 4, ḥadiš. 4778)

FASHION ENTHUSIASTS BEWARE! If a person has the wealth and can afford elegant apparel, but adopts humility and wears simple clothes to please Allah   

! ", then he will be granted a heavenly attire. Whoever is robbed with attire of Heaven, he will undoubtedly, enter into the Paradise. Those who wear attractive, elegant, and dazzling dresses to impress others, or to merely satisfy their own personal desires, or to show-off their wealth, should indeed read the following and regret upon their actions.  Sayyidunā ‘Abdullah ibn Umar   3 "   

7 has narrated that the  ?

 Leader of Madinah                 has said, “Whoever wears clothes of [for] publicity in this world, Allah   

! " will make him wear the clothes of disgrace on the Day of Judgment.”

(Sunan Ibn Mājah, pp. 163, vol. 4, ḥadiš. 3606)

WHAT ARE ‘CLOTHES OF PUBLICITY’? The Renowned Scholar of Islam, Exegitist of the Quran, Muftī   5  6 Ahmad Yār Khān    

 7 elaborates on the meaning of 43

Islamic Manners of Eating

‘Clothes of Publicity’ while commenting on the Hadiš, “To wear an attire which indicates that the person is rich or pious, are both considered as ‘Clothes of Publicity’. In short, if you wear attire with the intention that others regard you in a higher status, then this would fall under the category of ‘Clothes of Publicity’. The compiler of the book ‘Mirqāt’ has stated, “To wear funny clothing which makes people laugh are also considered as ‘Clothes of Publicity.’” (Mirāt-ul Manājīḥ, pp. 109, vol. 6) Dear Islamic Brothers! Undoubtedly, this is a difficult situation. It is imperative that we carefully consider our clothing and avoid ostentation [show off]. Those who adopt simple clothing, turbans and shawls so that others admire them for their piety are also show-offs, and deserve Hell Fire. Thus, we should ask Allah    !  " to Grant us sincerity [ikhlās.] May, my every deed be for you; Grant me such sincerity O Allah Save me, from ostentation and iniquity O Allah

   !  "

!

   !  "

!

Mayra har amal bus tera wastay ho; kar Ikhlās aeisa, atā Ya-Illāhī  

 !  "

Riyākāriyoon say, Siyahkariyoon say; Bachā Yā Illāhī, Bacha Yā-Illāhī  

 !  "

A MATTER OF CONCERN FOR THE TRENDY GENERATION Those who change their clothes everyday according to the latest fashion trends, and those who consider it an insult to wear slightly old clothes or to wear patched clothing (due to a slight tear) should read the following narration over and over again.  Sayyidunā Abū Umāmah Iyās bin Ša’laba   3 "   

7 has narrated  ?

 that the Holy Prophet                 said, “Do you not listen? Do you not listen? The aging of attire is part of Imān [faith]? Without doubt, the aging attire is part of Imān.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd, pp. 102, vol. 4, ḥadiš. 4161). Commenting on this Hadiš, Sayyidunā Shah ‘Abdul Haq Muhaddiš Dihlavī @- A  5 6 7       has stated,

44

The Manners Pertaining to Food

“To refrain from adornments [zinat] is a part of good manners [akhlaq] of a Muslim.” (Ash’at-ul-Lam’aāt, pp. 585, vol. 3)

THE VIRTUES OF PATCHED UP ATTIRE  Sayyidunā ‘Amr bin Qays   3 "   

7 said that the Leader of the  ?  Believers, the Valiant, Sayyidunā Alī   3 "   

7 was once asked,  ?  “Why do you put patches on your shirt?” He   3 "   

7 replied,  ? “Because they keep the heart soft and the Muslim follows it [i.e. the heart] (meaning that the heart of a Muslim should be soft.)”

(Kanz-ul-’Ummāl, pp. 409, vol. 6)

HOW IS IT TO EAT WHILE STANDING?  Sayyidunā Anas bin Mālik  3 "  

7 once narrated that the  ?

 Merciful [Karīm] and Compassionate Prophet                   prohibited eating and drinking while standing. (Majma'-u-Zavāid,

pp. 23, vol. 5, ḥadiš. 7921)

MEDICAL HARMS OF EATING WHILE STANDING A famous Italian dietician has stated, “Eating while standing, causes spleen and heart diseases. It also creates psychological disorders. Sometimes [in severe cases], a person reaches such levels of insanity [and amnesia] that he fails to recognize those who are close and dear to him.”

EAT AND DRINK WITH THE RIGHT HAND The Prophetic Manner [Sunnah] is to eat and drink with the  right hand. Sayyidunā ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar   3 "  

7 has  ? narrated that the Beloved and Dear Prophet of Allah

 "                

! has stated, “When someone eats, he should eat with his right hand and when he drinks, he should drink with his right hand.” (Saḥīḥ Muslim, pp. 1117, ḥadiš. 2174) 45

Islamic Manners of Eating

SATAN’S PRACTICE  Sayyidunā ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar   3 "  

7 has narrated that the  ?



Nobel Prophet of Madinah                  once stated, “No one should eat or drink with their left hand because to eat and drink with the left hand is the practice of Satan.” (Saḥīḥ Muslim, pp.

1117, ḥadiš. 2174)

OFFER AND RECEIVE WITH THE RIGHT HAND  Sayyidunā Abū Hurrairah   3 "  

7 narrated that the Master of  ?

 Madina, Tranquality of the Hearts         

  

        said, “All of you should eat, with the right hand and drink, with the right hand; and receive, with the right hand and offer with the right hand because Satan eats, drinks, offers and receives with the left hand.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah, pp. 13, Vol: 4, ḥadiš: 3266)

WHY IS THE LEFT HAND USED FOR EVERYTHING? Dear Islamic Brothers! Unfortunately, today we are so engrossed in worldly affairs that we do not pay attention to the

 Sunnah of the Beloved Prophet of Allah                   . Remember! It is clearly stated in a Hadiš that Satan floats with the blood in the human arteries. (Saḥīḥ Muslim, pp. 1197, ḥadiš. 2174) It is obvious that Satan will not let us follow the Sunnah. It is often observed that some do eat only with the right hand, but they also peck a few grains using their left. Another common observation is that people eat with the right hand and since their right hands are stained with food, they drink water with their left! Some people when drinking tea (using a cup and a saucer) tend to hold the cup in their right but sip the tea from their saucer which is in their left hand! It is also common place to pass items during a meal with the left hand. When we give water to someone, the jug is in our right hand and the glass is in the left handing over the glass with the left hand! “Hayaat-e46

The Manners Pertaining to Food

Muhaddith-e-Azam” [Life of the Grand Hadith Master] states on page 374 that, the Grand Muhaddith [Master of Hadith] of Pakistan, Maulānā Muhammad Sardār Ahmad Qādirī Chishti @-  A 5 6 7      has said, “One should practice to give and take with his right hand. This practice should become so profoundly embedded in you that on the Day of Judgment, when your record of deeds is given to you, you stretch out your right hand due to this deep rooted habit. This will certainly make you successful.” Dear Islamic Brothers! Ponder and deliberate at how

 much our beloved Prophet                 disliked the use of the left hand while eating and drinking.

MAY YOUR RIGHT HAND NEVER RISE  ? Sayyidunā Salama bin Akwa’   3 "   

7 has narrated the  following: “A person once ate in front of The Beloved of Allah                    

with his left hand. The Noble Prophet 

                   



advised him, ‘Eat with your right hand.’ He replied, ‘I cannot eat with my right hand.’ Our Master, The Prophet who is Gifted by Allah with the ‘Knowledge of the    Unknown’ [‘Ilm-ul-Ghayb]                

, understood that  this person was saying this merely out of pride and arrogance,

  ‫ ﻄ ﻌ‬L ‫ﺳ‬ therefore he                 ‫ ﻻ‬, which means,   replied, J may you never have the power to do so (that is may you never be able to lift your right hand). That person refused to eat with his right hand due to his pride but afterwards he never had the ability to use his right hand.” (Saḥīḥ Muslim, pp. 1118, ḥadiš. 2021)

The tongue that everyone calls the key, to the Divine Order of “Be” Thousands of salutationson its established authority

Wo Zabān jis ko sab kun kī kunjī kahayn Uski nāfiz hukūmat pa lākhon salām 47

Islamic Manners of Eating

MAY YOUR FACE BE DISFIGURED Dear Islamic Brothers! The exaltedness of the blessed tongue of

 the Revered Prophet         

  

        is that whatever he says, comes to pass! Indeed the status of the Holy Prophet

                 is very high. Here is an account that shows the status of one of his servants and devotee. It is reported that a woman used to always peep, to catch a glimpse at the famous Companion, Sayyidunā Sa’d bin Abi  Waqqās  3 "  

7 The companion asked her several times to  ? stop, but she did not pay heed. One day when she peeped yet once again, these words came out from his blessed mouth,  (that is may your face be disfigured). Immediately,   ‫ﺟ‬ ‫ﻚ‬ ‫ﺷ ﮦ و‬ her face turned towards the back of the neck. (Jami’ Karāmāt-eAwliyā, pp. 112, vol. 1)

      Oh Master             ! Guard me from the blasphemer, And protect me from disrespect, forever!

Mahfūz Shah rakhnā sadā bay adaboon say Aur mujh say bhi sarzad na koi bay adabī ho

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The immediate result of the words of Sayyidunā Sa’d bin Abi indeed due to the blessed Duā made for him by the

 " Seal of Prophethood, and the Beloved of Allah                  

! . It has been recorded in Jāmi’ Tirmiżī and other books of Hadiš

 that the Esteemed Prophet                   once made Duā, ≈  ‫  ذ د ﻋ‬R‫ﺳ ﻌﺪ‬  ‫ﺠ‬L ‫ﺳ‬   ‫( ﻟ (ﻠ ﻢ‬Oh Allah   

! "! Whenever Sa’d makes  S

    3 "  

7 was  ?

Duā accept it.) (Jāmi’ Tirmiżi, pp. 418, vol. 5, ḥadiš. 3772) The  Muhaddišīn       

7 (commentators of Hadith) have said,  : 6  “Whenever Sayyidunā Sa’d bin Abi Waqqās   3 "   

7 made Duā,  ? it was accepted.” (Jami’ Karāmāt-e-Awliyā, pp. 113, vol. 1) 48

The Manners Pertaining to Food

Dressed in acceptance; Crowned with grace Marched like a bride; Duā of Muhammad    ٖ             Embraced by approval; Departed with style Procession of words; Duā of Muhammad

    ٖ            

Ijābat ka sahrah, ‘ināyat ka jořā Dulhan ban ka niklī Duā-e-Muhammad    ٖ             Ijābat nay jhuk kar gallay say lagāyā Bařhī naz say jub Duā-e-Muhammad    ٖ            

Dear Islamic Brothers! Indeed the blessed Companions 2  %     - =  :   have very high prestige. Even those who are their  servants, the Auliya [Friends of Allah]      

7 hold very high  : 6 ranks.

OH ALLAH! MAKE SABĀHĪ BLIND The Eminent Muhaddiš (Scholar of Hadiš) and a great scholar   5 Sayyidunā ‘Abdullah bin Wahb      6

 7 knew one hundred thousand Hadiš by heart. When the governor of Egypt, Ubbād   5 bin Muhammad wanted to appoint him as a judge, he      6

 7 went into seclusion to keep from taking up any judicial position. A person named Sabāhī, who was jealous of the great shaykh, went to the governor and fabricated lies saying,    5  6 “Abdullah bin Wahb     

 7 disclosed to me that he wanted to become a Qazi [Judge], but now he is purposely hiding just to disobey you.” The governer was thus enraged and had the   5  6 house of Sayyidunā Abdullah bin Wahb    

 7 demolished.  When Sayyidunā Abdullah bin Wahb     5 6

 7 heard of this,

" !    being upset he made a Duā to Allah  , “Oh Allah   

! "! Make Sabāhī blind.” As a result, on the eighth day after the incident, Sabāhī lost his eyesight.    5 Sayyidunā Abdullah bin Wahb       6 7 always remained

" fearful of Allah  

! . One day, while listening to the

49

Islamic Manners of Eating    5  6 descriptions of the Day of Judgment, he     

 7 fell    5  6 unconscious. After regaining consciousness, he     

 7 lived for only a few more days and passed away in 197 Hijri. During his consciousness he did not converse with anyone. (Tażkirat-ul-

Ḥuffāẓ, pp. 223, vol.1)

May Allah

   !  "

bless them and forgive us for their sake.

Whoever disrespects the Friends of Allah Upon him rains the wrath of Allah

   !  "

   !  "

Auliyā kā jo koi ho bay adab Nazil us per hota hay Qaher o Gazab

 " O Rab (Creator) of The Chosen Prophet               

! ! Bless us with the true respect and reverence for Your Beloved

 Prophet                 , of his noble Companions, and Your 

 ! dignified Saints [Auliyā Allah]      

7 . O Allah 

 "! Guard  : 6 us from the evil of those who disrespect them and protect us from committing any blasphemy and disrespect against them. Make us the true and sincere devotees of Your Beloved Prophet

                 .

May I stay weeping with Your fear, Oh Allah Make me a devotee of your Prophet Oh Allah

Ya Rabb  

 !  "

   !  "

   !  "

Mayn terray khauf say rotā rahūn har dum

Diwānā Shah e Madinah ka banā day

SAINT’S INSPIRING OTHERS FROM HIS GRAVE Dear Islamic Brothers! Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", the Saints of Islam are well regarded in the righteous environment of Da’awat-e-Islāmī. Truely, By the Grace of Allah   

! ", Da’awate-Islāmī has flourished due to the blessings of these Saints [Auliya.] 50

The Manners Pertaining to Food

An Islamic Brother has narrated this faith strengthening   5 experience that he had with a Saint [Wali] of Allah      6

 7 who inspired a brother, from his grave, to continue traveling with the Madanī Qāfilah. The following is an account of that Islamic Brother’s story, in my own words: Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", a Madanī Qāfilah of Devotees of the Prophet travelled from Chaqwal (Punjab, Pakistan) to Muzaffarabad and surrounding villages, to convey the message of Sunnah. They stopped at a place called “Anwaar Shareef”. Four Islamic brothers from the area also decided to join the Madanī Qāfilah for three days. Amongst them was an Islamic   5 brother who was a descendant of a saint      6 7 whose tomb is in “Anwār Sharīf”. While pursuing the Call to Righteousness, the Madanī Qāfilah reached a place called ‘Gařhī Dūpaťah.’ When the three days of travel ended for the brothers from Anwaar Shareef, the  descendant of that blessed Saint       

7 said, “I will not  : 6 return with you [to Anwar Shareef], because last night I saw my ancestor (the Saint) in my dream and he told me, ‘Son! Do not return home, travel further with the Madanī Qāfilah.’”    5 The news of the Great Saint’s       6 7 inspiration sent a wave of joy through the Madanī Qāfilah. Everyone’s courage and ambitions were uplifted, and all four Islamic brothers from Anwaar Shareef decided to travel further with the Madanī Qāfilah.

Auliya Shower their blessings indiscriminately; Let’s reap their grace; Let’s go in Qāfilah Their kindness, you will surely get Let’s all travel together; Lets go in Qāfilah

Datay hain faiz e ām, Auliyā kirām Lootnay sab chalain, Qāfilay maun chalo 51

Islamic Manners of Eating

Auliyā kā karam, tum per ho la jazum Mil kar sub chal parain, Qāfilay mayn chaloo

A PONY GIFTED IN A DREAM Dear Islamic Brothers! One should not be astonished by the Saint’s post demise assistance. With the Divine Permission of Allah   

! ", the pious people are capable of doing many things.    5 wrote that  6 Khwaja Amīr Khurd Kirmaanī     

 7    5 Sayyidunā Mahbūb-e-Ilāhī Nizam-ud-Dīn Auliyā       6

 7 has narrated, “Before moving to Giyāspūr [India], every Friday I used to walk to a Masjid in Kyalū Kharī for Jumu’ah, which was 3km [1.86 miles] away. Once I was fasting. While I was walking to the Masjid gusts of warm air were blowing. I felt dizzy and I sat down near a shop. I began to think that if I had some means of transportation, it would be a lot easier. I then   5  6 recited a couplet written by the great Sheikh Sa’di    

 7

For our friendship, we walk on our heads making them the feet, As they do not advance, who walk in this path on their feet

Dostān dar talab sar Kunaym az mā qadam Raft bā qadām hark ah burd bajāī rāh

Then I repented for wishing an easier means of travel. After three days, Caliph Malik Yār Parān brought me a female pony and said, ‘Continuously for the past three nights, I have been seeing my Sheikh [my spiritual teacher] in my dream instructing me to give a pony to a certain person; therefore, please accept this gift.’ I replied, ‘Your Sheikh has indeed ordered you, however, as long as my Sheikh does not instruct me to do so, I cannot accept this gift.’ That very night, I saw my   5  6 Sheikh, Sayyidunā Bābā Farīd-ud-Dīn Ganj Shakar    

 7 , in   5 a dream, and he      6

 7 told me, “Accept the pony to gratify Caliph Malik Yār Parān.’ The next day when the pony arrived, I 52

The Manners Pertaining to Food

accepted it, considering it as a gift from Allah

  ! 

 ".” (Siyar-ul-

Auliyā, p. 246)

EAT ONLY FROM YOUR SIDE It is Sunnah to eat from your side if there is only one type of  food in a plate. Sayyidunā ‘Umar bin Abī Salama   3 "  

7 , the  ?  son of Sayyidatunā Umm-e-Salamā  :3 "  

7 born from a  ? previous marriage, has narrated, “When I was young; being

 cared for by the Master of Madina                 . While eating, I placed my hand all over on the plate. The Holy Prophet

                  instructed me, Recite ! ‫ﺴ ﻢ‬

[Bismillah], eat with the right hand, and eat from the section of the plate that is nearest to you.” (Saḥīḥ Bukhārī, pp. 521, vol. 3, ḥadiš. 5376)

DON’T EAT FROM THE CENTER  Sayyidunā ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbās   3 "   

7 has narrated that The  ?

 Merciful [Karīm] and The Compassionate Prophet                 has stated, “Indeed blessing descends in the center of the plate, therefore, eat from the sides and not from the middle.” (Jāmi’

Tirmiżi, pp. 316, vol. 3, ḥadiš. 1812)

DO YOU EAT FROM THE CENTER OF THE PLATE? Dear Islamic Brothers! Do you practice this Sunnah? It is my personal observation that most of the Sunnah-Abiding brothers tend to ignore the aforemention Sunnah! Virtually everyone begins from the center of the plate. It is quite possible that Satan leads our hands to the center of the plate to deprive us of this great blessing. Undoubtedly, Satan unflinchingly tries to deprive Muslims from reaping the virtues and mercy. Ellaborating on  the Hadiš Muftī Ahmad Yār Khān 2  6 7   3 4  5

   has said, “The Mercy of Allah   

! " descends in the center of the container. To eat from the center of the plate is a sign of greed which deprives 53

Islamic Manners of Eating

people from Allah’s   

! " Mercy.” Furthermore, this Hadiš also illustrates that the Mercy of Allah   

! " descends when Muslims are eating especially when the food is being eaten with the intention of abiding by the Sunnah. (Mirāt-ul Manājīḥ, pp. 33-34, vol. 6)

DO NOT EMBARRASS OTHERS  Sayyidunā ‘Abdullah ibn Umar 0 :  3 "  

7 has narrated that the  ? Leader of the Prophets, the Mercy for the Universe

                 has stated, “When the dining-mat is laid, each one of you should eat from your side [of the plate, when eating in the same plate] and do not eat from the sides of others. Avoid eating from the center of the plate [because blessings descend there.] No one should get up and leave before the dining-mat has been lifted and do not stop eating before everybody else has done so, even though you have had enough. Stay there with everyone because if you stop eating, others might be induced to also pull back and stop eating even though they wish to eat more.” (Shu’bul Īmān, pp. 83, vol. 5, ḥadiš. 5864)

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EXPLANATION OF BLESSINGS DESCENDING IN THE CENTER  Muftī Ahmad Yār Khān 2  6 7   3 4 5

   has stated, “Eat from the side [of the plate] near you [when eating together in the same plate.] Don’t eat from the center because blessing descends in the center of the plate and spreads towards the edges. If you eat from the center, then perhaps, the blessings will stop descending. The source of descending of blessings is different from the site of collecting them.” (Mirāt-ul Manājīḥ, p. 63. vol. 6)

I would like to point out here that, if one container is filled with various varieties of foods like spicy rice [Biryānī], sweet rice [Zardā] and pickles all in one dish; it is permissible to eat from various parts of the plate. 54

The Manners Pertaining to Food

FIVE ACTS SUNNAH PERTAINING TO EATING Dear Islamic Brothers! Five Acts of Sunnah pertaining to the consumption of food are narrated in the above mentioned Hadiš: 1. Eat from [the section of plate] in front of you. 2. If someone is eating with you, do not eat from his side. 3. Do not eat from the center of the plate. 4. The dining-mat should be picked up first and then the people should get up. (Sadly, nowadays, the trend is completely the opposite; people get up first and then the dinner-mat is picked up.) 5. If others are eating with you, do not stop eating until everyone has finished. It is so ironic that today we hardly find anyone abiding by this Sunnah. To learn the Sunnah and to eliminate the hesitation when acting upon them in public one should travel with the Madanī Qāfilah of Da’awat-e-Islāmī. During these travels you will get an opportunity to practice on these Acts of Sunnah. Inshā-Allah   

!  ", by the blessings of travelling with the Madanī Qāfilah, you will fing confidence and courage to act upon the Prophetic ways.

DEFENSE AGAINST NIGHTMARES Blessings of Madanī Qāfilah are beyond expression! Here is a summarized account of the real life experience of an Islamic brother who frequently had nightmares. He said, “I travelled with the 30-Day Madanī Qāfilah of Da’awat-e-Islāmī, to learn the Sunnah. Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", with the blessing of this Madanī Qāfilah, the nightmares stopped. I even dreamt of the adorable city of Madinah. Now I dream of performing Salāh or dream of reciting the Holy Qur’an.” 55

Islamic Manners of Eating

Heavy hearted or scared in dreams; See the splendor; and sweet dreams; Lets go in Qāfilah Problems will be solved; Lets go in Qāfilah Gather peace and ease; Lets go in Qāfilah

Khuwāb mayn dar lagay, bojh dill pay lagay Khūb jalway millayn, Qāfilay mayn chaloo Hoon gi hal mushkilayn, Qāfilay mayn chaloo Paoo gay rahatayn, Qāfilay mayn chaloo

Dear Islamic Brothers! At bed time, recite U V‫ ﻜ‬L ‫ﻣ‬  ‫ﻳ‬ [Yā-Mutakabbirū] 21 times, with a Durūd [Blessings on the Prophet] prior to and subsequent to the litany. Inshā-Allah   

!  ", the nightmares will stop.

A PLATTER OF DIFFERENT DATES  10 Sayyidunā Ikrāsh   3 "  

7 has narrated, “Šurīd was served to  ? the adorable Prophet of Allah, the Remarkable Son of Aminah

                 . We started eating with him. I was eating from

 all over the plate. The Esteemed Prophet                   commented, ‘Oh Ikrāsh! Eat from one side because this contains all the same kind of food.’ Afterward we were served with a platter which had different varieties of fresh dates. The blessed

 hand of the Holy Prophet                 stretched towards

 different variety of dates and then He                 said, ‘Oh Ikrāsh! Eat from wherever you wish because these [dates] are of different varieties.’ (Sunan Ibn Mājah, pp. 15, vol. 4, ḥadiš. 3274)

EATING WITH FIVE FINGERS IS THE PRACTICE OF THE ILLITERATES  Sayyidunā Abdullah ibn Abbās 0 :  3 "  

7 has narrated that the  ?

 Esteemed Final Prophet                 pointed towards the 10 Šurīd is a dish made with pieces of bread mixed with stew and gravy sauce. It could also be prepared with vegetables instead of meat.

56

The Manners Pertaining to Food

thumb and the index finger and said, “Do not eat with these two fingers but (add the middle finger and) eat with three fingers because this is the Sunnah. Avoid eating with all five fingers because this is the practice of the illiterates [and the unsophisticated people].” (Kanz-ul-’Ummāl, pp. 115, vol. 5, ḥadiš. 40872)

SATANIC MANNER OF EATING  Sayyidunā Abū Hurrairah   3 "  

7 has narrated that the Master  ?

 of Mankind, the Revered Prophet                  has said, “To eat with one finger is the practice of Satan, to eat with two fingers is the practice of the arrogant and to eat with three fingers is the practice of the Glorious Prophets
89 

   :  .” (Al-

Jami’us-Ṣagīr, pp. 184, ḥadiš. 3074)

However, occasionally, The Master of Madinah, Tranquality of

 the Hearts, the Holy Prophet                   would eat with four fingers. (Al-Jami’us-Ṣagīr, pp. 250, ḥadiš. 6942)

PROPER MANNER OF EATING WITH THREE FINGERS Dear Islamic Brothers! Eating with three fingers will allow you to eat small bites and will make it easier for you to chew your food properly. Well-chewed bites will be mixed well with the digestive enzymes in your saliva, and will aid in the digestion.   5 Sayyidunā Mullah Ali Qarī      6

 7 states, “Eating with five fingers is the sign of a greedy person.” (Mirqāt-ul Mafātīḥ, pp. 9, vol. 8) It is not difficult to eat bread with three fingers. You just have to be conscientious. However, eating rice with three fingers can be a challenge but not for those individuals who have the Righteous Madanī mindset, and a devotion to adapting the Sunnah. Surely there is grace in acting on every Sunnah. In order to make habit of eating with three fingers one should bind the middle finger and the little finger with a rubber band or take a small piece of bread and hold it down on the 57

Islamic Manners of Eating

palm with the little finger. If one is sincere, Inshā-Allah   

! ", these tips will help one get into the habit of eating with only three fingers. Once this becomes a routine practice, there will be no need to rely upon the techniques mentioned above. If rice grains are well separated and it is completely impossible to eat this with three fingers, one may use four or five fingers. However, make sure that neither the palm nor the base of the fingers is stained with food.

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ACCOUNT OF EATING WITH A SPOON It is against the Sunnah to eat using a knife and a spoon. Our pious predecessors used to refrain from using a spoon because

 the Revered Prophet of Madinah                 would eat   5 has  6 with three fingers. Sayyidunā Ibrahīm Bājūri    

 7 narrated, “Once food was served to the Abbasid Caliph, Māmūn Rashid with a spoon. At that time, the chief justice   5 [Qadi-ul-Qudā], Sayyidunā Imām Yusuf      6

 7 said, ‘Allah "   

!  has stated in Surah Banī Isrāiīl,


 ] ٓ  &  3( %

 ^ / A 

“And no doubt, We honoured the children of Adam” (Qurān)(Surah Banī Isrāiīl, juz 15, ayah. 70) (Kanzul Īmān(Treasure of Faith)[Translation of Quran])

Oh Caliph! Commenting on this verse, your grandfather  Sayyidunā ‘Abdullah ibn Abbas 0 :  3 "  

7 has stated, ‘We have  ? made fingers for them with which they eat.’ From thereon he refrained from using a spoon and ate with his fingers.” (Mawāhibul-Ladunyah, p. 114)

58

The Manners Pertaining to Food

WHEN IS IT PERMISSIBLE TO EAT WITH A SPOON? Dear Islamic Brothers! It is permissible to use a spoon in the following conditions: If food cannot be eaten with the fingers nor can it be drunk (e.g. foods like yoghurt); or if the hand is injured; or if the hands are dirty and water is not available [to wash them.] Similarly, it is permissible to use a knife to cut large pieces of food (e.g. large portions of cooked meat).

MEDICAL BENEFITS OF EATING WITH HANDS Dear Islamic Brothers! Medical practitioners have admitted that when a person eats with his fingers, certain digestive enzymes are secreted by the fingers which assist in digestion. This also inhibits the deficiency of insulin, in addition to aiding the diabetics. Licking the fingers clean after eating insures that digestive enzymes are properly consumed and swallowed into the stomach which helps the eyes, the brain and the stomach. This is a great cure for various stomach ailments, brain diseases and heart problems.

APPENDICITIS WAS CURED Dear Islamic Brothers! In order to habitualize yourself of the Prophetic ways and Sunnah travel in the Madanī Qāfilah. Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", many misguided individuals have fostered a change by being inspired by the Madanī Qāfilah. An Islamic brother from Matrah (India) says that: “I was once a fashionable youngster. I would often watch movies. This one time I happened to listen to a speech released by Maktaba-tul-Madina titled ‘The Perils of Television’, which completely transformed me and I embraced the Righteous Environment of Da’awat-e-Islāmī. I was diagnosed with appendicitis and was advised to undergo an operation in order to treat the disease and hence was terrified. Convinces and 59

Islamic Manners of Eating

inspired by another Islamic brother, I travelled in a 3-Day Madanī Qāfilah for the very first time in my life. Al-Hamdulillah   

!  ", with the blessings of the Madanī Qāfilah, I was treated automatically without the need for an operation. Al-Hamdulillah   

!  ", I got an uncanny inspiration and now I travel in the 3Day Madanī Qāfilah regularly, every month. Furthermore, I diligently submit the Madanī In’aāmāt every month and practice upon Sadā-e-Madinah [Waking others up for Fajr] by waking up Muslims for Salāt-ul-Fajr every morning.” Non-followers, become adherants of the prophetic way Oh My Brother! Travel In the Madanī Qāfilah Pious company may bring Joy your way, If Only, You would Travel in the Madanī Qāfilah

Bay amal, bā amal bante hayn sar basar Tu bhī ay bhai kar qafile mayn safar Acchi suhbat se thandā ho terā jhigar Kāsh kar le agar qafile main safar.

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A CONSCIOUS PERSON UNDERGOES SURGERY Dear Islamic Brothers! Did you see the blessings of travelling with the Madanī Qāfilah? Remember that being sick or being afflicted by troubles is a means of Mercy for Muslims. You heard in the aforementioned narrative, that the Islamic brother had appendicitis and travelling with the Madanī Qāfilah became a means for his cure, which in turn caused him to embrace the Righteous Environment. Furthermore the fact that he became steadfast in his association to the Righteous Environment, is indeed another great blessing for him. If problems and afflictions come your way, endure them with patience and earn great reward. The manner in which our 60

The Manners Pertaining to Food  predecessors’       

7 would manifest patience and the  : 6 passion that they had to reap rewards is indeed marvelous and highly inspiring. Here is an account that shows a glimpse of such magnificence.    5  6 Allama Maulānā Muftī Sharīf-ul-Haq Amjadī    

 7 writes the following in Nuzha-tul-Qārī Fī Sharah Sahīh Bukhārī:  “Sayyidunā Urwah   3 "  

7 was the son of the famous Ansārī  ?

 Companions of the Holy Prophet                   , namely  Sayyidunā Zubair bin Awwām   3 "  

7 and Sayyidatunā Asmā  ?   bint Abū Bakr 0 :  3 "     3 "  

7 . He 

7 was also the nephew of  ?  ?  Sayyidatunā ‘Āyeshah Siddiqah  :3 "  

7 and the blood brother  ?   of Sayyidunā Abdullah bin Zubair 0 :  3 "     3 "  

7 . He 

7 was  ?  ?  one of the seven great jurists of Madinah. He   3 "  

7 was a  ?  pious, upright and righteous individual. Every day, he   3 "  

7  ? would recite a quarter of the Holy Qur’an by reading it and would recite a quarter every night [by heart] in Tahajjud. The caliph Walīd bin Abdul Malik used to say that if anyone wished to see a heaven dweller, they should see Sayyidunā Urwah    3 "  

7 .  ?  Once, he [Sayyidunā Urwah]   3 "  

7 travelled to meet the  ? caliph. During this journey he suffered from a severe infection which rots ones feet. The caliph advised him to undergo an  operation but he   3 "  

7 disagreed. The disease spread to his  ? shins and the caliph, out of concern, advised him that if his leg was not cut off, there was a danger that the disease would  spread to his entire body. The great saint   3 "  

7 finally agreed  ? for the surgery. The surgeon arrived and advised him to drink  some alcohol so that he would not feel any pain. He   3 "  

7  ? replied, ‘I cannot achieve peace with something which has been made Harām [strictly forbiden] by Allah   

! "‘. The surgeon  then recommended that Sayyidunā Urwah   3 "  

7 take some  ?  medicine that would put him to sleep. He   3 "  

7 replied, ‘I  ? wish to experience the pain when that part of my body is cut off

61

Islamic Manners of Eating

so that I get an opportunity to be patient and thus gain reward.’  He   3 "  

7 was then asked if a few individuals could hold him  ?  down. He   3 "  

7 replied that there was no need for this.  ? Finally, the flesh was cut and then the bone was cut with a  saw. Amazingly, he   3 "   

7 never uttered a word of complaint.  ?  All the while, he   3 "   

7 continued to do the Żikr of Allah’s  ? Blessed Names. When the open wound was cauterized with hot  iron and olive oil, he    3 "  

7 fainted due to extreme pain. After  ?  ? regaining consciousness, he   3 "   

7 began to wipe off the  perspiration from his face. He then picked up the severed leg, tossing it around from one side to the other, and then said, ‘By God! Who made me travel upon you; I never used you to walk towards any sin.’ During the entire procedure the Caliph was busy in conversation and was not aware that Sayyidunā ‘Urwah was undergoing the procedure [despite being close by.] The Caliph only noticed when he smelt the smell emanating from the cauterization process.” (Nuzha-tul-Qārī, pp. 213-215, vol. 2)

MARTYRDOM OF HIS SON  Another test for Sayyidunā Urwah   3 "  

7 on this journey was  ? that one of his beloved sons was martyred by one of the animals in the royal stable of the caliph. When he returned to  nd Madinah, he     3 "   

7 recited the following part of the 62 Ayah  ? of Surah Al-Kahf,

OEC F I N   F% M   J(   3DA  / A 

“We have no doubt faced great hardship in this Journey.” (Qurān)(Surah Al-Kahf, juz 15, ayah. 62) (Kanzul Īmān(Treasure of Faith)[Translation of Quran])

GENEROSITY OF SAYYIDUNĀ URWAH It is stated that when the harvesting season for fruit approached Sayyidunā Urwah would open the gates of his 62

The Manners Pertaining to Food

orchard to allow people to eat and take away the fruits. Whenever he would visit his orchard, he would repeatedly recite the following part of the 39th Ayah of Surah-Al-Kahf,

 e & S    B- K  S  f f

` Z  '

 K  _

 a  b S -    e   Wcd  (  '

“And why it was not so that when you entered in your garden then you would have told, as Allah wills, we have no power but the help of Allah” (Qurān)(Surah Al-Kahf, juz 15, ayah. 39) (Kanzul Īmān(Treasure of Faith)[Translation of Quran])

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TO EAT WHILE RESTING [YOUR BACK] AGAINST A SUPPORT IS NOT SUNNAH The Master of Masters, the Authority and Master of Both

 Worlds, The Venerable Emperor                   has said, “I do not eat while resting [my back] against a support.” (Kanz-ul’Ummāl, pp. 102, vol. 15, ḥadiš. 40704)

DO NOT EAT WHILE RESTING AGAINST A SUPPORT  Sayyidunā Abū Dardā  3 "  

7 has narrated that the Noble  ?

 " Prophet, Beloved of Allah               

! said, “You should not eat while resting against a support” (Majma’uz Zawāid, Vol: 5, Pg:

22, Hadith: 7918).

WHAT DOES ‘RESTING AGAINST A SUPPORT MEAN? The following four sitting positions are considered to be “resting against a support” positions. It is not recommended to sit in these positions while having food: 63

Islamic Manners of Eating

1. Recline on one side of your body and eat. 2. Sit cross-legged. 3. Place one hand on the floor and lean against it. 4. Rest the back against a support like a chair or a wall. The proper postures of eating, according to Sunnah, are to sit in a folded legged position (as in Salāh) or to sit with both knees raised upwards. These positions are also physically beneficial for the body. However, it is improper to eat while standing. (Mirāt-ul Manājīḥ, pp. 12, vol. 6)

THE MEDICAL HARMS OF RESTING AGAINST A SUPPORT WHILE EATING Dear Islamic Brothers! It is not Sunnah to eat with your back resting against a support. There are three major medical harms that could be engendered if this great Sunnah is not practiced. 1. One will not be able to properly chew the food. Hence sufficient saliva, with the essential digestive enzymes will not properly mix with the food. Thus, the digestive system will suffer. 2. The Stomach expands as a result of eating while resting against a support. This allows more food to enter your stomach and thus affects the digestive system. 3. Liver and Intestines can also be harmed. Hujja-tul-Islam, Sayyidunā Imām Muhammad Ghazali   -  5   6 7 

   has stated that drinking while resting against a support harms the stomach. (Ihyā-ul-‘Ulūm, pp. 5, vol. 2)

RESPECT BREAD It is Sunnah to pick up and eat a piece of bread that has fallen  ? on the ground. Sayyidatunā ‘Āyeshah Siddiqah  :3 "   

7 has  64

The Manners Pertaining to Food

narrated that the Mercy for the Universe, Prophet

                   entered the blessed house and saw a piece of

 bread which had fallen on the floor. He                 picked

 it up, cleaned it, and ate it. He         

  

        then said, “Oh   : 3 "    ? 7 ‘Āyeshah   ! Respect that, which is good because when this (meaning the bread) has left a nation, it has never returned.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah, pp. 50, vol. 4, ḥadiš. 3353)

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REPENT FROM WASTING FOOD Dear Islamic Brothers! Everyone today is complaining on the failure to make their ends meet and the deprivation of blessings they have. Who knows, perhaps the reason for the scarcity in our resources is our disrespect for food. You would hardly find a Muslim today who does not waste bread [and food.] Everywhere, whether it is in a wedding ceremony or the commemorative congregations [urs] of saints, you will find people disrespecting food. A lot of food is also dropped on the dining-mat without any concern or regard for it. It is actually quite tragic that we waste food is this manner After eating, remnants of food and meat still remain on the bones and on other large pieces of spices, which are then carelessly thrown away. Most people do not even think of saving leftovers and ultimately the food ends up in the garbage. Dear Islamic Brothers! Repent from the food that you may have wasted and vow never to waste a single speck of food ever again. By God! On the Day of Judgment, you will be held accountable for every speck of food you wasted. No one has the power to bear the accountability process on the Day of Judgment. Repent Sincerely. Recite Durūd and plead, “Oh Allah   

! "! I seek forgiveness from all the food I have wasted and from all my minor and major sins. With Your Grant and 65

Islamic Manners of Eating

Assistance [Taufeeq] I will strive to guard myself from all sins in the future. Oh Allah   

! "! Forgive me without holding me accountable.”    ٖ            

  Y  X   Z  [  \  X   ( S    (

For the Sake of your Beloved    ٖ             , do not put me on trial Pardon me without examination, I am guilty and frail

Sadqa Piyāray kī hayā kā na lay mujh say hisāb Baksh bay pūche lajāy ko lajāna kiyā hay.

In Surah A’rāf, Ayah 31, Allah  



!  "

says,

 X   h  S    F -ٓ g % 9    S  - & % d   -  $

 g% 9 4  *

“And eat and drink and do not cross the limit. Undoubtedly, the persons crossing the limit are not liked by Him.” (Qurān)(Surah Al- A’rāf, juz 6, ayah. 31) (Kanzul Īmān(Treasure of Faith)[Translation of Quran])

THE DEFINITION OF ‘WASTING’? The Renowned Exegitist of the Quran, Muftī Ahmad Yār Khān  2  6 7   3 4  5

   ellaborates in Tafsīr Na’iīmī (Vol: 8, Pg: 390) on the various aspects and meaning of the term wasting [isrāf]. He stated, ‘wasting’ [isrāf] is: 1. Regarding Halāl [permissible] as Harām [strictly forbidden]. 2. Using things that are Harām [strictly forbidden]. 3. Eating, drinking or wearing more than one’s requirements. 4. Eating, drinking and wearing whatever the heart desires. 5. Eating and drinking repeatedly during the day and night. This engenders illness and damages the stomach. 66

The Manners Pertaining to Food

6. Eating and drinking things which are harmful to the body. 7. Always having concerns about what one will eat or drink next. (Ruḥ-ul-Bayān, pp. 154, vol. 3) 8. Eating to become heedless. 9. Eating with the intention of committing sins. 10. Habitualizing yourself to eat and drink exquisite foods and wear fancy clothes, to such a state that one is not able to eat or drink ordinary and simple things. 11. Eating exquisite food and thinking that one has attained this as a result of his own accomplishments and acheivements. As you can see now that there are many aspects that could  constitute wasting. Sayyidunā ‘Umar   3 "   

7 has stated, “One  ? should gaurd oneself from a state where one is always full because this causes illness in the body, damages the stomach and engenders indolence in worship. Adopt the path of moderation in eating and drinking as this is a cure for many diseases. Allah   

! " does not like an obese person.” (Kashf-ul Khifā, pp. 221, vol. 1, ḥadiš. 760)

It is also stated that whosoever allows his desire to overpower his religion; will be doomed. (Ruḥ-ul-Ma’aānī, pp. 163, vol. 4) (Tafsīr Na’ īimī, pp. 390, vol. 8)

VIRTUES OF BEING SLIM Dear Islamic Brothers! Eating less, reducing the intake of sugar fatty foods as per the advice of a doctor helps the digestive system and decreases the weight of a person. The belly returns to its original state and a person looks more handsome. Furthermore, Allah   

! " is pleased with a slim person and with 67

Islamic Manners of Eating  one who eats less. Sayyidunā ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas 0 :  3 "  

7  ? narrates that The Merciful [Karīm], The Compasionate and

 Beneficent Prophet                 has stated, “The most liked by Allah   

! " amongst you is the one who eats less and has a slim body.” (Al-Jami’us-Ṣagīr, pp. 20, ḥadiš. 221)

Dear Islamic Brothers! Inorder to instill a passion to act upon righteous deed, it is imperative that one embraces the righteous Madanī environment. Even without the Madanī environment one may still gather the passion to act upon righteous deeds, but it is extremely difficult to sustain that passion and be steadfast. One should therefore make it a habit of travelling in Madanī Qāfilah with the Devotees of the Prophet! Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", with the blessings of Da’awat-e-Islāmī, there is a vigorous campaign to spread and propagate the Sunnah. Here is a thought provoking and magnificent example which will enlighten your heart and mind.

A NON-MUSLIM ACCEPTS ISLAM An Islamic Brother from Tehsil Nānda Zila Ambayed, Karnagar, UP India said that he was a Non-Muslim. This one time someone gave him [Amīr of Ahlus-Sunnah Maulānā Ilyās Qādri’s] a booklet, entitled ‘Respect of a Muslim’. After reading it he was appalled and astonished by the information and realized that the religion of Muslims he had always hated and resented, professed peace and harmony. He was touched by the words in the book and the love of Islam intensified exponentially in his heart. One day he was travelling in the bus and a group of people with turbans and beards came on board. He realized that these gentlemen were Muslims, and thus he stared at them with admiration. One of the brothers from amongst them began reciting Na’at [poetry] in the Honor of the Highly Revered

 Prophet           

        . He found their style very appealing. 68

The Manners Pertaining to Food

Seeing signs of interest, one of the brothers approached him and they started to have a conversation. The brother inferred that he was a non Muslim and thus in a very courteous manner urged him to embrace Islam. In addition to being inspired by the brothers’ modesty and humiliy, he had been already captivated with Islam as a result of reading ‘Respect of a Muslim” and so he could not refuse the brothers request. Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", he has been a Muslim for four months now and he regularly offers the daily Salāh and intends to maintain a beard. Furthermore, he have also embraced the Righteous Environment of Da’awat-e-Islāmī and travels in the Madanī Qāfilah. Call the infedels and call the non-believers to Islam, Lets go in Qāfilah Spread the word, come all together, Lets go in Qāfilah

Kafiron Ko Chalen, Mushrikon Ko Chalen, Dawat-e-deen dain Qafileh Main Chalo Deen Phelaien, Sab Chalain Aaaen, Mil ke saare chalain, Qafileh Main Chalo

DON’T FORGO A SUNNAH JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE EMBARRASSED  %    The beloved Companions 2  - =  :   [of the Prophet] would remain engrossed in the love of The Higly Celeberated, The Sovereign of Madinah, The Leader of the Prophets

                 . Nothing, neither the lure of the fleeting things of this world nor any regard for any member of the society, would ever stop them from practicing the Sunnah. Sayyidunā  Hassan Basri   3 "  

7 has narrated that Sayyidunā Ma’qil bin  ?  Yasār   3 "  

7 (who was the leader of the Muslims of that area)  ? was once eating when one morsel of food fell on the ground. Hepicked it up, cleaned it, and then ate it. The people sitting around casted a scornful eye at him and glanced at each other ridiculing him on his action. Someone said, “May Allah   

! "

69

Islamic Manners of Eating

Grant you many favours. Oh our Leader! These people are looking at our leader in an amusing manner because he has food from the floor even though there is more food available.”  He   3 "  

7 replied, “I cannot forgo what I have heard from the  ?

 Holy Prophet                 merely because of these Ajamis [non-Arabs]. We would advise each other that if a morsel [a bite] of food falls down, it should be cleaned, eaten and not left for Satan [to comsume].” (Sunan Ibn Mājah, pp. 17, vol. 4, ḥadiš. 3278) Soul of Faith, Heart of Quran, Strength of Deen Is the Love of Rahmat-al-lil-Aalameen

   ٖ            

Rūh-e-īmān Magz-e-Quran Jān-e-Dīn Hast Hub-e-Rahmat-ul-lil-Ālamīn    ٖ            

PERSONALLY INSPIRE PEOPLE TOWARDS Dear Islamic Brothers! So you see, in the previous account, how an eminent companion such as Sayyidunā Ma’qil bin Yasaar     3 "    ? ?

7 admired the Sunnah. He   3 "   

7 was not at all   concerned about what the Ajamis [non-Arabs] thought of him and continued to practice upon the Sunnah unflinchingly. Sadly today though, there are Muslims who actually refuse to keep a beard thinking that in this modern era it is actually wise to do so. A true act of wisdom would be to keep a beard, wear a turban and robe oneself according to the Prophetic attire, no matter how alienating the environment is. One should strive to adopt the prophetic lifestyle, and eat according to the Sunnah. Furthermore, one should also strive to call people towards righteousness by engaging in such efforts. Inshā-Allah   

! ", the truth will prevail, Satan’s influences will weaken and the Sunnah will enlighten us. Those who love the fleeting things of worldly life will become sincere Devotees of the Prophet                   

. The Noor [enlightment] of the Prophet

            will enlighten every household.     

 70

The Manners Pertaining to Food

Will the sun make the darkness disappear? My household will enlighten when you appear Only he will quench his thirst at the fountain of kausar Who will, to the cup of madina in his hands, adhere

Khāk sūraj say andhayron kā ujālā hogā āap āen to mayray ghar may ujālā hogā hogā sayrāb sāray kosar o tasnīm vahi jis ke hathon mayn madinay ka piyalā hoga

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Here is an account that shows the fruit that personal inspiration bears. Hence:

ANOTHER NON BELIEVER EMBRACES ISLAM A 92-Day Madanī Qāfilah from the world headquarters of Da’awat-e-Islāmī at Faizan-e-Madinah Bab-ul Madinah, Karachi [Pakistan] was visiting Colombo. The day on which the Madanī Qāfilah intended to travel to the district of Aero for 30 days, an Islamic brother brought a young non-Muslim to the Amīr [designated leader] of this Qāfilah. The Amīr of the Madanī Qāfilah invited the young man to embrace Islam after highlighting some outstanding stories and examples of the behaviour and character of the Respected and Honorable

 Prophet                 . The young man asked some questions which were answered and Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", after an hour of trying to inspire the young man towards righteousness, the young man accepted Islam. Disbelievers will join, Path to God will they find herein Insha-Allah

   !  "

,

Let’s travel in Qāfilah

May the lies fade away, and the Truth lead the way, Insha-Allah

   !  "

,

Let’s travel in Qāfilah

71

Islamic Manners of Eating

Kāfir ā jāenge, rāhe haq pāengay, Insha-Allah  

 !  "

,

chalayn Qafilay mayn chalo Kufr kā sar jhukay, dīn ka danka bhajay Insha-Allah  

 !  "

chalayn Qafilay mayn chalo

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PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM BEING MENTALLY INEPT The Beloved of Allah, The Knower of the unseen matters and hidden secrets [‘ilm-ul-Ghayb], The Immaculate Prophet

                 said, “Whoever picks up grains of food which have fallen on the dining-mat , he will live a life of ease [farākhī] and his children and the children of his children will be protected from mental ineptitude [lack of intelligence].” (Kanz-ul’Ummāl, pp. 111, vol. 15, ḥadiš. 40815)

A SOLUTION TO ERADICATE POVERTY Eminent Master of Hadiš, Muhaddiš Sayyidunā Hudbah bin   5 Khālid      6

 7 was once invited by the Caliph of Baghdad, Māmūn-ur-Rashīd. After eating, the Muhaddiš began to pickup and eat the grains of food that had fallen down. The caliph was extremely astonished and asked, “Oh Sheikh! Are you not full    5  6 yet?” He     

 7 replied, “I am certainly full but I have heard a  Hadiš from Sayyidunā Hammād bin Salamah   3 "  

7 who has  ? narrated, ‘Whoever picks up and eats fallen grains of food from the dining-mat, he will be free from the fear of poverty.’ I (the Shaykh) am merely practicing upon this Hadiš.” The caliph was highly impressed with him and ordered a servant who brought forward a pouch in which there were a thousand dinars [gold   5  6 coins] and gave it to Sayyidunā Hudbah bin Khalid    

 7 as a gift. The eminent Muhaddiš said, “Al-Hamdulillah   

! "! The Hadiš has come to fruition, right away.” (Šamarāt-ul-Awrāq, pp. 8, vol. 1) 72

The Manners Pertaining to Food

DON’T FORGO ANY SUNNAH DUE TO EMBARRASSMENT Dear Islamic Brothers! It is evident from the account above that  our pious predecessors and eminent Saints      

7 would  : 6 never forgo a Sunnah under any circumstance. They showed no concern, even if they were in the company of the rich and influential members of the society. This story should be a lesson for those Islamic brothers who leave acts of Sunnah merely because of what people might say or simply because they wish to be part of a crowd, and thus forgo the magnificent crown of the turban and refrain from maintaining a beard. There is no doubt that practicing upon the Sunnah is a privilege that will bear fruit in both worlds. At times the acts immediately manifest their blessings, like in the case of Sayyidunā Hudbah    5  6 7 who immediately received a thousand bin Khalid      dinars, making him affluent. Sunnah in their hearts, who keep Blessings from Allah

   !  "

in both worlds, they reap

Jo apnay dil ke guldastay mayn sunnat sajātay hayn vo bayshak rahmatayn donon jahān kī pātay hayn.

Dear Islamic Brothers! There are actions that bring blessing to ones sustenance, as there are actions that may cause the deprivation of these blessings. Refraining from actions which limit the sustenance will bring extensive blessings. It would be beneficial if one is aware of those actions that bring forth destitution. Here are 44 such actions that can bring forth destitution and poverty.

44 ACTIONS THAT CAUSE THE DEPRIVATION OF BLESSINGS: 1. Eating without washing hands. 2. Eating without covering the head. 73

Islamic Manners of Eating

3. Eating in the dark. 4. Eating and drinking at the doorstep. 5. Eating near the deceased. 6. Eating before one has done Ghusl [Major Purifcation Bath] (after a sexual intercourse or nocturnal emission (release of semen)). 7. Delaying eating after the food is dished out [and served.] 8. Eating on a bed without placing a dining-mat. 9. Eating on a bed in such a manner that you sit on the side of the pillow and the food is placed where your feet would be, when you sleep on this bed. 10. Bitting the bread off with the teeth instead of breaking it with the hands (those who eat burgers should also keep this in mind). 11. Using broken ceramic or clay containers. (It is Makrūh [reprehensible] to drink from the side of a cup that is broken. Do not use containers that are cracked as those cracks may house many germs and bacteria that could be very harmful for one’s health). 12. Not cleaning used dishes. 13. Washing hands in the container that was used for eating. 14. Swallowing the particles of food, that were stuck in the teeth and have been removed by flossing or toothpick etc. 15. Leaving food containers or jugs uncovered. One should recite ! ‫  ﺴ ﻢ‬and cover these containers because if left uncovered, misfortune descends into this food and drink which causes illness. 74

The Manners Pertaining to Food

16. Placing food in places where it would be considered disrespectful and can easily be trampled upon, like throwing on the streets. (Sunnī Bahishtī Zaiwar, pp. 595-601) The following are the actions that Sahykh Sayyidunā Burhān  5 ud-Dīn Zarnūjī      6

 7 has identified: 17. Sleeping in excess. (This can also cause ignorance) 18. Sleeping naked. 19. Urinating without any shame. (Those who urinate in public should pay heed.) 20. Being lazy in picking up fallen crumbs of food from a dining-mat. 21. Burning the peels of onion and garlic. 22. Sweeping the house with clothes. 23. Sweeping at night. 24. Leaving trash [garbage] inside the house. 25. Walking ahead of the Mashāykh [Scholars and Saints.] 26. Calling parents by their first names. 27. Washing hands with mud and sand. 28. To lean on a door on one side. 29. Making Wudū [Ablution] in the lavatory. 30. Sowing clothes while wearing them. 31. Wiping one’s face with the clothes one is wearing. 32. Leaving spider web formations inside the house. 33. Being lazy in performing Salāh. 34. Hastily leaving the Masjid congregational Fajr Salāh. 75

after

performing

Islamic Manners of Eating

35. Going to the market, very early in the morning. 36. Coming back from the marketplace late. 37. Cursing children. (Women have often been observed cursing their children. Then they go on to complain of the lack of resources or of blessings [barakah] in their sustenance!) 38. Commiting sins, specifically lies. 39. Putting out a lamp (candle or lantern) by blowing at the flame. 40. Using a broken comb. 41. Not making Duā [Supplication] for the well being of parents. 42. Binding the turban while sitting. 43. Wearing pants or pyjamas while standing. 44. Delaying performing good deeds. (Ta’līm-ul-Muta’allim, pp. 73-76)

VIRTUES OF EATING A FALLEN PIECE OF BREAD Dear Islamic Brothers! The Mercy of Allah   

! " is indeed limitless. At times, an action may seem insignificant, but its  virtue is great. Sayyidunā Abdullah bin Umme Harām   3 "   

7  ? has narrated that the Sultan of Both Worlds, Mercy for the    Universe, The Splendid Prophet                

has said,  “Respect food as it is from among the blessings of the Heavens and earth. Whosoever eats a fallen piece of bread from the dining-mat will be forgiven.” (Al-Jami’us-Ṣagīr, pp. 88, ḥadiš. 1426) Subhān-Allah   

! ", Dear Islamic brothers! I hope we do away with the hesitation we have with eating the fallen grains of bread and be entitled to this great virtue of forgiveness. 76

The Manners Pertaining to Food

I seek forgiveness for I have erred, O Allah Pardon me for the Sake of Mustafa

   ٖ            

,

Tālib-e-Maghfirat hūn yā-Allah  

   !  "

O Allah

   !  "

 !  "

Baksh de behre Mustafā    ٖ             yā-Rab  

 !  "

NARRATIVE ABOUT A PIECE OF BREAD  One day Sayyidunā ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar 0 :  3 "   

7 saw a fallen  ?  piece of bread. He   3 "   

7 instructed his servant to pick it up,  ? clean it, and to store it. The same evening when breaking the  fast [iftār], he   3 "   

7 asked his servant for that same piece of  ? bread. His servant informed him that he had already eaten it.  ? Upon this he   3 "   

7 said to his servant, “Go! I set you free  because I once heard the Mercy for the Universe, Prophet                   

say, ‘Whoever eats a fallen piece of bread,  Allah   

! " forgives that person before it reaches his stomach.’ So how can I keep that person in servitude who has become entitled to forgiveness?” (Tanbīh-ul-Ghāfilīn, pp. 348, ḥadiš. 514)

MADANĪ OUTLOOK Subhān-Allah   

! ", what an amazing Madanī Outlook our eminent predecessors had. Since the servant was entitled to forgiveness by Allah, the master did not deem it proper to keep that person as his servant.

  ! 

 " ! For

         

  

        , Bestow

Oh Allah

the sake of Your Chosen Prophet upon us the Madanī Outlook as well as the true love and devotion for the Sunnah. If we ever see fallen piece bread, grant us the privilege to pick it up, kiss it (in respect), clean it and eat it. Oh Allah   

! ", may our hesitancy of acting upon the Sunnah go away and May we be forgiven.    ٖ            

77

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Islamic Manners of Eating

Grant Me Love of the Sunnah For the sake of my Murshid, O Allah

   !  "

Sunnaton se mujhay muhabbat day Mayray murshid kā wāsta yā-Rab  

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LAY THE DINING-MAT  It has always been the practice of the eminent Saints       

7  : 6 that when they finished eating, they never used to say “remove the mat” but rather “lay the mat” or “augment the food”. This would be, in essence, a Duā [supplication] for Abūndance in food and for blessings and prosperity. (Sunnī Bahishtī Zaiwar, p. 566)

WHEN I READ THE BOOKLET “DREADFUL CAMEL” Dear Islamic Brothers! In order to be prosperous in both worlds, abide by the Righteous Environment of Da’awat-eIslāmī. What can be said about the blessings of Da’awat-eIslāmī! Here is an account of an Islamic brother from Calcutta (India): “I was very far from the Prophetic way of life [Sunnah] and was considered a fashionable young man. One night as I was returning home, I noticed that there was a group of Islamic brothers adorned with Green Turbans. On further inquiry, I came to know that a Madanī Qāfilah of Da’awat-e-Islāmī had arrived from Bombay with the Devotees of the Prophet and they were going to have a Sunnah-Inspiring Ijtimā’ [Congregation]. I thought to myself that since these Islamic brothers had travelled so far to come to our city of Calcutta, the least I could do was go and listen to them. Therefore I joined them and attended the Ijtimā’ [Congregation]. After the Ijtimā’ [Congregation], they began to hand out booklets published by Maktaba-tul-Madina. I was fortunate to receive a booklet as well. 78

The Manners Pertaining to Food

The title of the booklet was “A Dreadful Camel”. When I arrived home, I put the booklet away thinking that I would read it tomorrow. I prepared to go to sleep. Before going to bed, I opened up the booklet just to get a glimpse of what was inside. As I turned the page, I saw the first sentence, ‘No matter how lazy Satan makes you feel, read this booklet in its entirety. Inshā-Allah   

! " you will foster a Madanī transformation within yourself.’ This sentence inspired me, I said to myself that indeed that Satan will not let me read this, why delay? I should not wait to commit a good task. By Allah   

! " before whom everyone will have to give an account of their deeds, on the Day of Judgment, my eyes filled with tears as I read about the heartfelt narratives describing the oppression and hardships faced by the Holy Prophet                   

from the non-believers. The heart-rending  accounts took away my sleep and I wept for a long time. That night I rendered a firm intention that I would travel in a Madanī Qāfilah the next morning. The next day I sought permission from my parents, who happily agreed and I became a traveler of the Madanī Qāfilah for three days with the Devotees of the Prophet. The Islamic brothers of the Madanī Qāfilah inspired me to change from what I was to what I am today. Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", when I returned, I was now meticulous about performing Salāh. I had begun to wear the auspicious green turban, and also robe in the attire of Da’awate-Islāmī [white clothes]. When my mother saw me, now a different person, she was extremely pleased and showered me with many Duās [supplications.] Even my relatives were extremely pleased with me. Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", nowadays I serve as a Nigrān [in charge] of a local district [Mushāvirat] and I am propagating the Sunnah.”

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Devotees of the Prophet, Carry pearls of Heaven, Come to gather them, let’s go to Qāfilah Don’t run here and there, Do come here, Will be Granted Paradise, let’s go to Qāfilah

Āshiqāne rasūl, lae Jannat kay phūl, āo lenay chalayn, Qafileh mayn chalo Bhagte hain kahān Aābhi jaen yahān pāenge Jannatain Qafileh main chalo

DISTRIBUTE BOOKLETS Dear Islamic Brothers! Look at how the Righteous Environment of Da’awat-e-Islāmī transformed this fashionable young man. The episode above also brings forth the importance of distributing booklets published by Maktaba-tul-Madinah. By merely reading this one single booklet, the young man was inspired to travel in the Madanī Qāfilah, and thus motivated to adopt the Sunnah. Purchase the Sunnah-Inspiring booklets or the various pamphlets of the Pearls of Wisdom and disctribute them on occasions during the commemorative congregations of the saints [urs], at various congregations [Ijtimā’āt], at weddings receptions, during funerals processions, at gatherings of Mīlād11 and other such occasions; to pass along the reward [Eīšāl of šawāb] to your deceased loved ones. One can also add a booklet in the envelope, with the wedding invitations. If someone is inspired (by this booklet) to offer Salāh and practice the Sunnah, you will Inshā-Allah   

! " prosper in both worlds. Twelve booklets a Month; whoever is the distributor Allah-Willing, in both worlds he will prosper

Mīlād or Mawlid an-nabī Celebration is the observance of the birthday of Prophet          Muhammad           

which occurs in Rabi' al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.

11

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The Manners Pertaining to Food

Har mahinay Jo koi bārah Risālay Bānt day Inshā-Allah  

 !  "

do jahān mayn us kā bayřā pār hay.

IT IS SUNNAH TO LICK THE FINGERS CLEAN  Sayyidunā Aāmir bin Rabi’ah   3 "  

7 has narrated that the Best  ? of Creation, Traveller of the Heavens, Noble Prophet

         

  

        would eat food with three fingers and would lick them clean when finished. (Majma'-u-Zavāid, pp. 23, vol. 5, ḥadiš.

7923)

WE DO NOT KNOW WHICH PART OF THE FOOD POSSESSES BLESSINGS  ? Sayyidunā Jābir   3 "   

7 has narrated that the Master of  Madinah, The Highly Extolled and Praised Prophet

                   ordered to lick fingers and wipe dish clean (use your fingers to gather the remnants of food on your finger and then lick your fingers), and said, “You do not know which particle of food has blessings.” (Saḥīḥ Muslim, pp. 1122, ḥadiš. 2023)

HOW SHOULD ONE REAP THE LESSINGS OF FOOD? Dear Islamic Brothers! Having observed how Muslims eat today, it seems that very few people are fortunate enough to eat according to the Sunnah and thus are able to reap its benefits. In the above Hadiš, it is clearly stated that we are not aware of the particles of the food which contain blessings. We should therefore make every effort to conserve every morsel of food. We should consume all the meat and the edible particles of food on the bones so that no remnants remain. We should also shake the bone so that edible particles from inside the bone can come out and then consumed. We should also consume spices such as cardamom, chilies, etc. which are found in the food, InshāAllah   

! ", it will also benefit us. However, there is no sin if 81

Islamic Manners of Eating

these items cannot be eaten. Rather than discarding the green chilies from the food one should preserve them for re-use. Many people throw away the skin of the fish; one should eat this as well. In short, all harmless edibles in our food should be consumed, including the remnants of food on the fingers and those that are in the plate.

ORDER OF LICKING THE FINGERS CLEAN  ? Sayyidunā Ka’ab bin Ujrah   3 "   

7 has narrated,” I saw the 



Holy Prophet          

  

        eating with his thumb, his index

 finger and the middle finger. Then I saw that he                 licked his fingers clean before washing them; first the middle finger, then the index, and finally the thumb.” (Majma'-u-Zavāid, pp.

29, vol. 5, ḥadiš. 7941)

IT IS SUNNAH TO LICK THE FINGERS CLEAN THREE TIMES Dear Islamic Brothers It is Sunnah to lick the fingers clean three times. If remnants of food still remain, lick the fingers a few more times so that the remnants disappear. It is stated in “Shamail-e-Tirmiżī” that the Sultan of Both Worlds, the Holy    Prophet                

would lick his fingers clean three  times after eating. (Shamail-ut-Tirmiżī, pp. : 61, ḥadiš. 138)

IT IS SUNNAH TO WIPE THE UTENSIL CLEAN The Master of Makkah, the Sultan of Madinah, Prophet has stated, “Whoever licks his fingers and [wipes] the eating utensil after eating, Allah   

! " will keep him satisfied in this world and the next.” (Mu’jam Kabīr, pp. 261, vol.                   



18, ḥadiš. 653)

THERE ARE MORE BLESSINGS AT THE END

 The Sovereign of Madinah, The Noble Prophet                 has stated, “The eating dish should not be taken up until the

82

The Manners Pertaining to Food

person has wiped it clean or given it to another to wipe it clean, as there are more blessings at the end.” (Kanz-ul-’Ummāl, pp. 111, vol. 15)

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UTENSIL SUPPLICATES FOR FORGIVENESS  Sayyidunā Nubayshah   3 "   

7 has narrated that the Authority  ? [Mukhtār] and Master [Mālik] of Both Worlds (with the permission of Allah   

! "), the Master of Makkah and Madinah,

 " the Beloved of Allah, Prophet                     

! has stated, “Whoever wipes the plate clean after eating, that plate will make Duā for his forgiveness.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah, pp. 14, vol. 4, ḥadiš 3271)

In another Prophetic narration it is mentioned that the utensil says, “Oh Allah   

! "! Grant him freedom from Hell, as he has freed me from Satan.” (Kanz-ul-’Ummāl, pp. 111, vol. 15, ḥadiš. 40822) The Renowned Commentator of the Quran [exegesist], Muftī   6 7  Ahmad Yār Khān 2  3 4 5

   has stated that the untensil is licked by Satan if particles of food remain on it.” (Mirāt-ul Manājīḥ, pp. 52, vol. 6)

WISDOM IN WIPING THE PLATE CLEAN  In the same book Muftī Ahmad Yār Khān 2  6 7   3 4  5

   has stated, “Wiping the plate clean after eating infers respect and conservation of food. Leaving plates with food remnants on it cause the flies to settle on it. Furthermore, leftover food is, Ma’āż-Allah   

! ", usually thrown into garbage which is a highly disrespectful practice. If every person left a small part on his plate every day, it would amount to pounds upon pounds going to waste daily. In short, there are many pearls of wisdom in wiping the plates clean.” (Mirāt-ul Manājīḥ, pp. 38, vol. 6)

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Islamic Manners of Eating

A FAITH ENLIGHTENING STATEMENT

 The Noble Prophet                 has stated, “It is dearer to me to wipe the bowl clean than to give an entire bowl of food in charity.” (Kanz-ul-’Ummāl, pp. 111, vol. 15, ḥadiš. 40821) (The reason for this is that the act of wiping the plate shows humility, which is more superior in reward than the reward for giving food in charity.)

THE BLESSINGS OF SUNNAH    The Leader of the Prophet                

has stated,  “Whoever wipes the plate and licks his fingers clean, Allah   

!  " will satiate his appetite (stomach) in this world and in the next.” (In other words, he will be saved, in this world and the next, from starvation and will be granted refuge from Hell; because no ones stomach will be satisfied in Hell.) (Mu’jam Kabīr,

pp. 261, vol. 18, ḥadiš. 653)

THE REWARD OF FREEING A SLAVE Hujjat-ul-Islam Sayyidunā Imām Muhammad Ghazālī has stated, “The one who wipes the dish clean after eating, then drinks the water (as if to procure any remaining particles) from that dish receives the reward of freeing a slave.”

  -  5   6 7 

  

(Ihyā-ul-‘Ulūm, pp. 7, vol. 2)

DRINKING FROM THE DISH Dear Islamic Brothers! One should not only wipe the plates clean but should do the same with any container that is used to cook, eat or store food; like the glasses that are used to drink liquids (juices, milk shakes, tea etc.) bowls, pots, frying pans, kettles, eating and serving spoons. Food remnants in large pots are usually overlooked and thus wasted. Make every effort to conserve every speck of food. One can also conserve the [soap 84

The Manners Pertaining to Food

less] water used to rinse the container, for later use in cooking. These practices are only possible by the Divine Favour from Allah   

! ". When no particles of food remain on the plate or cup, only then it can be said that the container is clean. It has been observed that rinsing the container once is usually not sufficient to procure all remnants of food; therefore, it is a better practice that in addition to using water one uses the fingers to procure the food particles and thus thoroughly cleanse the dish; after which one should drink that water [or conserve it for later use].

DROPS OF WATER [It has been observed that] Even after one drinks water from the plate, some drops of water often remain in the plates and bowls. Therefore, one should use the fingers to gather those drops of water so that it is easier to drink them. Similarly, upon finishing the drink, a closer look will reveal that there are drops running down the glass or bottle which accumulate at the bottom. One should drink those aswell. It is reported in a Hadiš, mentioned earlier, that one does not know which particles of food contain blessings. I wish that the glasses we drink from or the cups we sip our tea from are so clean (after we are done) that one cannot distinguish them from the un-used clean ones.

MEDICAL BENEFITS OF DRINKING THE WATER FROM THE DISHES Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", there is not as single Prophetic Practice [Sunnah] that lacks substance and wisdom. Scientific research in this area reveals that vitamins, especially the vitamin B complex, are mainly found at the bottom of the meal, rather than at the surface. Furthermore, essential salts are only found at the bottom which can be obtained by using your fingers to 85

Islamic Manners of Eating

wipe the utensil and/or rinsing the utensil and drinking the water from it.

HOW THE KIDNEY STONES DISSOLVED? Many complications are relieved, by the blessings of the Madanī Qāfilah of Da’awat-e-Islāmī. An Islamic brother narrates his own experiences, “Upon returning from our 12Day Madanī Qāfilah we stopped at a [train] station in Baluchistan. The brothers in the Qāfilah were occupied in their efforts to inspire someone towards righteousness, during which we met an Islamic brother who informed us of the blessings that he personally had reaped in the Madanī Qāfilah. He explained to us that he was in severe pain because of stones in his kidney. Doctors had recommended surgery. During that time, he met an Islamic Brother who encouraged him to travel in the Madanī Qāfilah. The Islamic Brother informed him of the many benefits of travelling and that Duā’s [supplications] are answered when one is on a journey. The Islamic Brother reminded him that Allah   

! " will ease his problems. The Islamic Brother’s polite manner won him over and he made a firm intention to travel in the Madanī Qāfilah for three days. Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", within the three days, the stones had dissolved. Doctors were astonished as the only cure that they had proposed was surgery. If you are sick and have kidney stones, You’ll attain good health, let’s go in Qāfilah If you are destitute and have conflicts in your home You’ll obtain good wealth (blessings), let’s go in Qāfilah

Gar chay bīmāriyān, tang karayn pathriyān, pā-o-gay sayhatayn Qāfilay mayn chalo Ghar mayn nāchaqiyān hon yā tangdastiyān pā-en-gay barkatayn Qāfilay mayn chalo 86

The Manners Pertaining to Food

HOT FOOD IS NOT ALLOWED  ? Sayyidunā Jābir   3 "   

7 has reported that the Merciful  [Karīm], the Great, and the Compassionate Prophet                   

has said, “Allow your food to cool before  eating, as there is not blessing in hot food.” (Al-Mustadrak, pp. 132,

vol. 4, ḥadiš. 7125)

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HOW COOL SHOULD THE FOOD BE?  Sayyidatunā Juwayriyah  :3 "  

7 has narrated that the  ? Benevolent Prophet, the Embodiment of Nūr, the Sovereign of

 the both Worlds, the Highly Extolled Prophet                 , disliked the consumption of food until the steam had completely emanated from it. (Majma'-u-Zavāid, pp. 13, vol. 5, ḥadiš. 7883)

HAZARDS OF HOT FOOD Dear Islamic Brothers! Food should be cooled before one consumes it. However, not to an extent that it becomes tasteless. One should allow the steam to stop emanating from it. The Renowned Exegesist of the Quran, The Sage of the Ummah,   6 7  Muftī Ahmad Yār Khān 2  3 4  5

   has stated that the somewhat [natural] cooling down of food, and not blowing air from the mouth to cool it down; are two means of attaining blessings [in the food.] Furthermore, it is easier to eat that way. (Mirāt-ul Manājīḥ, pp. 52, vol. 6)

It is highly probable that eating extremely hot food or drinking steaming tea or coffee can cause blisters in the mouth and the throat and gastritis [inflammation of the stomach.] Drinking very cold water, right after a hot beverage or food, harms the gums and the stomach. 87

Islamic Manners of Eating

IF A FLY FALLS IN ONES FOOD It is a sin to throw out food or a drink if a fly falls into it, as that is considered wasting. In this case, submerge the fly completely in the drink or food then take it out and continue with your meal, without hesitation. The Best of the Healers from Allah’s

 Creation, The Beloved of Allah, The Wise One         

  

        has asserted, “When a fly falls into food, submerge the fly completely, and throw the fly away, as one of its wing has cure while the other has disease. When it falls into food, it first sets in the wing that has disease, therefore dip it in completely [so the wing that contains cure nullifies the effect of the other wing.]” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd, pp. 511, vol. 3, ḥadiš. 3844)

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WHAT DOES MODERN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ASCERTAIN?

 Dear Islamic Brothers! The Beloved Prophet                 gave us such an accurate foresight. Science has now ascertained

 what our Benevolent and Kind Prophet                 had seen long before. Scientists now proclaim that one of the wings has a dangerous virus and the other wing has the anti-virus. When a fly falls into food or drink like tea, milk, water, etc, it falls on the wing containing the virus. Therefore submerging the fly completely destroys the virus making the food harmless.

CHEW THE MEAT Mother of the Believers [Umm-ul Mu’mineen], Sayyidatunā  ‘Ayesha Siddīqah  :3 "  

7 has narrated that the Prophet of  ? Mercy, The Intercessor, The Master of all Prophets and the Seal

 of Prophethood                 has put forth, “Do not cut the meat with the knife when eating it, as this is the practice of the non-Arabs [‘Ajamī]. Bite the meat with your teeth, for this is 88

The Manners Pertaining to Food

more tasteful and delicious.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd, pp. 511, vol. 3, ḥadiš. 3844) However, one can use the knife to cut large portions of meat [especially when eating] like roasted lamb legs etc.

REMOE THE BLACK STRANDS FROM THE CHICKEN’S LEG According to AlaHazrat Imām Ahmad Razā’s      5 6  7 research there are 22 things which are Harām [strictly forbidden] to eat in the Zabīha12. Amongst these things is the spinal cord which is a white thread like strand which extends from the base of the brain through the length of the backbone. Similarly, tendons and lymph glands [also called lymph nodes] are also Harām [strictly forbidden] to eat. Tendons are two bands of dense, tough, inelastic, white, fibrous tissue, on both sides of the neck, which serve to connect the shoulder muscles to the neck; these don’t become tender even after cooking well. Moreover, the blood remaining inside the meat, though pure, is not permissible to consume. [It is not difficult to identify these strands as] they turn black when cooked. Therefore one should carefully inspect the pieces of the meat in which blood normally accumulates, for example, remove the black thread like strands from the neck, the wings, and the legs of the cooked meat. One should also avoid the tendons and spinal cord of the chicken.

LONG LOST BROTHER FOUND AFTER 2 YEARS! Dear Islamic Brothers! Make an ardent effort to routinely travel in the Madanī Qāfilah with the Devotees of the Prophet to learn the Sunnah. Inshā-Allah   

! ", your wordly complications and problems will be resolved. Furthermore, you will gather many pearls of knowledge of the religion. Here is an account that is a testament to the above: Zabīha is that permissible, halal, animal which is slaughtered in the proper Islamic way

12

89

Islamic Manners of Eating

A Madanī Qāfilah traveled to Sabz Pūr (Harī Pūr, Sarhad, Pakistan). One of the Islamic Brothers from the Qāfilah reported, “My elder brother had gone out of the country to make a living. It had been 12 years since we last heard from him. His children and their mother were all under my care and thus I struggled to support them financially. I travelled in the Madanī Qāfilah with Devotees of the Prophet intending to make Duā [supplication] for the easement of my extreme circumstantial hardship.” A week after the conclusion of the Qāfilah that same Islamic brother attended a Madanī Mushwara13. His face was gleaming with signs of happiness and relief. His sentiments were very highly inspiring. He told us, as tears of joy ran down his cheeks, “Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", I was blessed because of travelling in the Madanī Qāfilah. I finally received a phone call from my elder brother, who had been missing for nearly 12 years. He has also sent us 125 thousand rupees.” Those that are lost will find their ways Insha-Allah    !  " , let’s go, let’s go in Qāfilah Allah will Wless and liberae you from the difficult days Those who are in grief, let’s go in Qāfilah

Jo mafqūd ho who bhī maujūd ho Insha Allah  

 !  "

Chalayn Qāfilay mayn chalo

Dūr hon sāray ghum hogā Rab  

 !  "

kā Karam

Ghum kay māray sunayn Qāfilay mayn chalo

WISDOM IN DUĀ NOT BEING ACCEPTED [I would like to shed light upon a necessary aspect of Duā’s not being accepted]. Al-Hamdulillah   

! " there are many instances Madanī Mushwara is a meeting to discuss and review the righteous activities of Da’awat-e-Islāmī.

13

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The Manners Pertaining to Food

of Duā’s being readily accepted in the Madanī Qāfilah. However, there may be many others whose desires may not have been satisfied. If one does not see signs of a Duā being accepted, one should still be content with the Will of Allah   

! ". Often what we ask for is in fact not in our best interest. The father of Alā Hazrat, Shaykh Allamā, Maulanā Naqī ‘Alī   5 Khān      6

 7 in his book “Ahsan-ul-Wiā’” has stated, “There are times when, out of your ignorance, one will ask Allah   

! " for something and Allah   

! " with His infinite Wisdom and Mercy, may not fulfill your Duā because that matter is not in the best of your interest. For example, you might seek wealth, but obtaining it will put your Imān (faith) in jeopardy or you may seek good health and that health is not good for the hereafter in the Infinite Divine Knowledge of Allah    

! ". Hence, It is better that these Duā’s remain unfulfilled. Consider this Ayah,

 L   kl a  - N    OjDd  - N % L  2  iٓ "

“It may be that you love a thing which is bad for you.” (Qurān)(Surah Al- Baqarah, juz 2, ayah. 216) (Kanzul Īmān(Treasure of Faith)[Translation of Quran])

Thank Him for not fulfilling those supplications [Duā] which are not in your interest. At times, the virtues [šawāb] of the Duā are destined for you in the hereafter. You ask for the meager wealth and the fleeting thing of the world and Allah   

! " has destined the treasures of the hereafter [Akhirah] for you. This should be an occasion of joy, not of sorrow.”

PICKING ONE’S TEETH [KHILĀL] It is a Sunnah to pick your teeth with a toothpick or a small stick. Some people use one end of the matchstick and throw 91

Islamic Manners of Eating

away the the combustible end of the matchstick. In this way they waste the matchstick. It is therefore better to use a toothpick, instead. One can find several Prophetic narrations that convey the importance of picking one’s teeth [khilāl]. Thus, it is narrated by  the Companion of the Prophet, Abū Hurrairah   3 "  

7 that the  ?

 Prophet                 has said, “Whoever eats [and if some remnants of food are lodged in the teeth], if he takes it out by using a toothpick [khilāl] he should spit it out and if he takes it out using the tongue he should swallow it. Whoever does this has done well, and if he does not do it; there is no harm.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd, pp. 46, vol. 1, ḥadiš. 35)

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KIRĀMAN KĀTIBĪN & THOSE WHO DON’T PICK THERE TEETH!  Sayyidunā Abū Ayub Ansāri   3 "  

7 has narrated that once the  ?

 Holy Prophet                 approached us and delivered, “How admirable are the ones who do pick their teet [Khilāl].”  %    The dear Companions 2  - =  :   asked, “Ya Rasool-Allah

 

        "           

! ! Do Khilāl, with what?” The Holy Prophet

                   replied, “The ones who do Khilāl during Wudū [ablution] and the ones who do Khilāl after eating. Khilāl in Wudū is to rinse the mouth, to sniff water into the nostrils, to interlace the fingers14 whereas the Khilāl of eating is [picking one’s teeth] after eating. There is nothing more disturbing to Kirāman Kātibīn15 than to see a person (to whom they have been assigned to) performing his Salāh with something stuck between his teeth.” (Mu’jam Kabīr, pp. 177, vol. 4, ḥadiš. 4061)

14 15

so that the webbing between the fingers are also washed the two angels who record the deeds of a person

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The Manners Pertaining to Food

THOSE WHO EAT PAĀN16 SHOULD PAY HEED Imām of Ahl-u-Sunnah, Mujaddid of the Ummah, Reviver of the Sunnah, Destroyer of Bid’at, Scholar of Sacred Law, Guide of Spirituality, Fountain of Blessing, Allamah, Maulānā, Al-Hāj AlHafiz, Al-Qāri Ash-Shah Imām Ahmed Razā Khan        5 6  7 has stated, “It has been observed that particles of Paān and Betel Nut are embedded (stuck) in between the teeth and gums, especially if there are gaps in between their tooth, for those who eat Paān in excess. Even if these people rinse their mouth three times or even ten times, it is not sufficient (to remove these particles of Paān from their teeth). These cannot even be removed by toothpick or even by Miswāk [brushing] and can only be removed by rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water multiple times and each time moving the water around to release the particles of Paān and betel nut. Rinsing the mouth in this way cannot be limited to a fixed number. It should be known that cleanliness has been highly emphasized [in Islam]. In has been stated in various Prophetic Narrations that when a person offers Salāh, the angels place their mouth on the person’s mouth. The recitation that he recites transfers into the mouth of the angel. If the person has particles of food in this mouth, it is extremely troublesome to the angels. Nothing causes more trouble to the angles than this [i.e. the food particles.]” His Eminence, The Leader of the Sons of Adam, The    Munificent Prophet                

has stated, “Whoever  amongst you awakens for Salāh at night should use a Miswāk because when you recite the Quran during the Salāh, angels place their mouth on your mouth and whatever [recitation] comes

16

Paān is made using leaves of Betel pepper, chewed with tpically a filling of small pieces of betel [areca] nut. May also be filled with tobacco. Primarily served in the Indian Sub-Continent.

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Islamic Manners of Eating

out of the mouth of the person enters the mouth of the angels.′′ (Kanz-ul-’Ummāl, pp. 319, vol.9)    5 Imam Tabarāni       6

 7 has recorded in the book ‘Kabīr’  that Sayyidunā Abū Ayub Ansāri   3 "   

7 has said that there is  ? nothing more unpleasant to both angels than to see their companion offering Salāh with particles of food stuck between his tooth. (Mu’jam Kabīr, pp. 177, vol. 4) (Fatāwā Raḍawiyyah (Jad īd), pp. 624-625, vol. 1)

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FRAGILE TEETH  ? Companion Sayyidunā ibn Umar 0 :  3 "   

7 has stated, “The  food which stays in the root weakens the tooth.” (Majma'-u-

Zavāid, pp. 32, vol. 5, ḥadiš: 7952)

WHICH TYPE OF TOOTHPICK SHOULD BE USED? Dear Islamic Brothers! Always remember to pick your teeth [khilāl] after eating. Preferably the toothpick should be made of margosa [neem] tree as its strong bitter taste is good for cleaning the mouth and gums. The toothpicks usually available in the market are not so strong as they easily break. Several good toothpicks can also be prepared from the veins of coconut palm leaves or a straw from the date palm leaf. Often times, strands of meat are embedded in the corners of the mouth, between the teeth, which are extremely difficult to remove. One can purchase dental floss and use them to remove the stuck food particles. One could also use dental curved sickle scalars made of stainless steel [instrument used by dentists] but one has to be overly cautious when using these instruments and also learn their proper usage, as their improper use could severly hurt the gums. 94

The Manners Pertaining to Food

SEVEN INTENTIONS FOR PICKING ONE’S TEETH [KHILĀL]: It has been stated in Hadith, that The Mercy for both worlds,

 The Holy Prophet         

  

        has stated, “The intention of a Muslim is better than his actions. (Mu’jam Kabīr, pp. 185, vol. 6, ḥadiš: 5942)

Therefore, one should render the following intentions before using a toothpick [or flossing, Khilāl.] You could also render these intentions before starting a meal. In any case reap multitudes of rewards by affirming them: 1. I will act upon the Sunnah of khilāl (using a toothpick) after eating. 2. I will recite ! ‫ﺴ ﻢ‬  , before using the toothpick [khilāl]. 3. I will use toothpick as a supplement to Miswaāk [toothbrushing stick, Sewak]. (When food gets stuck in the gums, it tends to rot and weaken the gums and then it becomes difficult to do miswaāk). 4. I will use toothpick as a supplement to rinsing the mouth during Wudū [Ablution]. (The entire mouth should be thoroughly washed, including the areas around the teeth and the gaps in between them. It is Sunnat-e-Mu′akkidah [Emphasized Sunnah] to rinse the mouth three times during Wudū. It is Fard [obligatory] to rinse the mouth once and Sunnah to rinse it three times during Ghusl [purificatory bath]). 5. I will strive to protect the mouth against any disease thereby gaining strength to worship. (The reason being, that when the toothpick is used, leftover food particles are removed and this inturn protects the gums against any disease. Thus healthy teeth engender more strength for worship.) 95

Islamic Manners of Eating

6. I will strive to protect myself from bad breath and thus maintain the sanctity to visit the Masjid. (There is no doubt that the food stuck in between the teeth eventually rots, which leads to bad breath and when one has a foul breath, it is Harām [strictly forbidden] to enter the Masjid). 7. I will guard myself against causing trouble to the angels. (Having strands of food stuck in the mouth during the Salāh discomforts the angels).

HOW TO PROPERLY RINSE THE MOUTH The proper manner of rinsing the mouth in Wudū [Ablution] is that the water reaches every corner of the mouth including the spaces between the teeth. During Wudū it is Sunnah to rinse the mouth, in the manner described above, that is three times. In Ghusl [purificatory bath] it is Fard [obligatory] to rinse the mouth once and Sunnah to rinse it three times. One should also gargle during the bath, provided that he is not fasting. It is imperative to remove all the particles of food and strands of meat that may be stuck in the teeth. If the strand of meat or piece of betel nut is so finely embedded that it is not coming out despite your efforts then don’t be too harsh on the teeth as you will hurt the gums, then in that case the one who is helpless [majbūr] is certainly excused.

MEDICAL BENEFITS OF KHILĀL    Our Beloved Prophet                

had stressed the  importance of cleaning the teeth to remove the food particles and prevent [the teeth and gums from] diseases, 14 centuries ago. Scientists have only now begun to stress the importance of doing so. Doctors say that after eating, particles of food are stuck in between the teeth and gums. If they are not removed, these particles rot and form a film of some special type of

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The Manners Pertaining to Food

plasma on the surface of the teth, which weakens the teeth and results in the inflammation and degeneration of the gums and other tissues surrounding the teeth. Gums recede from the teeth; teeth loosen, and eventually fall. Furthermore, one may be afflicted with gum disease called Pyorrhea, which results in the discharge of pus from the gums. This pus then mixes with the food and enters the stomach and gives rise to many fatal diseases.

GUM CANCER Those who plan to reduce the intake of food should also pay attention to reducing the consumption of Paān17, Tea and Coffee. You would not want to be deceived by your ‘self’ [Nafs] by compensating on cutting back on foods but increasing the consumption of coffee, tea and paān etc. This will lead into bigger problems. Teas [and Coffee] are harmful for the kidneys. For ones own good, one should also strive to eliminate the habit of consuming Paān, chewing tobacco [gutka], flavoured Supari mixes [betelnut pieces mixed with fennel seeds and flavors] and sweetened Supari [betelnut] pieces. People who use these in excess are often prone to gum, mouth and throat cancer as these substances are carcinogens. Excessive use of Paān causes the mouth to become red which causes the pus to go unnoticed. Since the release of pus is not accompanied by pain, it usually ends up in the stomach. By the time one becomes aware the disease has already spread.

THE DANGERS OF FAKE KATTHA It is highly likely that khatta18 is not produced in Pakistan and because certain people are heedless when it comes to the 17 18

See footnote number 16 on page 94 Kattha ia a red coloured liquid substance that is used in pān.

97

Islamic Manners of Eating

hereafter, they add red colouring to sand and try to pass it off as khatta. As a result, poor people from Pakistan become victims and are prone to sickness and disease. Do not consume fake khatta intentionally. Those who sell this fake product and those who sell this type of Pāan with its fake product should repent sincerely. Those who intentionally eat this sand should also desist from it. According to Islamic law, there is no harm in eating a little sand; however, it is Harām [Strictly Forbidden] to eat kattha in a quantity that would harm someone. (Rad-dulMuḥtār, pp. 364, vol. 1) , (Bahar-e-Sharī’at, pp. 63, vol. 2)

THE CAUSE OF GUM-BLEEDING There are times when the use of Miswāk causes bleeding in the teeth, which perhaps also goes into the stomach with food. One reason for this could be ailments of the stomach. Such people should seek treatments for ailments like constipation. One should refrain from consuming food which creates a lot of gas and fat. In addition, one should eat less than ones appetite and not eat at unnecessary times. The other reason for this is the buildup of tartar on the teeth, which forms due to ones carelessness when it comes to the cleansing of the teeth. One should visit a dentist. If the doctor is righteous and selfrespecting then he will scale (remove tartar and other build up in your teeth with instruments) your teeth in a single visit otherwise he may call you for multiple sessions in order to mint money from you.

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MISWĀK IS THE BEST REMEDY FOR THE TEETH If Miswāk is used properly, Inshā-Allah   

! ", teeth will be free of ailments. You might think that you have been using miswāk for many years, yet both your teeth and stomach are bad. My 98

The Manners Pertaining to Food

dear naive Islamic Brothers! This is not the fault of the Miswāk, but rather your own. From my experience, there are only a few people amongst a thousand who actually use the Miswāk properly. We brush (using Miswāk) in rush. In other words we don’t use Miswāk but fulfill its formality.

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FOURTEEN PEARLS OF WISDOM PERTAINING TO MISWĀK: 1. Miswāk19 should be as thick as the little finger (also

known as the pinky). 2. Miswāk should not be longer than your hand span20.

Satan sits on anything longer than this. 3. The strands of the Miswāk should be soft otherwise they

might hurt your gums and may cause your teeth to move away from each other, hence creating space between the teeth. 4. If Miswāk is not fresh, then place it in a glass of water to

make it soft. 5. Trim the strands every day because the strands are only

beneficial when they still possess some bitterness in them. 6. Brush your teeth horizontally with Miswāk. 7. Always brush your teeth with Miswāk three times. 8. And wash it after every use. 9. Hold the Miswāk with the right hand and allow the

middle three fingers to be on top, the thumb at the 19

For details on Miswāk please refer to Bahar-e-Shariat, Part 2, Page 17-18

Hand span is defined as follows: hand is placed palm down on a flat surface. The fingers are outstretched as far as possible. Measure the linear distance between the outside of the thumb to the outside of the little finger.

20

99

Islamic Manners of Eating

beginning (near the soft strands that are used to brush the teeth) and the little finger underneath. 10. First brush (with Miswāk) the upper jaw starting from

the right and then the left. Thereafter, clean the lower jaw again starting from the right and then the left. 11. Using Miswāk while one is lying on his back can cause

the spleen to enlargen. 12. Holding the Miswāk in the fist can cause piles when

brushing your teeth with. 13. Miswāk is considered as Sunnat-e-Qabliyyah [Sunnah

that is done prior to] in Wudū [Ablution], however, it becomes Sunnat-e-Mu′akkidah [emphasized Sunnah] if foul smell emanates from the mouth. (Fatāwā Raḍawiyyah (Jad īd), pp. 223, vol. 1)

14. Do not merely throw away the used strands of the

Miswāk or a used miswāk anywhere as it is an instrument that is used to act upon a Sunnah. Rather, keep it respectfully away, bury it or throw it into the sea.

FOUR PEARLS OF MADINAH PERTAING TO HEALTHY TEETH 1. After eating or drinking anything, one should thoroughly rinse one’s mouth. Thoroughly rinse every part of your mouth and let the water remain in the mouth for at least half a minute before spitting it out. 2. Whenever one has the opportunity, one should rinse one’s mouth daily on different times. Allow the water to remain for a few minutes before spitting it out. 3. The use of warm salty water is much more beneficial. Regular use will Inshā-Allah   

! " cause all particles of food stuck in the mouth to be removed. The particles will 100

The Manners Pertaining to Food

therefore not rot in the gums as they won’t be around long enough. Moreover, the teeth won’t bleed either. 4. Rubbing olive oil on the teeth helps the gums and makes the teeth stronger.

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A REMEDY FOR BAD BREATH If a person has bad breath or foul smell emanating from his mouth, one should chew on coriander. One may also cleanse his teeth with petals of rose. Inshā-Allah   

! " the foul odour will go away. However, if the causes of the foul smell are the ailments of the stomach, then one should eat less and guard himself from gluttony. Eating less will Inshā-Allah   

! " alleviate; aches and pains from the legs and various parts of the body, constipation, acid reflex, blisters in the mouth, colds and coughs, sore throat, bleeding gums and many more illnesses including bad smell from the mouth. Eating less can alleviate or cure 80% of the illnesses. For further elaboration on this, one may refer to the book entitled “Pait Ka Qufle Madinah (The Excellence of Hunger)”. If our Carnal Desires [Nafs] are overpowered, we would automatically alleviate and cure many illnesses. Razā, the Nafs is your Enemy, Do not be Mislead You are yet to see the wayfarers

Razā nafs dushman hay dum mayn na ānā Kahān tum nay dekhe hayn chandrānay walay

A SPIRITUAL CURE FOR BAD BREATH One should read the following Durūd [Salutations and Peace], whenever possible, 11 times in one single breath. Inshā-Allah   

!  ", this would eliminate bad breath. 101

Islamic Manners of Eating

  

 Y % N m     Z    

 : e  

   

    HOW SHOULD WE RECITE IN A SINGLE BREATH In order to recite the above Durūd [Salutations and Peace] in one breath, one should close the mouth and breathe slowly through the nostrils. Try and fill as much air into the lungs as possible. Practicing this a few times will enable a person to read the Durūd [Salutations and Peace] 11 times in one single breath. It is very beneficial for the health to hold ones breathe inside for as long as possible and then exhale it slowly form the mouth. One should do this repeatedly during the day especially in open places. A senior Hakim [Doctor of Herbal Medicine] once told me that he can hold his breath anywhere from a half hour to two and during this time; he is able to recite his various litanies [wazāif]. He also mentioned that there are certain experts who can hold their breaths for a very long time; they inhale in the morning and exhale in the evening.

FIVE FRAGRANT MOUTHS Here is an account of one of the many miracles manifested at    the hands of the Noble Prophet                

, in which   7 [sahaabiyaat] ? mouths of five female companions J :  3 "   

 became fragrant forever.  Sayyidah ‘Umairah bint-e-Mas’ūd Ansāria  :3 "  

7 has  ?  narrated that she and her four sisters J :  3 "  

7 once came to the  ? Leader of the Sons of Adam, The Munificent and Eminent

 Prophet                 to swear allegiance. At that moment,

 the Holy Prophet                 was eating a piece of dried 21



            meat . The Holy Prophet              then chewed a piece of meat to make it soft and then gave it to her. The female

21

Commonly known as (beef) jerky today

102

The Manners Pertaining to Food

companions distributed that amongst themselves and ate it. Till the day they died, their mouths were always fragrant. (Al-Khaṣāiṣ ul-Kubrā, pp. 105, vol. 1)

Sayyidunā Abu Umamah has narrated that there lived in Madinah a shameless women that would utter obscene and profane language. Once, she passed by the Holy Prophet





                        . The Prophet              was eating a piece of dried meat (aka. beef jerky). She also requested a piece    of meat from Him                

. The Holy Prophet 

             then broke a piece and handed it to her. She      

 refused to take it and requested that he give her a piece from

 his blessed mouth that He was chewing. He                   then handed over a piece from his blessed mouth. She then swallowed the piece of meat and after this incident; she was never heard uttering words of profanity. (Al-Khaṣāiṣ ul-Kubrā, pp. 105, vol. 1)

HEAVY RAIN Dear Islamic Brothers! Embrace the Righteous Environment of Da’awat-e-Islāmī, and partake in the Sunnah-Inspiring Ijtimā’ [Congregation]. Inshā-Allah   

! ", you will reap many blessings in the hereafter and many of your worldly problems will also be resolved. Furthermore, supplications [Duās] will be accepted in the proximity and company of the Devotees of the Prophet.  ? Amīr-ul-Mo’minīn, The Valiant Ali-ul-Murtada   3 "   

7 has  narrated that the Master of Makkah and Madinah, The Authority

 [Mukhtar] and Master [Malik] of Both Worlds         

  

        has said,

 -09 7-F   JH/   0"    J( n 4  V 8   W /   R 7 S   T 

    ′′Duā is an armour for the Muslim, a pillar of religion and a Nūr [Light] in the heavens and earth.′′ (Musnad Abū Ya’lā, pp. 215, vol. 1, 103

Islamic Manners of Eating

ḥadiš. 435) Duā is not dismissed especially when one is in travel and if that journey is a Madanī Qāfilah with Devotees of the Prophet. Here is an account that is a testament to the above.

A Madanī Qāfilah was once on a journey in the district of Nikyāl (Kashmir). The locals asked them to make Duā [Supplication] for rain as it had not rained there for a very long time. The travellers of Madanī Qāfilah then made Duā [Supplication] in a congregation, in which many locals also took part. It was daytime and the sun was shining hard in its full glory. The Islamic Brothers in the Madanī Qāfilah pleaded sincerely. Al-Hamdulillah   

! ", suddenly the rain clouds emerged in the sky from allover it began to rain heavily. The clamour of the locals could be heard in the streets as they rejoiced in delight and drenched in the rain. The locals were highly inspired and their hearts were instilled with the love and respect for the Devotees of the Prophet in the Madanī Qāfilah. Many locals embrace the Righteous Environment of Da’awat-eIslāmī and the mission of Da’awat-e-Islāmī flourished in that community. Travel in the Qafilah and make your Duā, Heavy rains will pour, Let’s go in Qafilah Devotees of the Prophet gather the Pearls of Sunnah As many as you procure (get), Let’s go in Qafilah

Qāfilay mayn zarā, māngo āa kar Duā Hongī khūb bārishayn, qafilay mayn chalo Aashiqānay rasūl lay lo jo kuch bhī phūl Tum ko sunnat ke dayn qāfilay mayn chalo

FOOD STAINS ON ONE’S HAND  Sayyidunā ‘Abdullah ‘ibn Abbās   3 " 

7 has narrated that the  ? The Guide for Allah’s Creation, The Intercessor of the Day of

 " Judgement, Beloved of Allah, the Prophet                     

!

104

The Manners Pertaining to Food

has stated, ′′Whosoever spends the night in this condition that there are signs of oil (or fat from food) on his hands and an affliction befalls on him, he should not blame anyone for this, but himself.′′ (Majma'-u-Zavāid, pp. 33, vol. 5, ḥadiš. 7954)

DANGER OF A SNAKE Dear Islamic Brothers! One should thoroughly wash one’s hands with soap and then dry them with a towel after eating; so that no signs of food oil or fat remain. Remains of food on your hands would discomfort others when you would shake hands with them. The Renowned Exegetist of the Quran, Hakīmul  Ummah, Mufti Ahmed Yār Khan 2  6 7   3 4  5

   has elaborated on the meaning of this hadiš. He has said, ′′The affliction that is stated in this hadiš, refers to the biting of a snake or biting of a rat, as both of these animals are attracted to the smell of food; or it could also mean the danger of being afflicted with leukoderma22, as the hands stained with food come in contact with another part of the body, after coming in contact with perspiration; there is a possibility that the area could develop this disease.′′ (Mirāt-ul Manājīḥ, pp. 38, vol. 6) Shaykh Mufti Muhammed Khalīl Khan Barkātī  -    5 6 7       has explained, ′′If a person, after eating, goes to sleep without washing the hands; Satan licks the hand (of the person). Ma’aāżAllah   

! "! This can engender Leukoderma.′′ (Sunnī Bahishtī Zaiwar, p. 607)

IS IT APPROPRIATE TO USE OTHER PEOPLE’S UTENSILS? If food has come from another person’s house, one should immediately empty the container and return it. If one cannot immediately return the container, one should keep it away as an entrustment [amānat] as one is not permitted to use another 22

Partial or total loss of skin pigmentation

105

Islamic Manners of Eating

person’s utensil. (Sunnī Bahishtī Zaiwar, p. 607) If one has done this in the past, one should immediately ask the owner of the utensils to pardon him and also seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah   

!  ".

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25 PRACTICES (SUNNAH) OF THE PROPHET   ٖ           PERTAINING TO FOOD    1. The Noble Prophet                

would never eat 

while resting (his back) against any support. (Sunan Abī

Dāwūd, pp. 488, vol. 3, ḥadiš. 3769)

 2. He                   never ate on a table. (Saḥīḥ Bukhārī, pp.

24, vol. 3, ḥadiš. 55386)

 3. He                   would eat whatever was available.

(Saḥīḥ Muslim, pp. 1134, ḥadiš. 2052)

 4. He         

  

        never asked people in his household

for any food and never wished for any specific food but would eat what ever was served. He would eat and drink whatever edibles were served. (Itḥaf-us-Sādat-il-Muttaqīn, pp. 248, vol. 8)

 5. At times, He                 would get the food himself.

(Sunan Abī Dāwūd, pp. 4, vol. 5, ḥadiš. 3846)

 6. He                   would eat from the section right in

front of him. (Shu’bul Īmān, pp. 79, vol. 5, ḥadiš. 5846)

 7. He         

  

        ate with three fingers. (Muṣannaf Ibn Abī

Shaybah, pp. 559, vol. 5, ḥadiš. 3)    8. At times, He                

would eat with four 

fingers. (Al-Jami’us-Ṣagīr, pp. 250, ḥadiš. 6942) However, He 106

The Manners Pertaining to Food

         

  

       

       never ate with two, as He   

 

        has affirmed that it was the practice of Satan (that is to eat with two fingers). (Al-Jami’us-Ṣagīr, pp. 249, vol. 5, ḥadiš. 6940)

   9. He                

would eat bread made from non 

sifted Barley (Saḥīḥ Bukhārī, pp. 531, vol. 3, ḥadiš. 5410).

 10. Most of the times His         

  

       blessed food were

dates and water. (Saḥīḥ Bukhārī, pp. 23, vol. 3, ḥadiš. 55380)

   11. He                

would consume milk and dates 

together and used to say that these two were exquisite substances. (Musnad Imām Aḥmad, pp. 385, vol. 5, ḥadiš. 15893)

   12. His                

favourite food was meat. (Jāmi’ 

Tirmiżi, pp. 533, vol. 5, ḥadiš.178)

 13. He                 used to say that meat intensifies the

power of the faculty of hearing and that it was the king of

 foods in this world and in the next. He                 declared, ′′If I had asked the Almighty to bestow meat upon me everyday, He would have Granted it.′′ (Itḥaf-usSādat-il-Muttaqīn, pp. 238, vol. 8)

   14. The Holy Prophet                

, would mix bread 

with squash and meat, inclusive of the gravy, and eat (Itḥaf-us-Sādat-il-Muttaqīn, pp. 239, vol. 8).

 15. Holy Prophet                   would never lower his

head to eat meat but would always lift his hands to the mouth and then bite the meat. (Jāmi’ Tirmiżi, pp. 329, vol. 3, ḥadiš.1842)

 16. The Prophet                   liked meat from the leg

and shoulder area of the goat (male and female). (Jāmi’

Tirmiżi, pp. 330, vol. 3, ḥadiš.1842/1844)

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Islamic Manners of Eating

 17. The Holy Prophet                 never liked eating the

kidney because it was near the place of urine. (Kanz-ul-

’Ummāl, pp. 41, vol. 7, ḥadiš. 18212)

 18. He                 resented eating the spleen, even

 though He                 did not declare it Harām [strictly forbidden] (Itḥaf-us-Sādat-il-Muttaqīn, pp. 243, vol. 8).

 19. The Holy Prophet         

  

        would use his fingers

   to wipe the utensils clean; He                

would  then lick his fingers clean and used to say that ′′there is more barakah at the end′′. (Shu’bul Īmān, pp. 81, vol. 5, ḥadiš. 5854)

 20. Among fresh fruits, He                 liked grapes and

melon the most. (Kanz-ul-’Ummāl, pp. 41, vol. 7, ḥadiš. 18200)

 21. He                   would eat melon with sugar and

bread. (Itḥaf-us-Sādat-il-Muttaqīn, pp. 236, vol. 8)

 22. At times, He         

          would eat melon with ripe

dates. (Jāmi’ Tirmiżi, pp. 332, vol. 3, ḥadiš.1850)

 23. He                 would use both of his hands. Once, He

                 was eating ripe dates. The dates were in



His                  right hand and the seeds were in His

                

      left. A goat passed by. He           

 

signalled the goat with His                  left hand that contained date seeds. The goat approached and began to

 eat the seeds from His                 left hand while He





                     continued to eat with His            

                           right hand. This continued until He        finished, thereafter, the goat also left. (Itḥaf-us-Sādat-il-Muttaqīn,

pp. 237, vol. 8)    24. The Holy Prophet                

never ate raw 

(uncooked) onions, raw garlic or leek. (Tarīkh-u-Baghdād, pp. 262, vol. 2)

108

The Manners Pertaining to Food

 25. He                 never spoke badly about any food. If





He                      liked it, He             would



                         eat it and if not, He    

would withdraw his hand. (Saḥīḥ Muslim, pp. 11411, ḥadiš. 2064)

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92 PEARLS OF MADINAH PERTAINING TO FOOD RENDER INTENTIONS PRIOR TO CONSUMING FOOD 1. One should not eat for merely relishing the taste or

fulfilling the desires, but should have intend to attain strength and energy to worship Allah   

! ". Bear in mind that the above intention can only be true if one also intends to eat less than his appetite because gluttonizing is only a hindrance (makes one lazy) in worship. One should only eat when he is hungry as it is Sunnah to do so. Eating when a person is not hungry only poses health risks and hardens the heart. Sayyidunā Shaikh Abū Tālib    5  6 7 has stated, ′′In one narration it is stated Makkī      that to eat when one is full engenders leukoderma. (Quwwat-ul-Qulūb, pp. 326, vol. 2)

2. Use a dining-mat that does not have any alphabets, words,

statements, names and logos of the companies inscribed on it. 3. It is Sunnah to wash both hands upto the wrists prior to,

and subsequent to eating. One should also rinse the mouth and wash the lips. Furthermore, do not wipe the hands

 before eating. The Prophet                  has stated, “Performing Wudū [Ablution] before and after eating (that is washing the hands and mouth) augments one’s sustenance [rizq] and keeps Satan away.” (Kanz-ul-’Ummāl, pp. 106, vol. 15, ḥadiš.40755)

109

Islamic Manners of Eating

4. It is improper to say that one has forgone a Sunnah if

another has not washed his mouth before eating. (Bahar-eSharī’at, pp. 16-18)

5. While eating; one should either fold the left leg (that is

thigh on the lower leg) on the ground and raise the right knee, or raise both knees with your buttocks on the ground, or sit with both legs folded as in Salāh (that is thighs on the lower leg). You will have acted upon the Sunnah if you sit in any of the ways described above. HABITUALIZE YOURSELF TO OVERLAY [PARDAY MAIN PURDAH] 6. All brothers and sisters should Overlay [Parday Mayn

Purdah] their lower half of the body with the front part of the kurta or a shawl, otherwise it will be extremely difficult for another person to guard his eyes against committing a sin if you are wearing skin-tight garments or if the front portion of the kurta is not properly covering the shalwaar or the pyjamas. If it is not possible for a person to Overlay [Parday Mayn Purdah] then one should sit in a folded legs position (that is thighs on the lower leg). This will serve two purposes; one that you will automatically cover your legs and the groin area and the other that you will be sitting in a manner that is Sunnah to do so while eating. 7. It is not Sunnah to sit cross-legged while eating. This

causes the belly to bulge.  ‫ﺴ‬ 8. Recite Bismillah ! ‫ﻢ‬  prior to the first morsel, Bismillah-

hir-Rahmān ‫ﻟﺮ ﺣ ٰﻤﻦ‬  ‫ﺴ‬  prior to the second and Bismillah ! ‫ﻢ‬ hir-Rahmān-ir-Rahīm ﷽ prior to the third. 9. Recite Bismillah ! ‫ﺴ ﻢ‬  in a tone audible to others so they

may be reminded to do the same. 110

The Manners Pertaining to Food

10. Recite the following Duā [Supplication] prior to eating.

Even poisoned food will not affect you, Inshā-Allah

  

!  ".

(Kanz-ul-’Ummāl, pp. 109, vol. 15, ḥadiš.40792)

 e &  f     r ( % s H S  @ I   f R 7 S  o  Wk p  d ٖ q 

e  9 &
-   K  H p t   H Wc0 9 

 o S 

“I begin with Allah’s    !  " name, with the blessing [barakah] of who’s name nothing of the earth nor the skies can cause detriment.” 11. Recite Bismillahi-Awwalahū-wa-Ākhirah ‫ﮦ‬