How to Eat Like the Prophet ﷺ
The following is an excerpt from Tarāshe by Muftī Taqī ʿUthmānī,
revealing the sacred etiquette of prophetic dining.
In Islām, every action, no matter how mundane, can be transformed into an act of worship (ibādah) when performed with the right intention and in accordance with the Sunnah. The simple act of eating is a powerful example of this principle. The Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ taught us that our approach to food is a reflection of our spiritual state. He was a paragon of moderation, never indulging to the point of excess. His blessed life teaches us that food is a means to sustain our bodies for worship and service to Allāh, not an end in itself. By adopting his manners at the dinner table, we turn a basic need into a source of immense blessing (barakah) and reward.
The most profound guidance on this matter comes from a famous ḥadīth that serves as a prescription for both physical and spiritual well-being. ibn Maʿdīkarib (raḍiya Allāhu ʿanhu) reported that he heard the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ say: “A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one-third for hisn food, one-third for his drink, and one-third for his breath” (Sunan al-Tirmidhī). This teaching highlights the wisdom of moderation. In another example of his beautiful character, Abū Hurayrah (raḍiya Allāhu ʿanhu) reported that the Prophet ﷺ. never criticized any food. If he liked it, he would eat it, and if he disliked it, he would leave it without comment (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī). This demonstrates profound gratitude and respect for the blessings of Allāh.
Embracing these prophetic manners is simple and transformative. Here are a few practical steps to elevate your meals into acts of worship:
Begin with Intention:
Before eating, make the intention that you are eating to gain strength for prayer, work, and serving others for the sake of Allāh.
Say `Bismillāh`:
Always begin by saying “In the name of Allāh.” This invokes blessings upon your food.
Practice the One-Third Rule:
Eat mindfully and slowly, paying attention to your body’s signals of fullness. Consciously stop eating before you are completely full, leaving space for water and air.
Show Gratitude:
Whether the food is to your liking or not, be thankful for the provision. At the end of the meal, say `Alḥamdulillāh` (All praise is for Allāh).
Eat with Your Right Hand:
Follow the Sunnah of eating with your right hand, a simple act of obedience with great reward.
Conclusion:
By viewing food not as a mere indulgence but as a sacred trust (amānah) and a means of sustenance from our Creator, we unlock its spiritual potential. A light stomach leads to an alert mind, a soft heart, and a body energetic for worship. A heavy stomach, in contrast, leads to spiritual laziness and physical ailments. Following the Prophet’s ﷺ example in eating is a path to a healthier body and a more luminous soul.
May Allāh subḥānahu wa taʿālā bless our provisions, fill our hearts with gratitude, and grant us the tawfīq to follow the beautiful example of His Messenger ﷺ in all our affairs. Āmīn.
