ISLAM AND ETIQUETTE OF
EATING AND DRINKING
8. LEAVE NO FOOD
Islam forbids its followers to leave food behind. This shows that a Muslim should not overdo anything, including food. Take enough so that the food and drink is not in vain (wasted).
A hadith narrated by Djawir in Sahih Muslim says
“don’t leave food behind because it contains blessings, don’t leave it for the devil.”
Very often we encounter the habit of throwing food away or leaving food behind, especially when we are free to take food, for example when eating from buffets in hotels, buffets at banquets, or in “all you can eat” restaurants that provide flexibility for people to eat. us to choose any type of food in the desired portion.
To prevent a Muslim from doing things that are redundant, it is better to take food according to portions that are not excessive. This can also be tricked by using food containers with the right sized for one meal, for example for desserts such as pudding or other sweet snacks. In addition, taking food using a spoon to transfer it to one’s own plate makes the food in good condition and hygienic to share with others later. Thus, the food can last longer.
9. SAYING ALHAMDULILLAH
After finishing eating, a Muslim should say “Alhamdulillah” which means “Praise be to Allah”. This is to express gratitude to God for the favors in the form of food and drinks that have been obtained.
Saying “bismillah” as the opening, and “Alhamdulillah” as the closing is also applied in almost all activities and achievements of a Muslim.
Here I want to share a story narrated by Imam Abu Dawud and then narrated by Imam Ibn Majah about a man who came to the Prophet to complain.
He said, “O Messenger of Allah, we have eaten but do not feel full.”
The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, replied, “Maybe because you are eating separately”.
The man then confirmed the words of the Prophet.
The Prophet then said “Eat together, then say Bismillah, then Allah will bless the food.”
This is the argument that then led to the emergence of the tradition of eating together, both using the same large plate or using each other’s plates but still being done together.
This is the etiquette of eating and drinking in Islam.
Wallahu’alam bishwab
Allah knows better about everything.
Profile
Budy Utamy
Writer. Her works in the form of poetry and short stories have been published in several mass media and anthology books together. She has also participated in the Ubud Writer and Readers International Festival in Bali and the Asean Korea Literature Festival.
She also conducted the Kampar River Cultural Expedition (2012) and the Kuantan and Indragiri River Cultural Expedition (2013). In 2015, she was involved in the project of writing the history of the origin of the Talang Mamak Tribe. Now, she is active again with programs and art works concept of her own.
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