We all need food to survive. It is an essential biological need for a healthy life.
The food we consume also reflects our unique socio-cultural milieu. One’s health and well-being are contingent on the quality and quantity of food one consumes.
Thus, knowledge about the right food and the right way of consuming it becomes relevant, especially for believers.
This article is an attempt to enlist Islamic dietary laws from Quran and Hadiths. Read this to learn more about the rules and etiquettes of dining in Islam.
In Islam, food is considered a gift and blessing from Allah Almighty. As per Holy Quran, it is Allah who is the giver of food and drink.
Hence, Islam provides detailed guidelines and etiquettes as to how and in what manner one should consume food.
How one should begin Eating Food?
Given below are some dining rules that apply before one begins eating the food.
Mention Allah’s Name before Eating
Riyad as-Salihin 727 ‘Umar bin Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), said to me, “Mention Allah’s Name (i.e., say Bismillah before starting eating), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you.”
Sunan Abi Dawud 3777 Narrated Umar ibn Abu Salamah: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Come near, my son, mention Allah’s name, eat with your right hand and eat from what is next to you.
Eat with the Right Hand
Islamic dietary laws prescribe eating with the right hand in normal circumstances.
Sunan Abi Dawud 32 Narrated Hafsah, Ummul Mu’minin: The Prophet (ﷺ) used his right hand for taking his food and drink and used his left hand for other purposes.
Bulugh ul Maram Book 8, Hadith 101 Narrated Jabir (RA): The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Do not eat with the left hand, for the devil eats with the left hand.” [Reported by Muslim].
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1800 Narrated Az-Zuhri: From Salim, from his father, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When one of you eats, then let him eat with his right hand, and let him drink with his right hand, for indeed Ash-Shaitan eats with his left hand, and he drinks with his left hand.”
Eat what is Nearer to you First
Sahih al-Bukhari 5376 Narrated `Umar bin Abi Salama: I was a boy under the care of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and my hand used to go around the dish while I was eating. So Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said to me, ‘O boy! Mention the Name of Allah and eat with your right hand, and eat of the dish what is nearer to you.” Since then I have applied those instructions when eating.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5377 Narrated `Umar bin Al Salama: Who was the son of Um Salama, the wife of the Prophet: Once I ate a meal with Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and I was eating from all sides of the dish. So Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said to me, “Eat of the dish what is nearer to you.”
Eat from the Sides First
Sunan Ibn Majah 3277 It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When food is served, take from the sides and leave the middle, for the blessing descends in the middle.”
Eat from the Bottom First
Sunan Abi Dawud 3772 Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: When one of you eats, he must not eat from the top of the dish, but should eat from the bottom; for the blessing descends from the top of it.
Eating with Others
Islamic dietary laws encourage communal eating and dining.
Sunan Ibn Majah 3287 Salim bin ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar said: “I heard my father say: ‘I heard ‘Umar bin Khattab say: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Eat together and do not eat separately, for the blessing is in being together.’”
Eating with Three Fingers
Sahih Muslim 2032c ‘Abdullah b. Ka’b reported that his father Ka’b narrated to him that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) used to eat with three fingers and when he had finished (eating), he licked them.
Don’t Criticize the Food
The Prophet (PBUH) never criticized any food that was presented to him.
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 764: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet never criticized any food (presented him), but he would eat it if he liked it; otherwise, he would leave it (without expressing his dislike).
Sahih Muslim 2059d Jabir reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Food for one (person) suffices two, and food for two (persons) suffices four persons and food for four persons suffices eight persons.
Riyad as-Salihin 735 Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) never found fault with food. If he had an inclination to eat it, he would eat; and if he disliked it, he would leave it. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Overeating is a sign of Disbelief
Overeating is frowned upon in Islamic dietary laws. It is considered to be a manifest sign of disbelief and Hypocrisy.
Sunan Ibn Majah 3256 It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The believer eats with one intestine and the disbeliever eats with seven intestines.’”
Sahih al-Bukhari 5397 Narrated Abu Huraira: A man used to eat much, but when he embraced Islam, he started eating less. That was mentioned to the Prophet (ﷺ) who then said, “A believer eats in one intestine (is satisfied with a little food) and a Kafir eats in seven intestines (eats much). “
Sahih al-Bukhari 5394 Narrated Ibn `Umar: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “A believer eats in one intestine (is satisfied with a little food), and a kafir (unbeliever) or a hypocrite eats in seven intestines (eats too much).
Sunan Ibn Majah 3351 It was narrated that ‘Atiyyah bin ‘Amir Al-Juhani said: “I heard Salman when he was forced to eat food, say: ‘It is sufficient for me that I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: The people who most eat their fill in this world will be the most hungry on the Day of Resurrection.’”
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “On the Day of Resurrection, there will be brought forth a bulky person (person of noteworthy status) whose value to Allah will be less than that of the wing of a mosquito”. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Riyad as-Salihin 255
Imran bin Husain narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The best of my Ummah is the generation among whom I was sent, then those who follow them.” He(`Imran) said: I do not know if he mentioned the third or not. “Then there shall appear people who testify while their testimony was not sought, who are treacherous, not trusted, and fatness shall spread among them.” Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2222
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: Umar heard that Samurah had sold some wine, and he said: “May Allah ruin Samurah! Does he not know that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘May Allah curse the Jews, for animal fat was forbidden to them, so they melted it down and sold it.’” Sunan Ibn Majah 3383 Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Eating on a Dining Table
Ash-Shama’il Al-Muhammadiyah 149 Anas said: “Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) did not eat food on a table, and he did not eat bread rolled thin and flat until he died.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 5386 Narrated Anas: To the best of my knowledge, the Prophet (ﷺ) did not take his meals in a big tray at all, nor did he ever eat well-baked thin bread, nor did he ever eat at a dining table.
Eating in a Big Tray
Sahih al-Bukhari 5386 Narrated Anas: To the best of my knowledge, the Prophet (ﷺ) did not take his meals in a big tray at all, nor did he ever eat well-baked thin bread, nor did he ever eat at a dining table.
Taking Support while Eating
Ash-Shama’il Al-Muhammadiyah 132 Abu Juhaifa said: “Allah’s Messenger said (Allah bless him and give him peace): ‘I do not eat while leaning on a support! I do not eat while leaning on a support!”
Bulugh al-Maram Book 8, Hadith 97 Narrated Abu Juhaifah (RA): Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “I do not eat Muttaki’an (sitting with support of something, so as to eat more).” [Reported by al-Bukhari].
Picking Food from the Ground
According to Islamic dietary laws, there is no harm in picking food from the ground if has fallen from one’s plate. However, one should clean it before eating.
Jami`at-Tirmidhi 1802 Narrated Jabir: That the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When one of you eats food, and he drops a piece of it, then let him remove anything suspicious from it and eat it. Do not leave it for Ash-Shaitan.” He said: There is something about this from Anas.
Licking Fingers
Sahih Muslim 2035a Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: When any one of you eats food he should lick his fingers, for he does not know in what part of the food sticking to his fingers the blessing lies.
Sharing Food in Islam
Islam encourages sharing of food especially with the poor, orphans, travelers, and the needy.
Sunan an-Nasa’i 2315 It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that: he came to Prophet in Al-Madinah when he was eating breakfast. The Prophet said to him: “Come and eat the breakfast.” He said: “I am fasting.” The Prophet said to him: “Allah, the mighty and sublime, has waived fasting and half of the prayer for the traveler and for pregnant and breastfeeding women.”
Best Food in Islam
Food earned by one’s own manual labor is considered to be the best under Islamic dietary laws.
Mishkat al-Masabih 2759 Al-Miqdam b. Ma’dikarib reported God’s Messenger as saying, “No one has ever eaten better food than what he eats as a result of the labor of his hands. God’s prophet David used to eat from what he had worked for with his hands.” Bukhari transmitted it.
Worst Food in Islam
Food from wedding feasts is considered worst in Islam because poor and needy who need the food most are left out in most wedding banquets.
Sunan Ibn Majah 1913 It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The worst of food is the food of a wedding feast to which the rich are invited and the poor are not. Whoever does not accept an invitation has disobeyed Allah and His Messenger.’ ”
Muwatta Malik Book 28, Hadith 50 Yahya related to me from Malik from Ibr. Shihab from al-Araj that Abu Hurayra said, “The worst food is the food of a wedding feast to which the rich are invited and the poor are left out. If anyone rejects an invitation, he has rebelled against Allah and His Messenger.”
Riyad as-Salihin 266 Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The worst food is the food of the marriage banquet from which those are left out who would like to come, and to which those are invited who refuse to come. He who rejects an invitation disobeys Allah and His Messenger”. [Muslim]. In another narration Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The worst food is the food of the marriage banquet to which the rich are invited and from which the poor are left out”.
Etiquettes of a Communal Meal
When one is eating with others and one finishes his food early, it is better to wait for others to finish theirs.
Sunan Ibn Majah 3294 It was narrated from ‘Aishah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade standing up before the food had been cleared away. (Daif)
Vegetarian Foods in Islam
In general, vegetarian foods that are beneficial to health are permitted. Only those foods that are unpleasant and bad for health are prohibited. Garlic and Onions are mostly forbidden because of their bad odor. But some of the hadiths provide that garlic can be eaten cooked form.
Eat what is Beneficial to Health
It was narrated from ‘Aishah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “You should eat the beneficial thing that is unpleasant to eat: Talbinah,” meaning broth. If any member of the family of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was sick, the cooking pot would remain on the fire until one of two things happened, either the person recovered or died.
Honey
Sahih al-Bukhari 5431 Narrated `Aisha: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) used to love sweet edible things and honey.
Sunan Abi Dawud 2701 Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar: In the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) an army got food and honey and a fifth was not taken from them.
Milk
Milk and its derivatives are permissible in Islam. Recent studies indicate that milk is a leading cause of Diabetes. Though the Prophet (PBUH) drank milk but did point out the fat in it.
Sunan an-Nasa’i 5758 Jarir said: “Ibn Shubrumah would not drink anything except water and milk.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 211 Narrated Ibn `Abbas: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) drank milk, rinsed his mouth and said, “It has fat.”
Jamia at-Tirmidhi Vol. 5, Book 41, Hadith 2790 Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “There are three that are not refused: Cushions, oils [Duhn (fragrance)], and milk.”
Narrated Hamza’s father: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “While I was sleeping, I saw myself drinking (i.e. milk), and I was so contented that I saw the milk flowing through my nails. Then I gave (the milk) to `Umar.” They (i.e. the companions of the Prophet) asked, “What do you interpret it?” He said, “Knowledge.”
Sunan Ibn Majah 498 It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that: The Prophet said: ‘Rinse your mouths after drinking milk for there is some greasiness in it.”
Olive
Sunan Ibn Majah 3319 It was narrated from ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Season (your food) with olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree.”
Dates
Sunan Ibn Majah 3328 It was narrated from ‘Ubaidullah bin Abu Rafi’, from his grandmother Salma, that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “A house in which there are no dates is like a house in which there is no food.”
Mishkat al-Masabih 4187 Anas told that he saw the Prophet squatting and eating dates. A version says he was eating some quickly. Muslim transmitted it.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5445 Narrated Sa`d: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “He who eats seven ‘Ajwa dates every morning, will not be affected by poison or magic on the day he eats them.”
Sahih Muslim 797a Abu Musa al-Ash’ari reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: A believer who recites the Qur’an is like an orange whose fragrance is sweet and whose taste is sweet; a believer who does not recite the Qur’an is like a date which has no fragrance but has a sweet taste, and the hypocrite who recites the Qur’an is like basil whose fragrance is sweet, but whose taste is bitter, and a hypocrite who does not recite the Qur’an is like the colocynth which has no fragrance and has a bitter taste.
Ghee and Butter
Sahih al-Bukhari 235 Narrated Maimuna: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was asked regarding ghee (cooking butter) in which a mouse had fallen. He said, “Take out the mouse and throw away the ghee around it and use the rest.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 5169 Narrated Anas: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) manumitted Safiyya and then married her, and her Mahr was her manumission, and he gave a wedding banquet with Hais (a sort of sweet dish made from butter, cheese, and dates).
Beet Root and Barley
Riyad as-Salihin 863 Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: There was a woman (in another narration; an old woman) among us who would put beetroot in a pot and add to it some ground barley. She used to cook them together. On returning from the Friday prayer, we would greet her and she would offer it to us. [Al-Bukhari].
Narrated Abu Hazim: Sahl said, “We used to feel happy on Fridays.” I asked Sahl, “Why?” He said, “There was an old woman of our acquaintance who used to send somebody to Buda’a (Ibn Maslama said, “Buda’a was a garden of date-palms at Medina).
She used to pull out the silq (a kind of vegetable) from its roots and put it in a cooking pot, adding some powdered barley over it (and cook it). After finishing the Juma (Friday) prayer we used to (pass by her and) greet her, whereupon she would present us with that meal, so we used to feel happy because of that. We used to have neither a midday nap, nor meals, except after the Friday prayer.” (See Hadith No. 60, Vol.2)
Sahih al-Bukhari 6248
Basil
Mishkat al-Masabih 3016 Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone is offered basil he must not reject it, for it is light to carry and has a sweet scent.” Muslim transmitted it.
Garlic and Onions
Sahih al-Bukhari 4215 Narrated Ibn `Umar: On the day of Khaiber, Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) forbade the eating of garlic and the meat of donkeys.
Sunan Abi Dawud 3828 Narrated Ali ibn Abu Talib: It is forbidden to eat garlic unless it is cooked. Abu Dawud said: The full name of the narrator Sharik is Sharik bin Hanbal.
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1808 Narrated Sharik bin Hanbal: That ‘Ali said: “Eating garlic was prohibited except when cooked.” (Daif)
Mishkat al-Masabih 4230 ‘Ali said God’s messenger forbade eating garlic unless it was cooked. Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud transmitted it.
Sunan Abi Dawud 3823 Narrated Abu Sa’id al-Khudri: The garlic and onions were mentioned before the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He was told: The most severe of them is garlic. Would you make it unlawful? The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Eat it, and he who eats it should not come near this mosque until its odor goes away. (Daif)
Sunan Abi Dawud 3827 Narrated Mu’awiyah ibn Qurrah: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade these two plants (i.e. garlic and onions), and he said: He who eats them should not come near our mosque. If it is necessary to eat them, make them dead by cooking, that is, onions and garlic.
Cucumbers
Sahih al-Bukhari 5447 Narrated Abdullah bin Jafar: I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) eating fresh dates with snake cucumbers.
Melon
Sunan Ibn Majah 3326 It was narrated that Sahl bin Sa’d said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to eat dates with melon.”
Non-Vegetarian Foods in Islam
Many think that eating meat is mandatory in Islam. Eating meat is not mandatory but permissible in Islam.
If one likes it one should eat it and if one does not like it, he may refrain from eating meat and can still be a very good Muslim.
The Prophet (PBUH), however, ate meat as can be ascertained from several hadiths quoted below.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5405 Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) took out a bone with meat on it from a cooking pot and ate of it, and then offered the prayer without performing ablution anew.
Mishkat al-Masabih 4192 She said that sometimes a month would come in which they did not kindle a fire, [For cooking] having only dates and water, unless a little meat was brought. (Bukhari and Muslim.)
As a general rule, Islam forbids the consumption of carrion (dead meat), blood, the flesh of swine. It permits the consumption of only that meat on which Allah’s name has been pronounced and slaughtered in a halal manner is allowed.
He hath only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name hath been invoked besides that of Allah. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- then is he guiltless. For Allah is Oft-forgiving Most Merciful.
Holy Quran 2:173
The butcher should invoke Allah’s name saying “Bismillah” before taking the animal’s life with the intention of lawfully meeting the need for food.
Further, a halal slaughter involves a sharp knife killing through a cut to the jugular vein, carotid artery, and windpipe.
The jugular vein of the neck should be cut in order to drain all the blood of the live animal.
The animal should neither see the knife before it is slaughtered nor it should be slaughtered in front of other animals. Furthermore, the animal must be well-rested and fed before slaughtering.
Next, all beasts that have canine teeth and devour on other animals are not permissible to eat.
Dung and filth-eating animals are prohibited. Given below is a tentative list of specific animals that are permitted or prohibited according to Prophetic Narrations.
Meat on which Allah’s name Pronounced
Holy Quran 2:173 He hath only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name hath been invoked besides that of Allah. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- then is he guiltless. For Allah is Oft-forgiving Most Merciful.
Sunan Abi Dawud 2817 Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: The verse: “So eat of (meats) on which Allah’s name hath been pronounced” and the verse: “Eat not of (meats) on which Allah’s name hath not been pronounced” were abrogated, meaning an exception was made therein by the verse: “The food of the people of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them.”
Sunan Abi Dawud 2819 Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Jews came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: We eat which we kill but we do not eat which Allah kills? So Allah revealed: “Eat not of (meats) on which Allah’s name hath not been pronounced.” to the end of the verse.
Chicken
Sahih al-Bukhari 5517 Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari: I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) eating chicken.
Sunan an-Nasa’i 4346 It was narrated from Zahdam that: Some chicken was brought to Abu Musa and a man moved away from the people. He said: “What is the matter with you?” He said: “I saw it eating something that I consider filthy, and I swore I would not eat it.” Abu Musa said: “Come and eat, for I saw the Messenger of Allah eating it.” And he told him to offer expiation for his vow (Kafarat Al-Yamin)
Camel
Sunan Ibn Majah 494 It was narrated that Bara’bin ‘Azib said: “The Messenger of Allah was asked about performing ablution after eating camel meat. He said: ‘Perform ablution after eating it.'”
Sunan Ibn Majah 495 It was narrated that Jabir bin Samurah said: “The Messenger of Allah commanded us to perform ablution after eating camel meat but not to perform ablution after eating the mutton.”
Sunan Abi Dawud 2558 Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited to ride a camel which eats dung.
Sahih Muslim 625a Rafi’ b. Khadij reported: We used to say the afternoon prayer with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and then the camel was slaughtered and ten parts of it were distributed; then it was cooked and then we ate this cooked meat before the sinking of the sun.
Mutton
Sahih al-Bukhari 207 Narrated Abdullah binAbbas: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) ate a piece of cooked mutton from the shoulder region and prayed without repeating ablution.
Sunan Ibn Majah 495 It was narrated that Jabir bin Samurah said: “The Messenger of Allah commanded us to perform ablution after eating camel meat but not to perform ablution after eating the mutton.”
Sheep
Sunan Ibn Majah 3938 It was narrated that Tha’labah bin Hakam said: “We came across some of the enemy’s sheep and plundered them, and set up our cooking pots. The Prophet (ﷺ) passed by the pots and ordered that they be overturned, then he said: ‘Plunder is not permissible.’”
Sahih al-Bukhari 2617 Narrated Anas bin Malik: A Jewess brought a poisoned (cooked) sheep for the Prophet (ﷺ) who ate from it. She was brought to the Prophet and he was asked, “Shall we kill her?” He said, “No.” I continued to see the effect of the poison on the palate of the mouth of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ).
Sea Food
Seafood is generally permissible for consumption in Islam.
Sunan Ibn Majah 3247 It was narrated from Jabir bin ‘Abdullah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whatever the sea throws out or is left behind when the tide ebbs, eat it, but whatever rises to its surface, do not eat it.’” (Daif)
Donkey and Horse
The Prophet (PBUH) prohibited the consumption of domesticated donkey meat but allowed horses.
Sahih al-Bukhari 4219 Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah: On the day of Khaibar, Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) forbade the eating of donkey meat and allowed the eating of horse meat.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5523 Narrated `Ali: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) prohibited Al-Mut’a marriage and the eating of donkey’s meat in the year of the Khaibar battle.
Sunan an-Nasa’i 4342 It was narrated from Abu Tha’labah Al-Khushani that: the Messenger of Allah forbade eating any -predator with fangs and the flesh of domesticated donkeys.
Mules
Sunan an-Nasa’i 4333 It was narrated from ‘Ata, that Jabir said: “We used to eat horse flesh. “: I said: “And mules?” He said: “No.
Swine
The flesh of Swine is strictly prohibited in Islam.
Holy Quran 2:173 He hath only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name hath been invoked besides that of Allah. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- then is he guiltless. For Allah is Oft-forgiving Most Merciful.
Beasts with Fangs and Canine
All carnivore animals that have fangs or canines and devour other animals are prohibited in Islamic dietary laws.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5530 Narrated Abu Tha`laba: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) forbade the eating of the meat of beasts having fangs.
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1477 Narrated Abu Tha’labah Al-Khushani: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited (eating) every predator possessing canine teeth.”
Cats
Sunan Ibn Majah 3250 It was narrated that Jabir said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade eating cats and he forbade their price.”
Trapped Animal
If the animal gets trapped and then killed by arrows, it is not permissible to eat such an animal.
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1473 Narrated Abu Ad-Darda’: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited eating the Mujath-thamah, and it is what is trapped and killed by arrows.”
Target Animal
Mishkat al-Masabih 4088 Abud Darda’ said God’s messenger forbade eating the mujaththama, which is the animal kept as a target for arrows.
Fowl
Mishkat al-Masabih 4112 Abu Musa told that he saw God’s messenger eating fowl. (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Lizard
Sahih al-Bukhari 5536 Narrated Ibn `Umar: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “I do not eat mastigure, but I do not prohibit its eating.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 5400 Narrated Khalid bin Al-Walid: “A roasted mastigure was brought to the Prophet (ﷺ) who stretched his hand towards it to eat it. But it was said to him, “It is a mastigure.” So he withdrew his hand. Khalid asked, “Is it unlawful to eat?” the Prophet said, “No, but it is not found in the land of my people and that is why I do not like eating it.” So Khalid started eating (it) while Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was looking at him. An-Nadr said: ‘Al-Khazira’ (is prepared) from bran while ‘Al-Harira’ is prepared from milk.
Sunan an-Nasa’i 4318 It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “My maternal aunt gave some cottage cheese, cooking fat, and mastigures to the Messenger of Allah He ate some of the cottage cheese and cooking fat, and left the mastigures, as he found them distasteful. But they were eaten upon the table-spread of the Messenger of Allah and if they were Haram they would not have been eaten upon the table-spread of the Messenger of Allah and he would not have told others to eat them.”
Dung Eating Animals
Animals that eat filth and dung are prohibited for human consumption in Islamic dietary laws.
Sunan an-Nasa’i 4448 It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah forbade (eating) animals that had been taken as targets, the milk of Al-Jallalah (animals that eat dung), and drinking directly from water skins.”
Filth Eating Animals
Sunan Abi Dawud 3785 Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited eating the animal which feeds on filth and drinking its milk.
Sunan Abi Dawud 3719 Ibn Abbas said: The apostle of Allah (ﷺ) forbade drinking from the mouth of a water-skin, and riding the animal which feeds on filth and eating the animal which is killed in confinement. Abu Dawud said: Jallalah means an animal that eats filth and impurities.
Milk Drinking Animals
Animals that drink their own milk are also prohibited for human consumption in Islam.
Sunan Abi Dawud 3787 Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade riding the camel which feeds on filth and drinking its milk.
Locusts
Sahih al-Bukhari 5495 Narrated Ibn Abi `Aufa: We participated with the Prophet (ﷺ) in six or seven Ghazawat, and we used to eat locusts with him.
Sunan an-Nasa’i 4357 It was narrated that Abuy ya fur said: “I asked ‘Abdullah bin Abu Awfa about killing locusts and he said: I went on six campaigns with the Messenger of Allah’s hand we ate locusts.”
Mishkat al-Masabih 4134 Salman said the Prophet was asked about locusts and replied, “They are the most numerous of God’s hosts. I neither eat them nor declare them unlawful.” Abu Dawud transmitted it, but Muhyi as-Sunna said it is weak.
Rabbit
Sunan Ibn Majah 3244 It was narrated from Muhammad bin Safwan that he passed by the Prophet (ﷺ) with two rabbits hanging down. He said: “O Messenger of Allah, I caught these two rabbits but I cannot find any iron* with which to slaughter them with Marwah** and eat them?” He said: “Eat.”
Mouse
It is not permissible to eat mice in Islam. If it falls in the food, it has to be taken out before one consumes the rest of the food.
Sahih al-Bukhari 235 Narrated Maimuna: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was asked regarding ghee (cooking butter) in which a mouse had fallen. He said, “Take out the mouse and throw away the ghee around it and use the rest.”
Hunted Animals
Animals that are hunted with sharp-edged weapons are permissible but the ones hunted with a blunt object are not permissible.
Sunan an-Nasa’i 4307 It was narrated that ‘Adiyy bin Hatim said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah about hunting with the Mirad and the said: ‘If the sharp edge hits (the game), then eat, but if the broad edge of it strikes it, do not eat it.”‘
Sunan an-Nasa’i 4275 It was narrated from ‘Adiyy bin Hatim At-Tai that he asked the Messenger of Allah about hunting. He said: “If you release your dog and mention the name of Allah over him, and he kills (the game), but does not eat any of it, then eat. But if he has eaten from it, then do not eat, for he caught it for himself, and not for you.”
Sunan Abi Dawud 2851 Narrated Adi ibn Hatim: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Eat whatever is caught for you by a dog or a hawk you have trained and set off when you have mentioned Allah’s name. I said: (Does this apply) if it killed (the animal)? He said: When it kills it without eating any of it, for it caught it only for you. Abu Dawud said: If a hawk eats any of it, there is no harm (in eating it). If a dog eats it, it is disapproved (to eat the meat). If it drinks blood, there is no harm (in eating it).
Sunan Abi Dawud 2854 Narrated ‘Adi b. Hatim: I asked Prophet (ﷺ) about the featherless arrow. He said: If it strikes with its end, eat, and if it strikes with the middle part of it, do not eat, for it died by a violent blow. I said: I set off my dog? He replies: If you mention Allah’s name, eat, otherwise do not eat. If it eats any of it, do not eat, for it caught for itself. He asked: I set off my dog, and I find with it another dog? He replied: Do not eat, because you mentioned Allah’s name on your dog.
Eating with Menstruating Women
In most cultures and civilizations, menstruating women are considered impure to the extent that people don’t even touch them. For instance, some Brahmanism-inspired communities of India do not consume food cooked by menstruating women. Earlier they even used to drive menstruating women away from the dwelling house to a separate and isolated thatched lodging where such women were at greater risk of being molested. Islam, however, not only permits the cooking of food by a menstruating woman but also allows one to eat with them.
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 133 Abdullah bin Sa’d narrated: I asked the Prophet about eating with a menstruating woman. He said: “Eat with her.”
Bulugh al-Maram 144 Narrated Anas (RAA): The Jews used not to eat with a woman during her menstruation period, so the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “Do everything else apart from sexual intercourse (with your wives)”. [Reported by Muslim.]
Food of Prophet (PBUH)
The Prophet (PBUH) came from poor family background and he did not have the luxury of eating good food and meat frequently in life. Thus, one can notice simplicity and austerity in his diet.
At times he procured food grains from a Jew by mortgaging and pledging his armor. His diet mostly consisted of barley, raisins, cheese, and dates. Occasionally, he ate meat as well if gifted by someone.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1510 Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri: In the lifetime of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), we used to give one Sa’ of food (edible things) as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (to the poor). Our food used to be either of barley, raisins (dried grapes), cottage cheese, or dates.
Ash-Shama’il Al-Muhammadiyah 371 A’isha said: ‘We, Muhammad’s wives, would go an entire month without cooking anything over a fire, and with nothing to eat and drink but dates and water.”
Sunan Ibn Majah 4144 It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “We, the family of Muhammad (ﷺ), would stay for a month during which no fire would be lit (for cooking) and we had only dates and water.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 2068 Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) purchased food grains from a Jew on credit and mortgaged his iron armor to him.
Mishkat al-Masabih 2885 She said that when God’s Messenger died his coat of mail was in pledge with a Jew for thirty sa’s of barley. Bukhari transmitted it.
Buying and Selling of Food in Islam
Buying and selling of food or food-grains are permissible in Islam with few terms and conditions like taking of possession and measurement, etc.
Sunan an-Nasa’i 4603 Hakim bin Hizam said: “I bought some food and made food and made a profit on it (by selling it) before I took possession of it. I came to the Messenger of Allah and told him about that and he said: ‘Do not sell it until you take possession of it.”‘
Sahih al-Bukhari 5357 Narrated `Umar: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to sell the dates of the garden of Bani An-Nadir and store for his family so much food as would cover their needs for a whole year.
Sunan an-Nasa’i 4609 It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah bought some food from a Jew with payment to be made later, and he put his shield in pledge for that.”
Sunan Ibn Majah 2231 It was narrated that Abdullah bin Busr Al-Mazini said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Measure your food, may you be blessed therein.”‘
Renting Land for Food
Sunan Ibn Majah 2465 It was narrated that Rafi` bin khadij said: We used to give land in return for food at the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and some of my paternal uncles came to them and said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever has land, he should not rent it out for a set amount of food.”
Don’t Waste Food
Wasting of food is strictly prohibited in Islam.
Sunan Ibn Majah 3353 It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) entered the house and saw a piece of bread that had been thrown (on the floor). He picked it up, wiped it and ate it, and said: ‘O ‘Aishah, show honor to the precious (i.e., food), for is the blessing of food departs from people, it never comes back.’” (Daif)
Prayer and Food
Sahih Muslim 557b Anas b. Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: When the supper is brought before you, and it is also the time to say the prayer, first take food before saying evening prayer and do not hasten (to prayer, leaving aside the food).
Sunan Ibn Majah 934 It was narrated from Nafi’ that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘If food is served and the Iqamah for prayer is given, then start with the food.” He said: “Ibn ‘Umar ate dinner one night while he could hear the Iqamah.”
Mishkat al-Masabih 1057 ‘A’isha said she heard God’s Messenger say, “Prayer is not to be said when food is served, or when the calls of nature prevent it.” Muslim transmitted it.
Mishkat al-Masabih 1071 Jabir reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Do not postpone prayer because of food or any other reason.” [Baihaqi] transmitted it in Sharh as-sunna.
Sunan an-Nasai Vol. 1, Book 7, Hadith 641 It was narrated from Khubaib bin ‘Abdur-Rahman that his paternal aunt Unaisah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When Ibn Umm Maktum calls the Adhan, eat and drink, and when Bilal calls the Adhan, do not eat nor drink.”
Milking other’s Animal
Ibn ‘Umar reported God’s Messenger as saying, “No one must milk a man’s animal without his permission. Would any of you like his upper chamber to be entered, his treasury broken into, and his food taken away? The udders of their animals store up their food for them.”
After Finishing the Food
Mishkat al-Masabih 4204 Abu Sa’id al-Khudri told that when God’s messenger finished his food he said, “Praise be to God who has given us food and drink and made us Muslims.” Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, and Ibn Majah transmitted it.
A Profligate’s Food Invite
Though Islam encourages accepting invitations, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) forbade accepting invitations to food provided by profligates.
‘Imran b. Husain said God’s Messenger forbade accepting invitations to food provided by profligates. Baihaqi transmitted in Shu’ab al-iman
Islam on Rights of Servants who Prepare Food
Hardly any religion or civilization other than Islam accords such respect to servants. In most cultures including Brahmanism, servants are considered lowly and untouchable. Even though they cook the food for their masters, they can neither eat from it nor with them. But Islam encourages Muslims to treat their servants with dignity and respect as can be ascertained from the hadith below.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5460 Narrated .Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “When your servant brings your food to you if you do not ask him to join you, then at least ask him to take one or two handfuls, for he has suffered from its heat (while cooking it) and has taken pains to cook it nicely.”
Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “When anyone’s servant prepares his food and brings it to him after being near its heat and smoke, he should make him sit down with him and eat; but if the company is large* and the food small in quantity he should put one or two mouthfuls of it in his hand.”
Mashfuhan qalil’an. The word mashfuhan is applied either to food that is small in quantity or to food that is being partaken of by a number of people. The latter meaning obviously applies here as it is followed by qalil (small in quantity); but some people understand mashfuh here as ‘small in quantity’ followed by qalil expressing the same meaning. Muslim transmitted it.
Mishkat al-Masabih 3347
No Untouchability in Islam
Narrated Anas: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) went to (the house of) his slave tailor, and he was offered (a dish of) gourd of which he started eating. I have loved to eat gourd since I saw Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) eating it.
Eating with Poor
Islam not only encourages feeding strangers and poor people but also dining with them.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5393 Narrated Nafi: IbnUmar never used to take his meal unless a poor man was called to eat with him. One day I brought a poor man to eat with him, the man ate too much, whereupon Ibn Umar said, “O Nafi! Don’t let this man enter my house, for I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, “A believer eats in one intestine (is satisfied with a little food), and a kafir (unbeliever) eats in seven intestines (eats much food).
Eating with Orphan in Islam
Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 136 Abu Bakr ibn Hafs reported that ‘Abdullah would not eat unless an orphan was at his table.
Give Food to the Hungry
Sahih Bukhari Vol 7, Book 65, Number 286, Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari: The Prophet said, “Give food to the hungry, pay a visit to the sick and release (set free) the one in captivity (by paying his ransom).”
Feeding Birds and Animals
Sahih Muslim 1552c Jabir b. ‘Abdullah (Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) saying: Never does a Muslim plant, or cultivate, but has a reward for him for what the beasts eat, or the birds eat or anything else eats out of that.
Eating mistakenly during Fast
Sahih al-Bukhari 6669 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If somebody eats something forgetfully while he is fasting, then he should complete his fast, for Allah has made him eat and drink.”
Eating before Eid Prayer
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 530 Ali bin Abi Talib narrated: “It is from the SUnnah to leave for the Eid walking, and to eat something before leaving.”
Ablution before or after Eating
Sunan Ibn Majah 486 It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Perform ablution after (eating) that which has been changed by fire.'”
Sunan Abi Dawud 194 Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Perform ablution after eating anything which has been cooked by fire.
Sunan Ibn Majah 591 It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “If the Messenger of Allah wanted to eat when he was sexually impure, he would perform ablution.”
Mishkat al-Masabih 453 ‘Aisha said that when the Prophet was defiled and wanted to eat or sleep, he performed the ablution prescribed for prayer.
Eating in Non-Muslims Utensils Discouraged
Narrated Abu Tha`laba Al-Khushani: I said, “O Allah’s Prophet! We are living in a land ruled by the people of the Scripture; Can we take our meals in their utensils? In that land, there is plenty of game and I hunt the game with my bow and with my hound that is not trained and with my trained hound. Then what is lawful for me to eat?”
He said, “As for what you have mentioned about the people of the Scripture, if you can get utensils other than theirs, do not eat out of theirs, but if you cannot get other than theirs, wash their utensils and eat out of it. If you hunt an animal with your bow after mentioning Allah’s Name, eat of it.
And if you hunt something with your trained hound after mentioning Allah’s Name, eat of it, and if you hunt something with your untrained hound (and get it before it dies) and slaughter it, eat of it.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 5478
Hunger and Necessity Exception
Holy Quran 2:173 He hath only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name hath been invoked besides that of Allah. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- then is he guiltless. For Allah is Oft-forgiving Most Merciful.
Yahya related to me from Malik that the best of what he had heard about a man who is forced by necessity to eat carrion is that he ate it until he was full and then he took provision from it. If he found something which would enable him to dispense with it, he threw it away.
Malik when asked whether or not a man who had been forced by necessity to eat carrion, should eat it when he also found the fruit, crops, or sheep of a people in that place, answered, “If he thinks that the owners of the fruit, crops, or sheep will believe his necessity so that he will not be deemed a thief and have his hand cut off, then I think that he should eat from whatever he finds that which will remove his hunger but he should not carry any of it away.
I prefer that he does that than that he eats carrion. If he fears that he will not be believed, and will be deemed a thief for what he has taken, then I think that it is better for him to eat the carrion, and he has leeway to eat carrion in this respect. Even so, I fear that someone who is not forced by necessity to eat carrion might exceed the limits out of a desire to consume other peoples’ property, crops, or fruit.” Malik said, “That is the best of what I have heard.”
Muwatta Malik Book 25, Hadith 19
