Eat it or leave it – How a Muslim should deal with food
by Muhammad Rayhan
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (ra)
The Prophet (ﷺ) never criticised any food (presented to him), but he would eat it if he liked it; otherwise, he would leave it (without expressing his dislike). (Saheeh Bukhari)
حَدَّثَنِي عَلِيُّ بْنُ الْجَعْدِ، أَخْبَرَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ مَا عَابَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم طَعَامًا قَطُّ، إِنِ اشْتَهَاهُ أَكَلَهُ، وَإِلاَّ تَرَكَهُ.
This is an example of simplicity not just in words but real every-day-action!
We are spoilt with food choices from our kitchen to the one-tap food delivery services.
Many Muslims are becoming extremely fussy with their food choices, troubling parents and spouses at home whilst wasting and criticising Allah’s blessing by throwing away left over food or that which doesn’t go well with the taste bud.
The Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) taught us how to eat, what to eat and most importantly praise Allah for any food that is bestowed upon us.
There are many thousands who are hungry due to our food being thrown in the dustbins.
We could have saved that extra money and fed the needy.
Allah said ‘the people who waste are the brothers of Shaytan’ (Surah Israa),
‘If you are grateful I shall give more’ (Surah Ibrahim).
