Book 2: Etiquette of Eating

Chapter 100 : Mentioning Bismillah before and saying Al-Hamdulillah after Eating

Hadeeth 728. `Umar bin Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH), 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.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: There are two things about this Hadith. First, we should start eating or drinking by pronouncing the Name of Allah. Second, we should eat from our side without stretching our hand to the side where someone else is eating. This may be the case when more than one or two people are eating the same kind of food from a single dish. Good manners do not allow it, yet in case a variety of food or fruit is lying before us on the table, we are free to take our pick.

Hadeeth 729. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When any of you wants to eat, he should mention the Name of Allah in the begining, (i.e., say Bismillah). If he forgets to do it in the beginning, he should say Bismillah awwalahu wa akhirahu (I begin with the Name of Allah at the beginning and at the end).” [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].
Commentary: This Hadith provides us a concession. If we have forgotten to pronounce the Name of Allah before beginning to eat, we can do it during eating or in the end.

Hadeeth 730. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, “If a person mentions the Name of Allah upon entering his house or eating, Satan says, addressing his followers: `You will find no where to spend the night and no dinner.’ But if he enters without mentioning the Name of Allah, Satan says (to his followers); `You have found (a place) to spend the night in, and if he does not mention the Name of Allah at the time of eating, Satan says: `You have found (a place) to spend the night in as well as food.”'[Muslim].
Commentary: Herein, we are told that in order to ward off Satan and his followers, we are supposed to remember Allah before entering our house and before beginning to eat. The remembrance of Allah implies those appropriate prayers of the Prophet (PBUH) which have been mentioned in Ahadith. For example, we are instructed to pronounce the Name of Allah before beginning to eat. On entering our house we recite the following Prophetic prayer: “Allahumma inni as’aluka khairal-mawliji wa khairal-makhraji. Bismillahi wa lajna, wa bismillahi kharajna, wa `al-Allahi rabbina tawakkalna.” (O Allah! I ask you for what is good of entrance and what is good for exit. With the Name of Allah do we enter, and with the Name of Allah do we leave, and upon our Rubb Allah have we put our trust).

Hadeeth 731. Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When we attended a meal with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), we would not stretch forth our hands towards the food until he (PBUH) would start eating first. Once, we were with him when a little girl rushed in as if someone was impelling her. She was about to lay her hand on the food when the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) caught her hand. Then a bedouin came in rushing as if someone were pushing him. He (PBUH) caught his hand also and said, “Satan considers that food lawful for himself on which the Name of Allah is not mentioned. He (Satan) brought this girl to make the food lawful through her but I caught her hand. Then he brought the bedouin to make it lawful through him but I caught his hand too. By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, now Satan’s hand is in my grasp along with their hands.” Then he mentioned the Name of Allah and began to eat. [Abu Dawud and An-Nasa’i].
Commentary: Here, too, we are told that if we do not pronounce Allah’s Name, Satan and his minions will share our meal with us. So prior to eating, we must pronounce the Name of Allah. An incident is related in this Hadith. Once, Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and his Companions were just to start taking their meal when an unknown girl and a bedouin burst upon the scene. Without seeking the formal permission and pronouncing the Name of Allah they hurriedly stretched their hands to eat. Yet, Messenger of Allah (PBUH) restrained them from doing so. Owing to Divine inspiration, he had seen the hidden hand of the Devil behind their abrupt actions. We have only one way to escape the Devil, that is, on such occasions we should first pronounce the Name of Allah. Second, this Hadith enlightens us on table manners calling for decency and decorum. It will be called an act of sheer indecency to voraciously pounce upon food as is commonly witnessed in feasts and weddings. Indeed, it is the result of deviation from Islamic teachings that many Muslims have grown ignorant of the Prophet’s manner of eating. Allah, too, has left them unrestrained in their beast-like hunger.

Hadeeth 732. Umaiyyah bin Makhshi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was sitting while a man was eating food. That man did not mention the Name of Allah (before commencing to eat) till only a morsel of food was left. When he raised it to his mouth, he said: “Bismillah awwalahu wa akhirahu (With the Name of Allah, in the beginning and in the end).” Messenger of Allah (PBUH) smiled at this and said, “Satan had been eating with him but when he mentioned the Name of Allah, Satan vomited all that was in his stomach.” [Abu Dawud and An-Nasa’i].
Commentary: This Hadith also informs us that Satan shares food and drink with those people who do not mention the Name of Allah.

Hadeeth 733 `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was eating with his six Companions when a desert Arab came and ate up the food in two mouthfuls. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Had he mentioned the Name of Allah, it would have sufficed for all of you.”[At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: The pronouncement of Allah’s Name brings blessing to the meal, and the omission of His Name robs blessing away.

Hadeeth 734. Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Prophet (PBUH) finished a meal, he would say: “Al-hamdu lillahi kathiran taiyiban mubarakan fihi, ghaira makfiyyin wa la muwadda`in, wa la mustaghnan `anhu, Rabbuna. (All praise is due to Allah, praise which is abundant, pure, and full of blessings, which is indispensable and to which one cannot be indifferent).” [Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: This Hadith mentions a supplication which Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to recite after taking meal. The economy of words was the essence of the Prophet’s (PBUH) eloquence as displayed here. To supplicate this Prophetic prayer after taking a meal is recommendable.

Hadeeth 735. Mu`adh bin Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “He who has taken food and says at the end: `Al-hamdu lillahi-lladhi at`amani hadha, wa razaqanihi min ghairi haulin minni wa la quwwatin (All praise is due to Allah Who has given me food to eat and provided it without any endeavour on my part or any power),’ all his past sins will be forgiven.”[At-Tirmididhi]
Commentary: This Hadith tells us that if we praise Allah after taking a meal, all our minor sins committed in the past will be forgiven by Him.

Chapter 101 Prohibition of Criticizing Food

Hadeeth 736. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) never found fault with food. If he had inclination to eating it, he would eat; and if he disliked it, he would leave it. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith throws light on the Prophet’s excellent manners which ought to be followed by all Muslims. It is a deplorable state of affairs that when we find a dish a bit unsavoury, we lose our temper and create quite a scene in the house. May we follow the excellent example of our Prophet (PBUH)!

Hadeeth 737. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) asked for sauce and was told that there was nothing except vinegar. He asked for it and began to eat from it saying, “How excellent is vinegar when eaten as sauce! How excellent is vinegar when eaten as Udm!”
Commentary: This Hadith speaks about the simplicity and humility of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) with regard to food. As he abstained from a luxurious lifestyle, he hardly craved for delicious food. No mention of dainties, he would readily eat whatever was available to him.

Chapter 102 Response to an Invitation extended to a Man observing Saum (Fasting)

Hadeeth 738. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When any of you is invited to a meal, he should accept the invitation. If he is observing Saum (fasting), he should supplicate for the betterment of the host and if he is not fasting, he should eat.” [Muslim].
Commentary: Shari`ah permits a person to break a voluntary fasting. The example of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) clearly shows that it is not binding on him to keep it again as a redeeming step. A man is, therefore, free to break his voluntary fasting and participate in the feast to which he is invited. However, if somebody is reluctant to break the fast, he should pray for the good and welfare of the host. But we should refuse to attend such treats which are flagrantly masked by extravagance and frivolous un-Islamic rites to the disobedience of Allah.

Chapter 103 What should one say to the Host if an uninvited Person is accompanied with  an invited Person

Hadeeth 739. Abu Mas`ud Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man prepared some food especially for the Prophet (PBUH) and invited him along with four others. But a man accompanied him. Having arrived at the door, Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to the host, “This person has followed us. You may allow him, if you like, and if you like he will return.” He said: “O Messenger of Allah, I allow him, too.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: It will be considered an expression of bad manners if somebody participates in a feast as an uninvited, parasitic guest. Yet, he stands a chance in case he is allowed by the host. In this Hadith, there is a case when Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to the host that it was up to him to let the uninvited person to stay for food or go. However, the invitees may take along with them two or three uninvited guests if they believe that the host will not take it ill.

Chapter 104 Eating from what is in front of One

Hadeeth 740. `Umar bin Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I was a boy under the care of Messenger of Allah (PBUH), and as my hand used to wander around in the dish, he (PBUH) said to me once, “Mention Allah’s Name (i.e., say Bismillah), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is in front of you.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: `Umar bin Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with them) had learnt table manners from Messenger of Allah (PBUH) who was his stepfather and guardian. Hence, everybody is morally bound to teach his wards or children good manners.

Hadeeth 741. Salamah bin Al-Akwa` (May Allah be pleased with him) reported on the authority of his father: A man ate with his left hand in the presence of Messenger of Allah (PBUH), whereupon he said, “Eat with your right hand.” The man said: “I cannot do that.” Thereupon he (the Prophet (PBUH)) said, “May you not be able to do that.” It was vanity that prevented him from doing it and he could not raise it (the right hand) up to his mouth afterwards. [Muslim].
Commentary: This report has already been given earlier and is being repeated here owing to its relevance to the chapter. In the light of this Hadith, we are supposed to keep table manners in our focus and also to urge others to observe them. Furthermore, it is extremely undesirable to deny a reality out of sheer arrogance as it incurs the displeasure of Allah. We are also informed of a miracle of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) whose supplications were instantly answered.

Chapter 105 Prohibition of Eating two Date-fruits Simultaneously

Hadeeth 742. Jabalah bin Suhaim reported: We were with `Abdullah bin Az-Zubair (May Allah be pleased with them) in a time of famine, then we were provided with dates. (Once) when we were eating, `Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) passed by us and said: “Do not eat two dates together, for Messenger of Allah (PBUH) prohibited it, unless one seeks permission from his brother (partner).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith has a lesson for today’s Muslims whose majority seems  to be ignorant of good manners. It is commonly seen at feasts that somebody,unconcerned about others around him, will be engaged in filling his own plate with food. Such a greed of eating is against the Prophet’s teaching and guidance which inspire us to have a due regard for others and not to serve our own purpose alone.

Chapter 106 What should a Person say or do when he Eats but is not Satisfied

Hadeeth 743. Wahshi bin Harb (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Some of the Companions of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “We eat but are not satisfied.” He (PBUH) said, “Perhaps you eat separately.” The Companions replied in affirmative. He then said: “Eat together and mention the Name of Allah over your food. It will be blessed for you.” [Abu Dawud].

Chapter 107 Eating from the Side of the Vessel

Hadeeth 744. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Blessing descends upon food in its middle, so eat from the sides of the vessel and do not eat from its middle.” [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].
for sitting with bent knees (while resting on one’s soles). Moreover, the excellence of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) as well as his humility are brought to our knowledge.
Commentary: This Hadith tells us that if a few people or members of the same family recite the Name of Allah and take meal at the same table, a two-fold benefit will accrue to them. Their hunger will be sated with their subsistence being given the Divine blessing. And if they do otherwise, the result will be otherwise too.

Hadeeth 745 `Abdullah bin Busr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) had a large bowl called Al-Gharra’, which would be carried by four men. One day, when the Companions finished their Duha (forenoon optional) prayer, Al-Gharra’ was brought full of sopped bread, meat and broth, and they sat down around it. When their number increased, Messenger of Allah (PBUH) sat down on his knees and rested on the soles of his feet. A bedouin said to him: “What sort of sitting is that?” Thereupon Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Verily, Allah has made me a courteous slave not a fierce tyrant.” Then he said, “Eat from the sides of the bowl and leave the central part of it so that your food will be blessed.” [Abu Dawud].

Chapter 108  Undesirability of Eating in a Reclining Posture

Hadeeth 746. Abu Juhaifah Wahb bin `Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “I do not eat reclining (against a pillow).” [Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: What is meant by reclining? There is a difference of opinion on it. Some say that it means leaning on one side, whether right or left, or against the wall. Imam Al-Khattabi takes it in this sense that somebody should lay out a mattress and sit on it comfortably as one sits cross-legged. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to take hardly an adequate meal. Ibn Hajar says that one should sit with the right knee drawn up and the left one bent down.

Hadeeth 747. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw Messenger of Allah (PBUH) eating some dates while sitting on his buttocks, with his legs raised. [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith sheds light on another sitting posture of Messenger of Allah (PBUH). But it betrays his uneasy state. In fact, when he was in a hurry he would be eager by eating a few dates so that he might be free to attend to some more important business. Also a report of Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) quoted by Muslim explains this state of mind of Messenger of Allah (PBUH).

Chapter 109  Excellence of Eating with three Fingers and Licking them

Hadeeth 748 Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When one of you finishes eating, he should not wipe his fingers until he has licked them himself or has given them to someone else to lick for him.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) instructed his followers that after taking meal they should lick up their fingers before they wash or wipe them with a towel. Or they may get them licked by somebody – wife, son or disciple – provided he or she feels no aversion to doing so. Since Messenger of Allah (PBUH) approved of this act, it is commendable. As to its rationale, the subsequent Ahadith will offer exposition.

Hadeeth 749 Ka`b bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw Messenger of Allah (PBUH) eating with three fingers (i.e., the thumb, the index finger and the middle finger) and licking them after having finished the food. [Muslim].
Commentary: To use less than three fingers for eating speaks of the manner of the arrogant, whereas to use both hands to this end is indicative of an overpowering greed. So, the best way of eating is that shown by Messenger of Allah (PBUH). Here, too, is the affirmation of licking the fingers after taking meal, and not during it.

Hadeeth 750. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) commanded the licking of fingers and the gleaning of the dish, saying, “You do not know in which portion the blessing lies.” [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith underlines the wisdom behind licking the fingers and the vessel. The eater never knows whether a blessing underlies what has been eaten by him, or the particles sticking to his fingers and vessels contain it. Those particles, therefore, should not be wasted; they should be made part of food by being licked. They may be invested with a blessing and proved more useful for the eater’s health and strength. Moreover, by this way he escapes disregarding the Bounty of Allah.

Hadeeth 751. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When a morsel of any of you falls, he should pick it up and remove any of the dirt on it and then eat it, and should not leave it for Satan nor should wipe his hand with towel until he has licked his fingers, for he does not know in what portion of the food the blessing lies.” [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us to pick up a fallen morsel and eat it after cleaning the dirt that may have stuck on it. This marks the expression of humility overcoming Satan as well as getting the blessing. Present-day Muslims hardly care for this directive of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) because they think that this act will bring disgrace and dishonour upon them. To make matters worse, they throw away a large quantity of unconsumed food in street dumps and dunghills and drains. They even deem it necessary to leave over some food in plates and dishes, still less of licking them. What a pity, the Muslim community has gone far away from the teachings and excellent example of their Prophet (PBUH)!

Hadeeth 752. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Satan appears at every thing done by you; he appears even at one’s dinner. When a morsel of any of you falls, he should pick it up and remove any dirt on it, and then eat it. He should not leave it for Satan, nor should he wipe his hand with the towel until he has licked his fingers, for he does not know in what portion of the food the blessing lies.[Muslim]“
Commentary: A Muslim should be perpetually on his guard against satanic insinuations, even at mealtime. He is required to recite the Name of Allah in the very beginning so that he may be immune from satanic participation and mischief. If a man avoids picking up the fallen morsel, he will be providing Satan and his minions a chance to share food with him. So we seek the Refuge of Allah from the condemned Satan and his associates.

Hadeeth 753. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever Messenger of Allah (PBUH) ate food, he would lick his three fingers and say, “If anyone of you drops a morsel of food, he should remove any dirt that may have stuck on it and then eat it, and should not leave it for Satan.” He (PBUH) also commanded us that we should glean the pot, saying, “You do not know in which part of your food the blessings lies.” [Muslim].

Hadeeth 754. Sa`id bin Al-Harith reported: I asked Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) whether it was obligatory to make Wudu’ for Salat (prayer) after eating cooked food. He said: “No, because in the lifetime of Messenger of Allah (PBUH), such food was rarely available. We had no handkerchiefs, so when we ate such food we would wipe our fingers against our palms, forearms or (the sole of our) feet, and would offer Salat without fresh Wudu’ (for prayer).” [Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: There are three points in this Hadith. First, the life of the Companions was simple, divested of all kinds of luxuries and comforts. They lived on whatever was available to them. Second, a man’s ablution is not nullified by eating a cooked food. In the early days of Islam, this command was put into practice but later it was cancelled. Third, if a handkerchief, or a towel or water is not available, a man can (after taking a meal) clean his mouth and hands with his palms and wrists so that his clothes will not be smeared during Salat (prayer).

Chapter 110 Merit of Sharing Food

Hadeeth 755. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The food of two persons suffices for three persons, and the food of three persons suffices for four persons.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Hadeeth 756. Jabir bin `Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The food of one person suffices for two, the food of two persons suffices for four persons, and the food of four persons suffices for eight persons.”[Muslim]
Commentary: This Hadith indicates that if a few persons share the same dinner-table, a small quantity of food will be enough for many persons. Moreover, this increases mutual love and fellow-feeling. A detailed light has already been shed on this topic in Chapter No. 62. See Hadith No. 565.

Chapter 111  Etiquette of Drinking Water

Hadeeth 757. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to breathe three times in the course of a drink (he used to drink in three gulps). [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: Water should be drunk in three breaths, that is one should breathe three times outside the drinking vessel one is drinking from. This habit has a salutary impact on one’s character and helps one avoid doing things in haste.

Hadeeth 758. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Do not drink in one gulp like a camel, but in two or three (gulps). Mention the Name of Allah (i.e., say Bismillah) when you start drinking and praise Him (i.e., say Al-hamdu lillah) after you have finished (drinking).” [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: This Hadith, too, prohibits us from drinking water in a single breath. It is preferable to say Bismillah every time we drink, and Al-hamdu lillah every time we stop drinking.

Hadeeth 759.  Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) forbade breathing into the vessel while drinking. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) prohibited us from breathing in the drinking vessel because the bad smell or spittle may flow into the drink. This is both loathsome as well as injurious to one’s health.

Hadeeth 760. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Milk mixed with water was brought to Messenger of Allah (PBUH). On his right side was sitting a bedouin and on his left was sitting Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him). He (PBUH) drank from it and handed the rest to the bedouin saying, “One who is on the right has preference, then again the one who is on the right.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Hadeeth 761. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A drink was brought to Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and he drank (some) from it. On his right was a boy and on his left were some elderly people. He (PBUH) said to the boy, “Would you permit me to give rest of this drink to these on my left?” The boy said: “O Messenger of Allah, I would certainly not give preference to anyone in anything that might come to me from you.” So he (PBUH) handed over the rest of the drink to him. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith has already been mentioned earlier. Sheikh Al-Albani says: Some wrongly think that (in order to distribute something) in accordance with the Sunnah, a beginning should be made from an elderly person of the audience. Similarly, the view of Imam An-Nawawi is also not sound that the distribution should begin from his own person and then give it out to the gathering in the right order. Whereas the fact is, as mentioned in the Hadith, Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had demanded the drink for himself and, therefore, drunk it first of all. And if the situation is otherwise, the beginning should be made from the right side according to the Sunnah. Neither should the distributor give priority to himself nor to any elderly person from amongst the gathering. Rather, he should begin from the right side and then keep distributing in the serial order. Sheikh Al-Albani, therefore, says that Imam An-Nawawi is wrong to think that the distributor should begin after himself from the right side.

Chapter 112: Undesirability of Drinking directly from the mouth of a Water-Skin

Hadeeth 762. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) forbade turning the water-skin upside down and drinking directly from its mouth. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has forbidden us to drink water from the mouth of a water-skin or something similar to it because some harmful insect in the water-skin may flow into the stomach. So, instead of drinking direct from the mouth of the water-skin, it is better to pour it into a drinking vessel in order to shun any possible harm.

Hadeeth 763. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) prohibited drinking directly out of the mouth of a water-skin. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith and the preceding one are complementary to each other.

Hadeeth 764 Umm Thabit Kabshah (May Allah be pleased with her), daughter of Thabit (May Allah be pleased with him) and the sister of Hassan bin Thabit, the Prophet’s poet) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) visited me and drank some water from a hanging water-skin while he was in a standing posture. So, I stood up and cut off the mouth (of that water-skin). An-Nawawi said that the reason why she did this was to keep to receive benediction that part of the water-skin which the lips of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) touched. [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: The first two Ahadith forbid us from drinking water out of the mouth of a water-skin, whereas, once Messenger of Allah (PBUH) himself had done so. This shows that not to drink water by this way is also approved. However, if needed, it is allowable. For this reason Imam An-Nawawi clarified that to drink water out of the mouth of the water-skin is conditionally permissible and not forbidden. But to eschew it is desirable. Likewise, to receive benediction from the Prophet’s left-overs is permissible as long as this does not take the form of worship and glorification.

Chapter 113: Undesirability of blowing into the Vessel while Drinking

Hadeeth 765. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) prohibited us blowing in the drinking water. A man said: “O Messenger of Allah! Sometimes I see some litter floating about on the surface. What should I do then?” He (PBUH) replied, “Pour them out.” Then the man said: “My thirst is not quenched with one draught.” Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Then put away the cup from your mouth (in between three gulps), and take breath.” [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: If one sees straw or something like that in the water-vessel, he should not blow in the water. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has forbidden it. Instead, some of the water or all the water should be poured out. Also, if his thirst is not quenched in a single breath, one should remove the vessel from his mouth. After taking breath, he should again drink water. To drink water in three breaths is preferable. However, in case of hot tea or milk, sipping is permissible, no matter if sips are in plenty.

Hadeeth 766. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) prohibited us from breathing into the drinking vessel or blowing onto.[At-Tirmidhi].

Chapter 114  Permission to Drink while in a standing Posture

Hadeeth 767. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I served Messenger of Allah (PBUH) Zamzam water to drink and he drank it while he was standing. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Hadeeth 768. An-Nazzal bin Sabrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: `Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) arrived at Bab Ar-Rahbah (in Kufah) and drank water in a standing posture. Then he said: “I saw Messenger of Allah (PBUH) doing what you have seen me doing.” [Al-Bukhari].

Hadeeth 769. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: During the lifetime of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) we would eat while walking and would drink while standing. [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: The Companions would not habitually eat something while being on the move and drink water in a standing position. In fact, the Hadith simply tells us that these were some moments in their life when they did so. The Ahadith that follow show that drinking in a standing posture is deprecated.

Hadeeth 770. `Amr bin Shu`aib on the authority of his father and grandfather reported: that they saw Messenger of Allah (PBUH) drink standing, and sitting. [At-Tirmidhi].
The last three Ahadith point out the permissibility of eating and drinking while walking or standing or sitting, but drinking in the sitting position remains the best.

Hadeeth 771 Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) forbade us from drinking while standing. Qatadah reported: “We asked him: `What about eating?”’ He said: “That is even worse, (or may be he said) more detestable.” Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) reprimanded us for drinking while standing. [Muslim].

Hadeeth 772. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “None of you should drink standing; and if any one forgets, he must vomit.”[Muslim]
Commentary: In the preceding Ahadith, we are told that one can drink water even in a standing position, it is better to eat or drink while seated in order to be on the safe side. Otherwise, the truth of the matter is that one should be cautious enough to eat or drink seated. Doubtless, it is an approved practice. Nowadays, people have made it a habit to eat food at feasts in a standing posture. They argue it is convenient because the whole of the gathering is dealt out at the same time. Yet, they fail to keep in their view the overwhelming disadvantages of this convenience. First, it involves the emulation of western example without any benefit. Second, the Prophet (PBUH) has forbidden it. Third, the indiscipline it spawns hardly befits the social behaviour of a dignified and civilized nation. Fourth, a long wait, tedious and boring normally features feasts and wedding parties. Fifth, in order to make it agreeable and to do away with the boredom of participants, either film songs or musical notes are played on record-players, or jesters and buffoons are brought in to amuse and entertain them. This is all satanic work, forbidden and unlawful, having no place in Islam

Chapter 115 : Excellence of Cupbearer drinking Last

Hadeeth 773. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “He who serves others with drinking water should be the last to drink himself.” [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: Referring to this Hadith, Imam An-Nawawi stresses the manner of serving food or drink and says that the distributor should have his share in the end.

Chapter 116  
Permissibility of drinking water from clean Vessels of all types except Gold and Silver ones

Hadeeth 774. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Once the time for As­Salat (the prayer) approached. Those whose houses were near, went to their houses to perform Wudu’ while some of the people remained with Messenger of Allah (PBUH). A stone (containing some water) bowl was brought for him. It was too small for him to spread his hand over it. He performed his Wudu’ and it (the water) sufficed for all the others also. Anas was asked: “How many of you were present there?” He said: “Eighty or more.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Another narration in Muslim is: The Prophet (PBUH) called for a vessel containing
water. A wide shallow vessel with a little water in it was brought for him. He put his fingers in it. Anas says: “I kept looking at the water pouring from between his fingers. I estimated that the number of people who made their Wudu’ with it was from seventy to eighty.”
Commentary: This Hadith mentions a miracle of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and also provides for the use of a stoneware.

Hadeeth 775. `Abdullah bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) visited us and we brought water for him in a brass vessel for his ablution and he performed ablution. [Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us that brassware can be used for performing ablution as well as for other purposes.

Hadeeth 776. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) visited the house of a man of the Ansar with one of his Companions and said to him, “If you have some water in the water-skin left over from last night, give it to us for drinking; otherwise, we shall drink from some stream directly.” [Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: With reference to this Hadith, Imam An-Nawawi says that apart from drinking water from a vessel, one can also drink at a cistern or stream.

Hadeeth 777. Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) prohibited us from wearing brocade or silk and drinking out of gold or silver vessels and said, “These are meant for them (disbelievers) in this world and for you in the Hereafter.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: Silk clothes are forbidden to men but allowed to women. Yet, both sexes are forbidden to use utensils made of silver and gold. However, the orthodox `Ulama’ say that women can use ornaments of silver and gold and that, it is advisable not to use them because many vices stem from their use and display.

Hadeeth 778. Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “He who drinks from the vessel of silver kindles the Fire (of Hell) in his belly.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
A narration in Muslim is: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Surely, he who eats or drinks in gold and silver vessels fills his belly with Hell-fire.”
Commentary: To use utensils of silver and gold involves extravagance. Moreover, it is a sign of pride and ostentatious lifestyle. Allah detests them both. On this count they are major sins, involving the danger of severe chastisement in Hell-fire.