Eating: A Simple, Actionable Guide
Every bite that nourishes us is a gift from our Creator, and Islam is indeed a religion that addresses even our most mundane practices, infusing them with spiritual significance and bringing elevation to them in ways that even a meal cannot defy.
Through simple, yet fundamental traditions we call the Sunnah practice, the everyday process of eating can become an enriching spiritual encounter. Let us explore some Sunnah guidelines so as to elevate our experience with eating:
1. Eat Good and Pure/ lawful Food:
O you who have believed, eat from the good things Which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if He [only] has worshiped you." (2:172)
This eloquent verse from our creator tells us of the endless favours we are bestowed by our most merciful, telling us to eat what is good, pure & that it is Halal for us while always being thankful towards the one.
2. Maintain Cleanliness by Washing Hands before Eating:
It is authentically reported by Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her): "When the Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) wanted to take a bath because he was majn ub, he would wash his hands, do his Wudhu for the prayer before sleep."
This hadith refers to washing before sleep after being majnun, however, it is a widely established sunnah that a person wash before eating. Hygiene, in general, holds high importance in Islam.
3. Pronounce the Name of Allah (Bismillah):
"It was narrated from Abu Umamah [RA] who said: Bismillah I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, why is it that in this world it seems the believers suffer from severe hardships more so than others whereas by Allah, this is a matter concerning how people achieve contentment after life's struggles in this world?' The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to me: 'O son of Adam! Start your eating with the Name of Allah, eat with your right hand, and eat that part which is in front of you.'" (Tirmidhi and Bukhari Muslim)
By starting our meal with bismillah, it elevates eating, which otherwise becomes a mere physical act, and turns it into one of adoration.
4. Recite a specific statement if you forget to say Bismillah initially:
If you forget the aforesaid but remember after taking some food, then utter this statement:
"Bismillahi fi awwalihi wa akhirihi."
(I begin in the Name of Allah and I end in the Name of Allah). (Tirmidhi)
It is truly comforting how Islam has provided with a alternative formula, thereby leaving us a second chance to embrace the divine.
Conclusion:
It seems with a couple of Sunnah guidelines like consuming that which is pure and wholesome, maintaining impeccable personal cleanliness and mentioning Allah at the onset of eating, our mundane eating activities can surely reach a status that is above earthly experiences, making them truly a deed worth remembering for eternity.