Book Sixty Five – The Book on Food, Meals

Hadith Number 286.

Narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Give food to the hungry, pay a visit to the sick and release (set free) the one in captivity (by paying his ransom)."


Hadith Number 287.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The family of Muhammad did not eat their fill for three successive days till he died.


Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Once while I was in a state of fatigue (because of severe hunger), I met 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (Radhi Allahu Anhu), so I asked him to recite a verse from Allah's Book to me. He entered his house and interpreted it to me. (Then I went out and) after walking for a short distance, I fell on my face because of fatigue and severe hunger. Suddenly I saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) standing by my head. He said, "O Abu Hurairah!" I replied, "Labbaik, O Allah's Messenger, and Sadaik!" Then he held me by the hand, and made me get up. Then he came to know what I was suffering from. He took me to his house, and ordered a big bowl of milk for me. I drank thereof and he said, "Drink more, O Abu Hirr!" So I drank again, whereupon he again said, "Drink more." So I drank more till my belly became full and looked like a bowl. Afterwards I met 'Umar and mentioned to him what had happened to me, and said to him, "Somebody, who had more right than you, O 'Umar, took over the case. By Allah, I asked you to recite a Verse to me while I knew it better than you." On that Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said to me, "By Allah, if I admitted and entertained you, it would have been dearer to me than having nice red camels.


Hadith Number 288.

Narrated by 'Umar bin Abi Salama: I was a boy under the care of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and my hand used to go around the dish while I was eating. So Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) 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.


Hadith Number 289.

Narrated by 'Umar bin Al Salama: Who was the son of Um Salama (Radhi Allahu Anha), the wife of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam): Once I ate a meal with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and I was eating from all sides of the dish. So Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to me, "Eat of the dish what is nearer to you."


Hadith Number 290.

Narrated by Wahb bin Kaisan Abi Nu'aim: A meal was brought to Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) while his step-son, 'Umar bin Abi Salama was with him. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to him, "Mention the Name of Allah and eat of the dish what is nearer to you."


Hadith Number 291.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): A tailor invited Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) to a meal which he had prepared. I went along with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and saw him seeking to eat the pieces of gourd from the various sides of the dish. Since that day I have liked to eat gourd. 'Umar bin Abi Salama said: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), said to me, "Eat with your right hand."


Hadith Number 292.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to love to start doing things from the right side whenever possible, in performing ablution, putting on his shoes, and combing his hair. (Al-Ash'ath said: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to do so in all his affairs.)


Hadith Number 293.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Abu Talha said to Um Sulaim, "I have heard the voice of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) which was feeble, and I think that he is hungry. Have you got something (to eat)?" She took out some loaves of barley bread, then took her face-covering sheet and wrapped the bread in part of it, and pushed it under my garment and turned the rest of it around my body and sent me to Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). I went with that, and found Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) in the Masjid with some people. I stood up near them, and Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked me, "Have you been sent by Abu Talha?" I said, "Yes." He asked, "With some food (for us)?" I said, "Yes." Then Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to all those who were with him, "Get up!" He set out (and all the people accompanied him) and I proceeded ahead of them till I came to Abu Talha. Abu Talha then said, "O Um Sulaim! Allah's Messenger has arrived along with the people, and we do not have food enough to feed them all." She said, "Allah and His Messenger know better." So Abu Talha went out till he met Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). Then Abu Talha and Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) came and entered the house. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Um Sulaim ! Bring whatever you have." She brought that very bread. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ordered that it be crushed into small pieces, and Um Sulaim pressed a skin of butter on it. Then Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said whatever Allah wished him to say (to bless the food) and then added, "Admit ten (men)." So they were admitted, ate their fill and went out. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) then said, "Admit ten (more)." They were admitted, ate their full, and went out. He then again said, "Admit ten more!" They were admitted, ate their fill, and went out. He admitted ten more, and so all those people ate their fill, and they were eighty men. (*)

* See The Miracles of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)

Hadith Number 294.

Narrated by 'Abdur-Rahman bin Abu Bakr (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): We were one hundred and thirty men sitting with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Have anyone of you any food with him?" It happened that one man had one Sa of wheat flour (or so) which was turned into dough then. After a while a tall lanky pagan came, driving some sheep. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked, 'Will you sell us (a sheep), or give (it to) us as a gift?" The pagan said, "No, but I will sell it " So the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) bought from him a sheep which was slaughtered, and then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ordered that the liver, the kidneys, lungs and heart, etc., of that sheep be roasted. By Allah, none of those one hundred and thirty men but had his share of those things. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) gave to those who were present, and also kept a share for those who were absent He then served that cooked sheep in two big trays and we all ate together our fill; yet there remained a part of it in those two trays which I carried on the camel.


Hadith Number 295.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) died when we had satisfied our hunger with the two black things, i.e. dates and water.


Hadith Number 296.

Narrated by Suwaid bin An-Nu'man (Radhi Allahu Anhu): We went out with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) to Khaibar, and when we were at As-Sahba', (Yahya, a sub-narrator said, "As-Sahba' is a place at a distance of one day's journey to Khaibar)." Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked the people to bring their food, but there was nothing with the people except Sawiq. So we all chewed and ate of it. Then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked for some water and he rinsed his mouth, and we too, rinsed our mouths. Then he led us in the Maghrib prayer without performing ablution (again).


Hadith Number 297.

Narrated by Qatada: We were in the company of Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) whose baker was with him. Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said, The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) did not eat thin bread, or a roasted sheep till he met Allah (died).


Hadith Number 298.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): To the best of my knowledge, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) 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.


Hadith Number 299.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) halted to consummate his marriage with Safiyya. I invited the Muslims to his wedding banquet. He ordered that leather dining sheets be spread. Then dates, dried yoghurt and butter were put on those sheets. Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) added: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) consummated his marriage with Safiyya (during a journey) whereupon Hais (sweet dish) was served on a leather dining sheet.


Hadith Number 300.

Narrated by Wahb bin Kaisan: The People of Sham taunted 'Abdullah bin Az-Zubair by calling him "The son of Dhatin-Nataqain" (the woman who has two waist-belts). (His mother) (Asma (Radhi Allahu Anha), said to him, "O my son! They taunt you with "Nataqain". Do you know what the Nataqain were? That was my waist-belt which I divided in two parts. I tied the water skin of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) with one part, and with the other part I tied his food container."


Hadith Number 301.

Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): That his aunt, Um Hufaid bint Al-Harith bin Hazn, presented to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) butter, dried yoghurt and mastigures. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) invited the people to those mastigures and they were eaten on his dining sheet, but the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) did not eat of it, as if he disliked it. Nevertheless, if it was unlawful to eat that, the people would not have eaten it on the dining sheet of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) nor would he have ordered that they be eaten.


Hadith Number 302.

Narrated by Suwaid bin An-Nu'man: That while they were with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) at As-Sahba' which was at a distance of one day's journey from Khaibar the prayer became due, and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked the people for food but there was nothing with the people except Sawiq. He ate of it and we ate along with him, and then he asked for water and rinsed his mouth (with it), and then offered the (Maghrib) prayer and we too offered the prayer but the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) did not perform ablution (again after eating the Sawiq.).

Find meaning of sawiq-bookroom

Hadith Number 303.

Narrated by Khalid bin Al-Walid (Radhi Allahu Anhu): That he went with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) to the house of Maimuna, who was his and Ibn 'Abbas' aunt. He found with her a roasted mastigure which her sister Hufaida bint Al-Harith had brought from Najd. Maimuna presented the mastigure before Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) who rarely started eating any (unfamiliar) food before it was described and named for him. (But that time) Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) stretched his hand towards the (meat of the) mastigure whereupon a lady from among those who were present, said, "You should inform Allah's Messenger of what you have presented to him. O Allah's Messenger! It is the meat of a mastigure." (On learning that) Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) withdrew his hand from the meat of the mastigure. Khalid bin Al-Walid said, "O Allah's Messenger! Is this unlawful to eat?" Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) replied, "No, but it is not found in the land of my people, so I do not like it." Khalid said, "Then I pulled the mastigure (meat) towards me and ate it while Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was looking at me.


Hadith Number 304.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The food for two persons is sufficient for three, and the food of three persons is sufficient for four persons."


Hadith Number 305.

Narrated by Nafi': Ibn 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) 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 (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saying, "A believer eats in one intestine (is satisfied with a little food), and a kafir (unbeliever) eats in seven intestines (eats much food)."


Hadith Number 306.

Narrated by Ibn 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) 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)."


Hadith Number 307.

Narrated by 'Amr: Abu Nahik was avaricious eater. Ibn 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) said to him, "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "A Kafir (unbeliever) eats in seven intestines (eats much)." On that Abu Nahik said, "But I believe in Allah and His Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)."


Hadith Number 308.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "A Muslim eats in one intestine (i.e. he is satisfied with a little food) while a Kafir (unbeliever) eats in seven intestines (eats much)."


Hadith Number 309.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): A man used to eat much, but when he embraced Islam, he started eating less. That was mentioned to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) who then said, "A believer eats in one intestine (is satisfied with a little food) and a Kafir eats in seven intestines (eats much)."


Hadith Number 310.

Narrated by Abu Juhaifa (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "I do not take my meals while leaning (against something).

Hadith Number 311.

Narrated by Abu Juhaifa (Radhi Allahu Anhu): While I was with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) he said to a man who was with him, "I do not take my meals while leaning."


Hadith Number 312.

Narrated by Khalid bin Al-Walid (Radhi Allahu Anhu): "A roasted mastigure was brought to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) 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 (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) 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 (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was looking at him.


Hadith Number 313.

Narrated by 'Utban bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Who attended the Badr battle and was from the Ansar, that he came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and said, "O Allah's Messenger! I have lost my eyesight and I lead my people in the prayer (as an Imam). When it rains, the valley which is between me and my people, flows with water, and then I cannot go to their Masjid to lead them in the prayer. O Allah's Messenger! I wish that you could come and pray in my house so that I may take it as a praying place. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Allah willing, I will do that." The next morning, soon after the sun had risen, Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) came with Abu Bakr (Radhi Allahu Anhu). The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked for the permission to enter and I admitted him. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) had not sat till he had entered the house and said to me, "Where do you like me to pray in your house?" I pointed at a place in my house whereupon he stood and said, "Allahu Akbar." We lined behind him and he prayed two Rakat and finished it with Taslim. We then requested him to stay for a special meal of Khazira which we had prepared. A large number of men from the adjoining area gathered in the house. One of them said, "Where is Malik bin Ad-Dukhshun?" Another man said, "He is a hypocrite and does not love Allah and His Messenger." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Do not say so. Do you not think that he has said: "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah," seeking Allah's pleasure? The man said, "Allah and His Messenger know better, but we have always seen him mixing with hypocrites and giving them advice." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Allah has forbidden the (Hell) Fire for those who testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, seeking Allah's pleasure."


Hadith Number 314.

Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): My aunt presented (roasted) mastigures, Iqt and milk to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). The mastigures were put on his dining sheet, and if it was unlawful to eat, it would not have been put there. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) drank the milk and ate the Iqt (*) only.

* Iqt-cooked dried yoghurt


Hadith Number 315.

Narrated by Sahl bin Sa'd (Radhi Allahu Anhu): We used to be happy on Fridays, for there was an old lady who used to pull out the roots of Silq and put it in a cooking pot with some barley. When we had finished the prayer, we would visit her and she would present that dish before us. So we used to be happy on Fridays because of that, and we never used to take our meals or have a mid-day nap except after the Friday prayer. By Allah, that meal contained no fat.


Hadith Number 316.

Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ate of the meat of a shoulder (by cutting the meat with his teeth), and then got up and offered the prayer without performing the ablution anew. Narrated Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) 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.


Hadith Number 317.

Narrated by Abu Qatada (Radhi Allahu Anhu): We went out towards Makkah with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam).


Hadith Number 318.

Narrated by Abu Qatada (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Once, while I was sitting with the companions of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) at a station on the road to Makkah and Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was stationing ahead of us and all the people were assuming Ihram while I was not. My companion, saw an onager while I was busy mending my shoes. They did not inform me of the onager but they wished that I would see it suddenly I looked and saw the onager. Then I headed towards my horse, saddled it and rode, but I forgot to take the lash and the spear. So I said to them my companions), "Give me the lash and the spear." But they said, "No, by Allah we will not help you in any way to hunt it ' I got angry, dismounted, took it the spear and the lash), rode (the horse chased the onager and wounded it Then I brought it when it had died. My companions started eating of its (cooked) meat, but they suspected that it might be unlawful to eat of its meat while they were in a state of Ihram Then I proceeded further and I kept one of its forelegs with me. When we met Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) we asked him about that. He said, "Have you some of its meat with you?" I gave him that foreleg and he ate the meat till he stripped the bone of its flesh although he was in a state of Ihram.


Hadith Number 319.

Narrated by 'Amr bin Umaiyya (Radhi Allahu Anhu): That he saw the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) holding a shoulder piece of mutton in his hand and cutting part of it with a knife. Then he was called for the prayer whereupon he put down the shoulder piece and the knife with which he was cutting it, and then stood for prayer without performing ablution again.


Hadith Number 320.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) never criticized any food (he was invited to) but he used to eat if he liked the food, and leave it if he disliked it.


Hadith Number 321.

Narrated by Abu Hazim: That he asked Sahl (Radhi Allahu Anhu), "Did you use white flour during the lifetime of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)?" Sahl replied, "No. Hazim asked, "Did you use to sift barley flour?" He said, "No, but we used to blow off the husk (of the barley)."


Hadith Number 322.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Once the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) distributed dates among his companions and gave each one seven dates. He gave me seven dates too, one of which was dry and hard, but none of the other dates was more liked by me than that one, for it prolonged my chewing it.


Hadith Number 323.

Narrated by Sa'd (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I was one of (the first) seven (who had embraced Islam) with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and we had nothing to eat then, except the leaves of the Habala or Hubula tree, so that our stool used to be similar to that of sheep. Now the tribe of Bani Asad wants to teach me Islam; I would be a loser and all my efforts would be in vain (if I learn Islam anew from them).


Hadith Number 324.

Narrated by Abu Hazim: I asked Sahl bin Sa'd (Radhi Allahu Anhu), "Did Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ever eat white flour?" Sahl said, "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) never saw white flour since Allah sent him as an Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) till He took him unto Him." I asked, "Did the people have (use) sieves during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)?" Sahl said, "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) never saw (used) a sieve since Allah sent him as an Messenger until He took him unto Him," I said, "How could you eat barley unsifted?" he said, "We used to grind it and then blow off its husk, and after the husk flew away, we used to prepare the dough (bake) and eat it."


Hadith Number 325.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): That he passed by a group of people in front of whom there was a roasted sheep. They invited him but he refused to eat and said, "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) left this world without satisfying his hunger even with barley bread."

Hadith Number 326.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) never took his meals at a dining table, nor in small plates, and he never ate thin well-baked bread. (The sub-narrator asked Qatada, "Over what did they use to take their meals?" Qatada said, "On leather dining sheets."


Hadith Number 327.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): The family of Muhammad had not eaten wheat bread to their satisfaction for three consecutive days since his arrival at Al-Madinah till he died.


Hadith Number 328.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): (The wife of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)) that whenever one of her relatives died, the women assembled and then dispersed (returned to their houses) except her relatives and close friends. She would order that a pot of Talbina be cooked. Then Tharid (a dish prepared from meat and bread) would be prepared and the Talbina would be poured on it. 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) would say (to the women),"Eat of it, for I heard Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saying, 'The Talbina soothes the heart of the patient and relieves him from some of his sadness.'"


Hadith Number 329.

Narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Many men reached perfection but none among the women reached perfection except Maryam, the daughter of ' Imran, and Asia, Fir’aun wife. And the superiority of 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) to other women is like the superiority of Tharid to other kinds of food.


Hadith Number 330.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The superiority of 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) to other women is like the superiority of Tharid to other kinds of food."


Hadith Number 331.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I went along with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) to the house of a young tailor of his. The tailor presented a dish of Tharid to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and resumed his work. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) started picking the pieces of gourd and I too, started picking them and putting it before him. Since then I have always loved (to eat) gourd.


Hadith Number 332.

Narrated by Qatada: We used to visit Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu) while his baker was standing (and baking). Anas would say, "Eat! I do not know that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) had ever seen well-baked bread till he met Allah, nor had he ever seen a roasted sheep with his own eyes."


Hadith Number 333.

Narrated by 'Amr bin Umaiyay Ad-Damri (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) cutting part of the shoulder of mutton with a knife. He ate of it and then was called for prayer whereupon he got up and put down the knife and offered the prayer without performing new ablution.


Hadith Number 334.

Narrated by 'Abis: I asked 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) "Did the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) forbid eating the meat of sacrifices offered on 'Id-ul-Adha for more than three days" She said, "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) did not do this except in the year when the people were hungry, so he wanted the rich to feed the poor. But later we used to store even a trotter of a sheep to eat it fifteen days later." She was asked, "What compelled you to do so?" She smiled and said, "The family of Muhammad did not eat to their satisfaction white bread with meat soup for three successive days till he met Allah."


Hadith Number 335.

Narrated by Jabir (Radhi Allahu Anhu): We used to carry the meat of the Hadis (sacrificed animals) to Al-Madinah during the life-time of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam).


Hadith Number 336.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to Abu Talha, "Seek one of your boys to serve me." Abu Talha mounted me behind him (on his riding animal) and took me (to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)). So I used to serve Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) whenever he dismounted (to stay somewhere). I used to hear him saying very often, "O Allah! I seek refuge with You from, having worries sadness, helplessness, laziness, miserliness, cowardice, from being heavily in debt and from being overpowered by other persons unjustly." I kept on serving him till we returned from the battle of Khaibar. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) then brought Safiyya bint Huyai whom he had won from the war booty. I saw him folding up a gown or a garment for her to sit on behind him (on his she-camel). When he reached As-Sahba', he prepared Hais and placed it on a dining sheet. Then he sent me to invite men, who (came and) ate; and that was his and Safiyya's wedding banquet. Then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) proceeded, and when he saw (noticed) the mountain of Uhud, he said, "This mountain loves us, and we love it." When we approached Al-Madinah, he said, "O Allah! I make the area between its two mountains a sanctuary as Abraham has made Mecca a sanctuary. O Allah! Bless their Mudd and Sa (special kinds of measure)."


Hadith Number 337.

Narrated by 'Abdur-Rahman bin Abi Laila: We were sitting in the company of Hudhaifa (Radhi Allahu Anhu) who asked for water and a Magian brought him water. But when he placed the cup in his hand, he threw it at him and said, "Had I not forbidden him to do so more than once or twice?" He wanted to say, "I would not have done so," adding, "but I heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saying, "Do not wear silk or Dibaja, and do not drink in silver or golden vessels, and do not eat in plates of such metals, for such things are for the unbelievers in this worldly life and for us in the Hereafter."

Hadith Number 338.

Narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The example of a Believer who recites the Qur’an, is that of a citron which smells good and tastes good; And the example of a Believer who does not recite the Quran, is that of a date which has no smell but tastes sweet; and the example of a hypocrite who recites the Quran, is that of an aromatic plant which smells good but tastes bitter; and the example of a hypocrite who does not recite the Qur’an, is that of a colocynth plant which has no smell and is bitter in taste."


Hadith Number 339.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The superiority of 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) to other ladies is like the superiority of Tharid to other kinds of food."


Hadith Number 340.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Traveling is a kind of torture, as it prevents one from sleeping and eating! So when one has finished his job, he should return quickly to his family."


Hadith Number 341.

Narrated by Qasim bin Muhammad: Three traditions have been established because of Barira: 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) intended to buy her and set her free, but Barira's masters said, "Her wala' will be for us." 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) mentioned that to Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) who said, "You could accept their condition if you wished, for the wala is for the one who manumits the slave." Barira was manumitted, then she was given the choice either to stay with her husband or leave him; One day Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) entered 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha)'s house while there was a cooking pot of food boiling on the fire. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked for lunch, and he was presented with bread and some extra food from the home-made Udm (e.g. soup). He asked, "Don't I see meat (being cooked)?" They said, "Yes, O Allah's Messenger! But it is the meat that has been given to Barira in charity and she has given it to us as a present." He said, "For Barira it is alms, but for us it is a present."


Hadith Number 342.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to love sweet edible things and honey.


Hadith Number 343.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I used to accompany Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) to fill my stomach; and that was when I did not eat baked bread, nor wear silk. Neither a male nor a female slave used to serve me, and I used to bind stones over my belly and ask somebody to recite a Qur’anic Verse for me though I knew it, so that he might take me to his house and feed me. Ja'far bin Abi Talib was very kind to the poor, and he used to take us and feed us with what ever was available in his house, (and if nothing was available), he used to give us the empty (honey or butter) skin which we would tear and lick whatever was in it.


Hadith Number 344.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) 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 (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) eating it.


Hadith Number 345.

Narrated by Abu Mas'ud Al-Ansari (Radhi Allahu Anhu): There was a man called Abu Shu'aib, and he had a slave who was a butcher. He said (to his slave), "Prepare a meal to which I may invite Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) along with four other men." So he invited Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and four other men, but another man followed them whereupon the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "You have invited me as one of five guests, but now another man has followed us. If you wish you can admit him, and if you wish you can refuse him." On that the host said, "But I admit him." Narrated Muhammad bin Isma'il: If guests are sitting at a dining table, they do not have the right to carry food from other tables to theirs, but they can pass on food from their own table to each other; otherwise they should leave it.


Hadith Number 346.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I was a young boy when I once was walking with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) entered the house of his slave tailor and the latter brought a dish filled with food covered with pieces of gourd. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) started picking and eating the gourd. When I saw that, I started collecting and placing the gourd before him. Then the slave returned to his work. Anas added: I have kept on loving gourd since I saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) doing what he was doing.


Hadith Number 347.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): A tailor invited the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) to a meal which he had prepared, and I went along with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). The tailor presented barley bread and soup containing gourd and cured meat. I saw the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) picking the pieces of gourd from around the dish, and since then I have kept on liking gourd.


Hadith Number 348.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I saw the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) being served with soup and containing gourd and cured meat, and I saw him picking and eating the pieces of gourd.


Hadith Number 349.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) did not do that (i.e., forbade the storage of the meat of sacrifices for three days) except (he did so) so that the rich would feed the poor. But later we used to keep even trotters to cook, fifteen days later. The family of Muhammad did not eat wheat bread with meat or soup to their satisfaction for three successive days.

Hadith Number 350.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): A tailor invited Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) to a meal which he had prepared. I went with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) to that meal, and the tailor served the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) with barley bread and soup of gourd and cured meat. I saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) picking the pieces of gourd from around the dish, and since then I have kept on liking gourd.


Hadith Number 351.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Ja'far bin Abi Talib (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): I saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) eating fresh dates with snake cucumber.


Hadith Number 352.

Narrated by Abu 'Uthman: I was a guest of Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu) for seven days. Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu), his wife and his slave used to get up and remain awake for one-third of the night by turns. Each would offer the night prayer and then awaken the other. I heard Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu) saying, "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) distributed dates among his companions and my share was seven dates, one of which was a Hashafa (a date which dried on the tree before it was fully ripe).


Hadith Number 353.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) distributed dates among us, and my share was five dates, four of which were good, and one was a Hashafa, and I found the Hashafa the hardest for my teeth.


Hadith Number 354.

Narrated by Jabir bin 'Abdullah (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): There was a Jew in Al-Madinah who used to lend me money up to the season of plucking dates. (Jabir had a piece of land which was on the way to Ruma). That year the land was not promising, so the payment of the debt was delayed one year. The Jew came to me at the time of plucking, but gathered nothing from my land. I asked him to give me one year respite, but he refused. This news reached the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) whereupon he said to his companions, "Let us go and ask the Jew for respite for Jabir." All of them came to me in my garden, and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) started speaking to the Jew, but he Jew said, "O Abu Qasim! I will not grant him respite." When the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saw the Jew's attitude, he stood up and walked all around the garden and came again and talked to the Jew, but the Jew refused his request. I got up and brought some ripe fresh dates and put it in front of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). He ate and then said to me, "Where is your hut, O Jabir?" I informed him, and he said, "Spread out a bed for me in it." I spread out a bed, and he entered and slept. When he woke up, I brought some dates to him again and he ate of it and then got up and talked to the Jew again, but the Jew again refused his request. Then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) got up for the second time amidst the palm trees loaded with fresh dates, and said, "O Jabir! Pluck dates to repay your debt." The Jew remained with me while I was plucking the dates, till I paid him all his right, yet there remained extra quantity of dates. So I went out and proceeded till I reached the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and informed him of the good news, whereupon he said, "I testify that I am Allah's Messenger."


Hadith Number 355.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): While we were sitting with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) a spadix of palm tree was brought to him. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "There is a tree among the trees which is as blessed as a Muslim" I thought that it was the date palm tree and intended to say, "It is the date-palm tree, O Allah's Messenger!" but I looked behind to see that I was the tenth and youngest of ten men present there, so I kept quiet' Then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "It is the date palm tree."


Hadith Number 356.

Narrated by Sa'd (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "He who eats seven 'Ajwa dates every morning, will not be affected by poison or magic on the day he eats them."


Hadith Number 357.

Narrated by Jabala bin Suhaim: At the time of Ibn Az-Zubair (Radhi Allahu Anhu), we were struck with famine, and he provided us with dates for our food. 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) used to pass by us while we were eating, and say, "Do not eat two dates together at a time, for the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) forbade the taking of two dates together at a time (in a gathering)." Ibn 'Umar used to add, "Unless one takes the permission of one's companions."


Hadith Number 358.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Ja'far (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): I saw the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) eating fresh dates with snake cucumbers.


Hadith Number 359.

Narrated by Ibn 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "There is a tree among the trees which is similar to a Muslim (in goodness), and that is the date palm tree."


Hadith Number 360.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Ja'far (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): I saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) eating fresh dates with snake cucumbers.


Hadith Number 361.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): My mother, Um Sulaim, took a Mudd of barley grain, ground it and made porridge from it, and pressed (over it), a butter skin she had with her. Then she sent me to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), and I reached him while he was sitting with his companions. I invited him, whereupon he said, "And those who are with me?' I returned and said, "He says, 'And those who are with me?" Abu Talha went out to him and said, "O Allah's Messenger! It is just a meal prepared by Um Sulaim." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) entered and the food was brought to him. He said, "Let ten persons enter upon me." Those ten entered and ate their fill. Again he said, 'Let ten (more) enter upon me." Those ten entered and ate their fill. Then he said, "Let ten (more) enter upon me." He called forty persons in all Then Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ate and got up. I started looking (at the food) to see if it decreased or not.


Hadith Number 362.

Narrated by 'Abdul 'Aziz: It was said to Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) "What did you hear the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saying about garlic?" Anas replied, "Whoever has eaten (garlic) should not approach our Masjid."


Hadith Number 363.

Narrated by Jabir bin 'Abdullah (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Whoever has eaten garlic or onion should keep away from us (or should keep away from our Masjid)."


Hadith Number 364.

Narrated by Jabir bin 'Abdullah (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): We were with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) collecting Al-Kabath at Mar-Az-Zahran. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Collect the black ones, for they are better." Somebody said, (O Allah's Messenger!) Have you ever shepherded sheep?" He said, "There has been no Prophet but has shepherded them."


Hadith Number 365.

Narrated by Suwaid bin An Nu'man (Radhi Allahu Anhu): We went out with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) to Khaibar, and when we reached As-Sahba', the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked for food, and he was offered nothing but Sawiq. We ate, and then Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) stood up for the prayer. He rinsed his mouth with water, and we too, rinsed our mouths. Narrated Suwaid; We went out with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) to Khaibar. and when we reached As-Sahba', which (Yahya says) is one day' journey from Khaibar, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked for food, and he was offered nothing but Sawiq which we chewed and ate. Then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked for water and rinsed his mouth, and we too, rinsed our mouths along with him. He then led us in the Maghrib prayer without performing ablution again.


Hadith Number 366.

Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, 'When you eat, do not wipe your hands till you have licked it, or had it licked by somebody else."


Hadith Number 367.

Narrated by Sa'id bin Al-Harith: That he asked Jabir bin 'Abdullah (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) about performing ablution after taking a cooked meal. He replied, "It is not essential," and added, "We never used to get such kind of food during the lifetime of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) except rarely; and if at all we got such a dish, we did not have any handkerchiefs to wipe our hands with except the palms of our hands, our forearms and our feet. We would perform the prayer thereafter without performing new ablution."


Hadith Number 368.

Narrated by Abu Umama (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Whenever the dining sheet of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was taken away (i.e., whenever he finished his meal), he used to say: "Al-hamdu lillah kathiran taiyiban mubarakan fihi ghaira makfiy wala muwada' wala mustaghna'anhu Rabbuna." (*)

* Praise be to Allah! Much good and blessed praise! O our Lord We cannot reject Your favour, nor leave it, nor dispense with it.

Hadith Number 369.

Narrated by Abu Umama (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Whenever the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) finished his meals (or when his dining sheet was taken away), he used to say. "Praise be to Allah Who has satisfied our needs and quenched our thirst. Your favor cannot by compensated or denied. " Once he said, upraise be to You, O our Lord! Your favor cannot be compensated, nor can be left, nor can be dispensed with, O our Lord!"


Hadith Number 370.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) 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."


Hadith Number 371.

Narrated by Abu Mas'ud Al-Ansari (Radhi Allahu Anhu): There was an Ansari man nicknamed, Abu Shu'aib, who had a slave who was a butcher. He came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) while he was sitting with his companions and noticed the signs of hunger on the face of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). So he went to his butcher slave and said, "Prepare for me a meal sufficient for five persons so that I may invite the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) along with four other men." He had the meal prepared for him and invited him. A (sixth) man followed them. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "O Abu Shu'aib! Another man has followed us. If you wish, you may invite him; and if you wish, you may refuse him." Abu Shu'aib said, "No, I will admit him."


Hadith Number 372.

Narrated by 'Amr bin Umaiyya (Radhi Allahu Anhu): That he saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) cutting a piece of mutton from its shoulder part he was carrying in his hand. When he was called for prayer, he put it down and the knife with which he was cutting it. Then he stood up and offered the prayer without performing new ablution.


Hadith Number 373A.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, If supper is served and the Iqamah for (Isha) prayer is proclaimed, start with you supper first."


Hadith Number 373B.

Narrated by Nafi: Once Ibn Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) was taking his supper while he was listening to the recitation of (Qur’an by) the Imam (in the Isha prayer).


Hadith Number 374.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "If the Iqamah for ('Isha') prayer is proclaimed and supper is served, take your supper first."


Hadith Number 375.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I know (about) the Hijab (the order of veiling of women) more than anybody else. Ubai bin Ka'b used to ask me about it. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) became the bridegroom of Zainab bint Jahsh whom he married at Al-Madinah. After the sun had risen high in the sky, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) invited the people to a meal. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) remained sitting and some people remained sitting with him after the other guests had left. Then Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) got up and went away, and I too, followed him till he reached the door of 'Aishah’s (Radhi Allahu Anha) room. Then he thought that the people must have left the place by then, so he returned and I also returned with him. Behold, the people were still sitting at their places. So he went back again for the second time, and I went along with him too. When we reached the door of 'Aishah’s (Radhi Allahu Anha) room, he returned and I also returned with him to see that the people had left. Thereupon the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) hung a curtain between me and him and the Verse regarding the order for (veiling of women) Hijab was revealed.