The Etiquette of Eating and Personal Hygiene from Islamic Perpective
by
Muhammad Vandestra
2018
The Etiquette of Eating In Islam
“And I (God) created not the jinn and humankind except they should worship Me (Alone).” (Holy Quran 51:56)
The religion of Islam is a holistic way of life. It is not separated into physical, emotional and spiritual areas; rather it teaches that all aspects of life combine to fulfil one purpose. What is that purpose and is it possible to understand the meaning of life? Yes it is! Islam makes it very clear that the purpose of life is to worship our Creator, the One True God. What gives meaning to our existence is understanding that all our actions, no matter how grand or how trivial, can be turned easily into worship. All actions performed in the daily course of life can be raised to the status of worship simply by remembering to praise God and seek His pleasure.
Islam makes remembrance easy by giving us guidelines. It teaches us in a gentle and moderate way that life is worship, and worship is the meaning of life. To this end, even eating has an etiquette that raises its status from the mundane to worship. Food plays a significant role in our everyday lives. We spend a lot of time, effort and money in shopping, cooking and eating so it makes sense to turn these worldly acts into worship worthy of reward. The sayings of Prophet Muhammad are filled with guidelines and recommendations that make eating a rewardable action.
Cleanliness is an important part of Islam. Not only should a Muslim purify himself before turning to God in prayer but they must pay attention to the cleanliness of their bodies and their surroundings at all times. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, reminded us that our body has certain rights and one of those rights is that it should be maintained with cleanliness. Our bodies are a trust from God and living in filthy conditions causes disease and ill health. Therefore, before preparing food it is important to be sure that the food, the food preparation area and the hands that will touch the food are clean.
Muslims begin every task or action by mentioning the name of God, and eating is no exception. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said:
“When one of you eats, he should mention God's name; if he forgets to mention God's name at the beginning, he should say: "I begin with the name of God at the beginning and at the end of it (i.e. this meal)."”
It is important to remember that Islam is a moderate way of life, we should not over indulge nor should we deprive ourselves of the delicious food that God has provided for us. The Islamic guidelines in relation to eating are taught to us predominantly in the sayings of Prophet Muhammad.
Eating with the right hand is one such saying and it is obligatory for Muslims unless there is an excuse such as illness or injury. The left hand is usually used to clean the body of filth and impurities while the right hand is used for eating, passing objects from one person to another and for shaking hands. Prophet Muhammad also advised his companions that Satan eats with his left hand and that the believers should disassociate themselves from anything that resembles Satan.
One of Prophet Muhammad’s companions, Omar ibn Abi Salamah also related a story about the etiquette of eating. He said,
“When I was a young boy in the care of the Messenger of God, my hand used to wander all over the platter (of food). The Messenger of God said to me, ‘O young boy, say Bismillah (I begin with the name of God), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is directly in front of you’.”
In situations where everyone is eating from common platters or serving themselves, taking the food that is directly in front of you is considered good manners. Reaching over others or searching for the most delicious pieces of food can make others uncomfortable or make you appear to be ungrateful or greedy. Part of the etiquette of eating includes eating in moderation and not overindulging no matter how appetizing the food is.
Prophet Muhammad reminded us that keeping the body light and healthy is better than being overweight, lazy and idle. He said,
“A man does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat enough to keep him alive. But if he must do more than that, then one-third for his food, one-third for his drink and one-third for his air.”
There are many guidelines pertaining to the etiquette of eating. However inconsequential each action may seem, treating others with respect and thinking about how our actions will please or displease God turns eating into worship. It is from the manners of Prophet Muhammad to show respect towards guests by offering them the choicest food and delivering it in a timely manner. The guest is able to respond by hastening to taste and praise the food and by praying for and sending blessings upon the host. Prophet Muhammad’s companion , Anas, said that Sa’d ibn Ubada once brought some bread and oil to the Prophet who responded by saying
“May fasting people break their fast with you, may the righteous eat your food, and may the angels send blessings upon you.”
While it is a part of good manners to send blessings upon your host, Prophet Muhammad made it clear to his followers that the food God provides is full of the blessings of God. He taught us to be thankful and grateful. Prophet Muhammad advised us to pick up, dust off and eat any pieces of food that fall on the floor, to be certain not to miss any blessings or to leave the food for Satan.
Finally the etiquette of eating includes eating with a group rather than alone, sharing the bounties God provides, eating with three fingers, licking the remains of the food off your fingers, not reclining while eating, and refraining from spitting or blowing your nose whilst eating. It is also part of Islamic good manners to praise the food. It is wrong to criticise food, rather it is better to refrain from eating anything you do not like.
Paying attention to the etiquette of eating allows the believers to gather blessings and rewards with ease. God has provided us with delicious foods of every kind, meats, grains, fruits and vegetables and He said,
“And eat and drink, but waste not in extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not those who waste in extravagance.” (Quran 7:31)
Before a Muslim begins any task or action, he or she mentions the name of God. He says Bismillah (I begin with the name of God) to invoke God’s blessings on whatever he may be about to do, from the grand life changing moments to the mundane everyday tasks such as washing hands or eating. The first thing a Muslim does when he finishes eating is to praise and thank God. He says ‘Alhamdulillah’ (all praises and thanks are due to God) as an acknowledgement that God is the one who provides all our sustenance. Whether it be a little or a lot, we thank Him and we praise Him.
“And no moving (living) creature is there on earth but its provision is due from God” (Quran 11:6)
Food is an important part of everyday life, it sustains us and gives us energy, and a great deal of our time is spent acquiring, preparing, and eating food. God provides some people with a lot and others with very little. The reason for this is beyond our comprehension but we do know that the conditions we survive under are part of a test, not an indication of honour, or humiliation. God tests us to determine who is patient and grateful for the blessings He provides. A Muslim understands that he should be equally grateful for one morsel of food, or a banquet.
It is from the traditions of Prophet Muhammad to praise God and to make supplication after one has finished eating. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, would say, “Praise be to God, good and blessed praise. What we have eaten now will not suffice us for perpetuity (rather Your graces are continuous upon us) nor will this meal suffice us such that it will be the last that we eat. We, O our Lord, cannot do without Your favor nor part with it” Alternatively, he would say “O God, bless it for us and feed us with better than it” Prophet Muhammad also told us that “God is pleased when one of His slaves eats something and praises Him for it, or drinks something and praises Him for it,” and that is what a true believer is aims for – to please God!
Cleanliness is part of faith
Islam places great emphasis on cleanliness. Prayers are not preformed unless the body is in a state of cleanliness, and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad contain advice pertaining to keeping both the body and mind clean. Islam is a holistic way of life and God said in the Quran that He “loves those who turn to Him in repentance and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.” (Quran 2:222) To this end, it is important to clean oneself after eating by washing the hands, rinsing the mouth and if possible, cleaning the teeth.
Prophet Muhammad advised us all to wash our hands before and after eating regardless of whether we are in the state of ritual purity or not. It is acceptable to rinse with water, but the scholars of Islam have said it is preferable to use soap or a cleaning liquid. It is also recommended to rinse the mouth after eating. When Prophet Muhammad was in a place called Al Sahba he called for food but found only some barley mush, the Prophet and his companions ate the food after which they rinsed their mouths.
Islam attaches great importance to oral cleanliness and over 1400 years ago, Prophet Muhammad taught his followers the importance of cleaning their teeth. He recommended using a tooth stick called a miswak or siwak. It is a natural twig fortified with minerals that cleans the teeth, prevents the gums from bleeding, kills bacteria, and freshens the breath. Prophet Muhammad said, “Use siwak, for it purifies the mouth and pleases the Lord,’ and “Had it not been for fear of making things too difficult for my Ummah (nation), I would have commanded them to use the siwak before every prayer”.
Good advice is a mercy
Prophet Muhammad was sent to the world as a mercy, he came to complete God’s only religion and to teach us in practical ways how to please and worship God.
“He listens to what is best for you; he believes in God; has faith in the believers; and is a mercy to those of you who believe.” (Quran 9:61)
His advice about the etiquette of eating is an important part of his guidance. As we have seen, the etiquette of eating involves actions before, during, and after eating, and Prophet Muhammad also suggested ways for the believers to drink water. He advised that water should be drunk in three breaths rather than gulping the water in one mouthful, and he cautioned against breathing into the vessel because it contaminates the water with spittle. Correct etiquette is an important part of the religion of Islam.
Reading about the good morals and good manners that are inherent in the Islamic faith it is possible to see that Islam is a complete way of life, and every act that a Muslim does is a chance to please God and earn rewards. Even mundane acts like eating or drinking are viewed as opportunities to worship God, thus etiquette for eating and drinking has evolved from the words of God in the Quran and the traditions of his Prophet, Muhammad.
Personal Hygiene In Islam
Muslims throughout the world have extremely high standards of personal hygiene, because Islam places great emphasis on both physical and spiritual, cleanliness and purification. While humankind in general usually considers cleanliness to be a pleasing attribute, Islam insists on it. Muslims are required to take care of their personal hygiene by assuring that they are well groomed, and that their bodies, clothing, and surroundings are clean. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, informed his companions and thus all of us, about the importance of cleanliness when he said, “cleanliness is half of faith.” The Quran is more specific and says,
“Truly, God loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves.” (Quran 2:222)
Personal hygiene is desirable at all times but certain aspects of personal hygiene are not only important but also compulsory. According to scholars, cleanliness is of three kinds, purification, or ritual washing in order to perform prayer; keeping the body, clothing, and environment clean; and specifically removing the dirt or grime that collects in the various parts of the body, such as teeth, nostrils, under the nails, in the armpits and around the pubic area.
Ritual Washing
The Arabic word for purity is tahara and it means to be free from filth, both spiritual and physical. Purity is the key to prayer. Spiritual taharah means being free from sin and idolatry and denotes believing in the Oneness of God. It is as important as physical cleanliness. Before a person stands before God in the special connection that is prayer, he must ensure that his heart is free from sin, arrogance, and hypocrisy. Once this is accomplished, or at least greatly desired, he is able to cleanse himself from physical impurities. This is usually achieved by using water.
“O you who believe! When you intend to offer the prayer, wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, wipe your heads, and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. If you are in a state of Janaba (i.e. had a sexual discharge )purify yourself.” (Quran 5:6)
Prior to obligatory or voluntary prayer a person must assure that he is in a state of cleanliness, he does this by performing either wudu (often translated as ablution) or ghusl (a full bath). Wudu rids the body of minor impurities, and ghusl cleanses the body of major impurities. Ghusl must be performed after sexual intercourse or any sexual activity that releases bodily fluids. Ghusl is also performed at the completion of a woman’s menstrual period or post partum bleeding.
Ritually cleansing the body by performing wudu includes washing the hands, rinsing the mouth and nose, washing the face, washing the arms up to the elbows, wiping the head (and beard), washing the ears, including behind the ears and washing the feet up to and including the ankle. A person does not have to repeat this ablution for every prayer unless he has broken his wudu by one of the following methods; urinating or defecating, breaking wind, eating camel meat, falling asleep while lying down, losing consciousness, directly touching the genital area or becoming sexually excited sufficiently to emit a discharge.
In the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, we are told that on the Day of Judgement those who complete a perfect wudu will be identifiable by the light shinning from the areas washed in wudu.[ Prophet Muhammad also taught the believers to perform wudu in an environmentally friendly manner. Water was often scarce and he recommended using as little water as necessary to complete the wudu correctly. However, on certain occasions it was obligatory to take a full bath (ghusl), at which time water touches all parts of the body.
Under certain conditions, ritual purification can be achieved without water. This is called tayammum, or dry ablution. If water is not available in sufficient quantities, or if it would be dangerous to use water, for instance if a person was wounded or very ill, clean earth may be used instead. Tayammum is performed by striking the hands lightly over clean earth and then passing the palm of each hand on the back of the other, the dust is then blown off and the hands are passed across the face. These actions are performed instead of wudu or ghusl.
“...But if you are ill or on a journey or any of you comes from answering the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women (i.e. sexual intercourse) and you find no water, then perform Tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands. God does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you, and to complete His Favour on you that you may be thankful.” (Quran 5:6)
Although God expects those who worship Him to be ritually clean, He is Merciful and allows certain concessions. He (God) says in the Quran (2:286) that He does not burden a person beyond what he can bear. Thus, tayammum is one of the concessions as is wiping over the socks, headscarves, and turbans.
Islam is a holistic religion that takes into account humankind’s need for a balance between physical, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being. Personal hygiene and cleanliness, both physical and spiritual, keeps both the body and mind free from disease. Cleanliness is an important part of the high standards and values that are inherent in Islam.
Muslims believe that all of humankind is born innately knowing that God is One. It is a natural state of being where one instinctively knows that there is a Creator and our natural way of life is to worship Him and please Him. The Arabic word for this state of being is fitrah and linguistically it means causing a thing to exist for the first time, in its most pure and natural condition. Prophet Muhammad said that every child was born in a state of fitrah, with the correct understanding of God.
The respected Islamic scholar and historian At-Tabari described fitrah as the way, or religion of God. The religion of Islam is a holistic way of life. It encompasses emotional, physical, and spiritual well being and takes into account the natural needs of humankind. When we mention the fitrah in relation to personal hygiene, we mean things done to improve overall health and well-being. Some actions are according to the natural way – the way that is pleasing to God and beneficial to humankind.
The traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, include advice about actions that are part of a natural way to maintain personal hygiene. He said that, “Five things are part of the fitrah: shaving the pubic hair, circumcision, trimming the moustache, plucking the armpit hairs, and cutting the nails”. This is believed to be the ancient way, the natural way, followed by all of the Prophets, and enjoined on the believers by the laws that they brought. Let us examine each of the five actions of fitrah in relation to cleanliness and personal hygiene.
Shaving the pubic hair
It is obligatory that impurities are completely removed before prayer; therefore, removal of the pubic hair makes it easier to maintain cleanliness. Although plucking was recommended by Prophet Muhammad, the hair may be removed by whatever method is safest and easiest for each individual. The hair that grows around the pubic area is usually very course and thick and after using the toilet traces of faeces and urine may be trapped between the hairs or on the skin.
Muslims are encouraged to keep their genital area and underwear as clean as possible. Prophet Muhammad advised the believers to use their left hand to clean themselves thoroughly after using the toilet. If we fail to clean this area properly, our bodies become a breeding ground for diseases including urinary tract infections. In the days of Prophet Muhammad, they used stones or dried clay but now days we have the luxury of toilet paper. However, the use of toilet paper alone is not sufficient. Once all traces of impurity have been removed with the toilet paper, if possible, water must be used to give the area a thorough clean. Muslim homes often have water hoses installed next to the toilet or have water jugs available to facilitate cleanliness.
Circumcision
The majority of Islamic scholars agree that circumcision is obligatory for men providing they do not fear that it may harm them. Circumcision makes it easier to keep the penis clean from traces of urine, dirt, or impurities and it involves cutting the foreskin covering the glans. It does not involve flaying the skin or part of the penis, in fact to do so would be causing deliberate harm and thus be against the teachings of Islam. Female circumcision is not part of the obligatory rites of Islam.
Trimming the moustache
Prophet Muhammad made it clear to his followers that they should trim their moustaches but leave their beards. The scholars have different opinions about whether the moustache should be shaved off completely however, all agree that it should be trimmed so that the hair does not hang over the lip or get into the mouth. It is important that the area around the mouth is kept clean and so it does not emit a bad smell.
Plucking the armpit hairs
Although plucking would be the best way to remove hair from the armpits, it may not be the most comfortable; therefore, any hair removal method is permissible. Removing the hair from the armpits makes it easier to clean an area of the body where sweat and grime collect. Hair, combined with darkness and moisture is an ideal place for bacteria to grow.
Cutting the nails
Again, the main reason for keeping the nails short is for cleanliness and hygiene. Dirt, grime, and bacteria can easily be trapped under the nails and passed on to other people, especially when preparing food or in a medical environment. Having dirty or long finger and toe nails, is unhealthy and unhygienic.
In order to be sure that his followers were well groomed and clean Prophet Muhammad ordered that the hair be removed from the armpits and pubic area, and that the nails and moustaches be trimmed, at least every forty days. Personal hygiene is important in Islam. In order to worship God correctly it is necessary to strive to be healthy in both mind and body. Physical cleanliness is important just as spiritual cleanliness is important. Islam has provided us with clear guidelines. Our purpose is to worship God and we are asked to assure that all our actions begin with the intention to please God. Pleasing God is the ultimate goal and God reminds us in Quran that cleanliness is pleasing to Him.
“Truly, God loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves.” (Quran 2:222)
25 Ways to Enter Jannah Paradise
We all want to enter Jannah but are we sincerely striving for it? There are multiple ways to attain the pleasure of Allah SWT and enter His Jannah. Allah SWT has made it easy for us to enter His Jannah but some of us forget this due to an ‘attachment’ to this temporary worldly life!
Following are some hadiths which will show us 25 ways or good deeds to enter the Jannah. Remember, these are not the ‘only’ 25 ways and there should be ‘sincerity’ and ‘consistency’ in these acts to get Firdaus Jannah (Paradise).
Whoever meets Allah without ascribing anything to Him will enter Jannah. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Whoever believes (has Imaan) in Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him), and establishes the prayer and fasts in the month of Ramadan, it is incumbent upon Allah that He enters him in Jannah. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Whoever says: “I am pleased with Allah as my Rabb, and with Islam as my Deen, and with Muhammad (peace be upon him) as my Prophet, Jannah would be mandatory for him. (Sunan Abu Dawud)
Whoever asks Allah for Jannah three times, Jannah will say: “O Allah, enter him into Jannah.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)
Whoever says “SubhanAllah al-Adthim wa Bihamdihi (Glorified and Exalted is Allah, The Great, and with His Praise), a date-palm tree will planted for him in Jannah. (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)
Allah has Ninety Nine Names, one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Jannah. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Indeed, truthfulness leads to righteousness and indeed righteousness leads to Jannah. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Whoever builds a Masjid seeking by it the Pleasure of Allah, Allah will build for him a similar place in Jannah. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Whoever repeats after the Mu’adthin (the caller to prayer) from his heart (i.e., sincerely) will enter Jannah. (Sunan an-Nasa’i)
Whoever calls the Adhan for 12 years, Jannah will become mandatory for him. (Sunan Ibn Majah)
Whoever prays the two cool prayers (Asr and Fajr) will go to Paradise. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Allah will prepare for him who goes to the mosque (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer) an honorable place in Paradise with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Any one performs the ablution perfectly and then offers 2 rak’ahs of prayers concentrating on them with his heart and face, paradise will necessarily fall to his lot. (Sunan Abu Dawud)
Whoever prays 12 Rak’ah in the day and night, a house in Jannah will be built for him. (Sunan an-Nasa’i)
Whoever takes a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Jannah. (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)
I saw a man going about in Jannah (and enjoying himself) as a reward for cutting from the middle of the road, a tree which was causing inconvenience to the Muslims. (Muslim)
Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Anyone whose soul leaves his body and he is free of three things, will enter Jannah: Arrogance, stealing from the spoils of war, and debt. (Sunan Ibn Majah)
Whoever raises two girls then I and he will enter Jannah like these two (Prophet indicated with his two fingers). (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)
Whoever visits an ailing person or a brother of his to seek the Pleasure of Allah, an announcer (angel) calls out: “May you be happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you be awarded a dignified position in Jannah”. (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)
Allah guarantees him who strives in His Cause and whose motivation for going out is nothing but Jihad in His Cause and belief in His Word, that He will admit him into Jannah. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
O people, spread the Salaam (greetings), feed the hungry, and pray while the people are asleep, you will enter Jannah in peace. (Sunan Ibn Majah)
(The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted) is nothing but Jannah. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Whosoever last words are: La ilaha illa Allah, will enter Paradise. (Sunan Abu Dawud)
O Allah, You are my Lord, none has the right to be worshipped except You, You created me and I am Your servant and I abide to Your covenant and promise as best I can, I take refuge in You from the evil of which I committed. I acknowledge Your favor upon me and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for verily none can forgive sin except You (Allāhumma anta rabbī lā ilāha illā anta, khalaqtanī wa ana `abduka, wa ana `alā `ahdika wa wa`dika ma-staṭa`tu. A`ūdhu bika min sharri ma ṣana`tu, wa abū’u ilayka bini`matika `alayya wa a`tarifu bidhunūbī faghfirlī dhunūbī innahu lā yaghfirudh-dhunūba illā ant). If somebody recites this invocation during the day, and if he should die then, he will be from the people of Jannah. And if he recites it in the night, and if he should die on the same day, he will be from the people of Jannah.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)
May Allah SWT forgive all our sins, help us to stay on the right path and unite us in His Jannat-ul-Firdause. Ameen.
Author Bio
Muhammad Vandestra has been a columnist, health writer, soil scientist, magazine editor, web designer & kendo instructor. A writer by day and reader by night, he write fiction and non-fiction book for adult and children. He lives in West Jakarta City.
Muhammad Vandestra merupakan seorang kolumnis, editor majalah, perancang web & instruktur beladiri kendo. Seorang penulis pada siang hari dan pembaca di malam hari, Ia menulis buku fiksi dan non-fiksi untuk anak-anak dan dewasa. Dia tinggal di Kota Jakarta Barat.
