How to Eat and Drink Like Muhammad (ﷺ)?

Eating and drinking are fundamental aspects of human life, yet Islam elevates these daily acts to acts of worship when performed in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize moderation, gratitude, and mindfulness in consuming food and drink, ensuring both physical health and spiritual well-being. Allah commands us to consume what is lawful (حلال) and pure (طيب), reminding us of His immense blessings.

Qur’an (Surah Al-A’raf, 7:31):
يَا بَنِي آدَمَ خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ
“O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.”

The Prophet (ﷺ) further taught Muslims to begin meals with Bismillah, use their right hand, and eat in moderation.

Hadith (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3349):
مَا مَلَأَ آدَمِيٌّ وِعَاءً شَرًّا مِنْ بَطْنٍ
“The son of Adam does not fill a vessel worse than his stomach.”

By following these guidelines, Muslims transform ordinary acts into opportunities for worship, reflecting gratitude to Allah and nurturing their souls. This article explores the prophetic way of eating and drinking in detail, offering practical guidance for implementing his teachings.

Eating and Drinking in Islam: An Overview

Islam emphasizes the importance of eating and drinking in a manner that is both lawful (حلال) and good (طيب). Allah commands believers to consume what is pure and beneficial:

Qur’an (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:172):
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُلُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لِلَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ
“O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.”

The emphasis on eating halal and tayyib reminds Muslims to avoid excess and prohibited foods while maintaining gratitude to Allah.

The Prophet’s (ﷺ) Guidelines on Eating

Eating with the Right Hand

The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed Muslims to use their right hand while eating and drinking, as it reflects good etiquette and distinguishes Muslims from other practices.

Hadith (Sahih Muslim, 2022):
إِذَا أَكَلَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيَأْكُلْ بِيَمِينِهِ، وَإِذَا شَرِبَ فَلْيَشْرَبْ بِيَمِينِهِ، فَإِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَأْكُلُ وَيَشْرَبُ بِشِمَالِهِ
“When one of you eats, let him eat with his right hand, and when he drinks, let him drink with his right hand, for Satan eats and drinks with his left hand.”

Beginning with the Name of Allah

Starting a meal by saying Bismillah is an essential Sunnah. It reminds us of Allah’s blessings and keeps the meal halal.

Hadith (Sunan Abu Dawood, 3767):
يَا غُلَامُ، سَمِّ اللَّهَ، وَكُلْ بِيَمِينِكَ، وَكُلْ مِمَّا يَلِيكَ
“O boy, mention the Name of Allah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you.”

If one forgets to say Bismillah at the beginning, the Prophet (ﷺ) advised saying:

Hadith (Sunan Tirmidhi, 1859):
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ أَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ
“In the Name of Allah at its beginning and its end.”

Eating in Moderation

The Prophet (ﷺ) practiced moderation in all aspects of life, including eating. He warned against overeating, which can lead to both physical and spiritual harm.

Hadith (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3349):
مَا مَلَأَ آدَمِيٌّ وِعَاءً شَرًّا مِنْ بَطْنٍ، بِحَسْبِ ابْنِ آدَمَ أُكُلَاتٌ يُقِمْنَ صُلْبَهُ، فَإِنْ كَانَ لَا مَحَالَةَ فَثُلُثٌ لِطَعَامِهِ، وَثُلُثٌ لِشَرَابِهِ، وَثُلُثٌ لِنَفَسِهِ
“The son of Adam does not fill a vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to straighten his back. If he must fill it, then one-third for his food, one-third for his drink, and one-third for his breath.”

This principle ensures health and prevents gluttony.

Eating Together

The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged eating in groups, as it brings blessings and promotes unity.

Hadith (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3287):
اجْتَمِعُوا عَلَى طَعَامِكُمْ وَاذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ يُبَارَكْ لَكُمْ فِيهِ
“Gather to eat your food and mention the name of Allah over it; it will be blessed for you.”

Avoiding Wastefulness

Wasting food is strongly discouraged in Islam. The Prophet (ﷺ) ensured that no part of the food was wasted, even advising cleaning the plate thoroughly.

Hadith (Sahih Muslim, 2033):
إِذَا سَقَطَتْ لُقْمَةُ أَحَدِكُمْ فَلْيَأْخُذْهَا فَلْيُمِطْ مَا كَانَ بِهَا مِنْ أَذًى وَلْيَأْكُلْهَا، وَلَا يَدَعْهَا لِلشَّيْطَانِ
“If a morsel of food falls from one of you, let him pick it up, clean it of any dirt, and eat it. Do not leave it for Satan.”

 The Prophet’s (ﷺ) Guidelines on Drinking

Drinking in Three Sips

The Prophet (ﷺ) recommended drinking in small sips rather than gulping, which is both healthier and more graceful.

Hadith (Sunan Tirmidhi, 1885):
لَا تَشْرَبُوا نَفَسًا وَاحِدًا كَشُرْبِ الْبَعِيرِ، وَلَكِنِ اشْرَبُوا مَثْنَى وَثُلَاثَ، وَسَمُّوا إِذَا أَنْتُمْ شَرِبْتُمْ، وَاحْمَدُوا إِذَا أَنْتُمْ فَرَغْتُمْ
“Do not drink in one gulp like a camel. Instead, drink in two or three sips, mention the Name of Allah when you drink, and praise Him when you finish.”

Avoiding Blowing into the Vessel

The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed Muslims not to blow into their drinking vessels to ensure cleanliness and good manners.

Hadith (Sunan Abu Dawood, 3728):
أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ نَهَى أَنْ يُتَنَفَّسَ فِي الإِنَاءِ أَوْ يُنْفَخَ فِيهِ
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade breathing into or blowing into the vessel.”

Drinking While Sitting

It was the general practice of the Prophet (ﷺ) to drink while sitting. Although drinking while standing is permissible, sitting reflects better manners.

Hadith (Sahih Muslim, 2024):
زَجَرَ عَنْ الشُّرْبِ قَائِمًا
“He (the Prophet) disapproved of drinking while standing.”

 Saying Alhamdulillah After Drinking

The Prophet (ﷺ) always expressed gratitude to Allah after drinking.

Hadith (Sunan Abu Dawood, 3726):
إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَيَرْضَى عَنِ الْعَبْدِ أَنْ يَأْكُلَ الْأَكْلَةَ، فَيَحْمَدَهُ عَلَيْهَا، وَيَشْرَبَ الشَّرْبَةَ، فَيَحْمَدَهُ عَلَيْهَا
“Allah is pleased with a servant who, when he eats something, praises Him for it; and when he drinks something, praises Him for it.”

Foods Favored by the Prophet (ﷺ)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) consumed a variety of foods, emphasizing simplicity and nourishment. Some of his favorite foods include:

• Dates and Water:
  

  Hadith (Sunan Tirmidhi, 2343):
  كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يُفْطِرُ عَلَى رُطَبَاتٍ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُصَلِّي، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ رُطَبَاتٌ فَعَلَى تَمَرَاتٍ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ تَمَرَاتٌ حَسَا حَسَوَاتٍ مِنْ مَاءٍ
  “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would break his fast with fresh dates before praying; if there were no fresh dates, he would eat dried dates; and if there were no dried dates, he would take sips of water.”

• Honey:
  

  Qur’an (Surah An-Nahl, 16:69):
  يَخْرُجُ مِن بُطُونِهَا شَرَابٌ مُّخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَانُهُ فِيهِ شِفَاءٌ لِلنَّاسِ
  “From their bellies comes a drink of varying colors, in which there is healing for people.”

• Barley Bread and Soup:
  Simple, nutritious foods such as barley bread and soup were often consumed by the Prophet (ﷺ).

Spiritual Benefits of Following the Sunnah

Following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in eating and drinking brings profound spiritual benefits. It cultivates gratitude by reminding us to thank Allah for His provisions and strengthens our connection with Him through mindful practices like saying Bismillah and Alhamdulillah.

Moderation protects the soul from greed and indulgence, fostering discipline and humility. By emulating the Prophet’s (ﷺ) habits, we earn Allah’s pleasure and blessings, as every act done in accordance with the Sunnah becomes an act of worship.

These practices also unify the Muslim community, as shared Sunnah reinforces a collective bond of faith and devotion to Allah.

Conclusion: How to Eat and Drink Like Muhammad SM

The eating and drinking habits of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) provide timeless guidance for Muslims, offering a perfect balance between physical nourishment and spiritual well-being. By following his Sunnah, we can turn these simple, daily acts into acts of worship that bring us closer to Allah. His emphasis on moderation, gratitude, and mindfulness ensures not only a healthy lifestyle but also a heart filled with thankfulness for Allah’s blessings.

Allah reminds us of His provision and commands us to avoid excess:

Qur’an (Surah Taha, 20:81):
كُلُوا مِن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ وَلَا تَطْغَوْا فِيهِ فَيَحِلَّ عَلَيْكُمْ غَضَبِي
“Eat from the good things with which We have provided you and do not transgress, lest My anger descends upon you.”

The Prophet (ﷺ) also taught the significance of gratitude and moderation:

Hadith (Sunan Abu Dawood, 3764):
إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَيَرْضَى عَنِ الْعَبْدِ أَنْ يَأْكُلَ الْأَكْلَةَ فَيَحْمَدَهُ عَلَيْهَا، وَيَشْرَبَ الشَّرْبَةَ فَيَحْمَدَهُ عَلَيْهَا
“Allah is pleased with a servant who praises Him when he eats or drinks.”

By incorporating these practices into our lives, we honor Allah’s provisions and emulate the best example of our beloved Prophet (ﷺ). May Allah guide us to follow his teachings in every aspect of our lives.

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