Fatwa ID: 04903 

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

I am dieting and I started skipping my dinner. But someone told me that it is against the Sunnah to skip dinner and recommended me to skip lunch.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer

Losing weight and fighting obesity is actually a teaching of the Shariah and there are many Ahadith that talk about the impermissibility of filling one’s stomach to the full.

The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said, “The worst container to be filled to its utmost capacity is the stomach. It is enough for people to eat what will suffice to keep them standing, but if that is not attainable, then one third for food, one third for drink, and one-third empty for air” (Sunan Tirmizi)

Regarding your question, there is a hadith which is narrated by Saaiduna Anas Bin Malik Radiallahu Anhu that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam prohibited us to miss the evening dinner as it may result in weakness and early aging for those who do it. (Sunan Tirmizi p.7 v.2)

It will be best to balance and space out what you eat throughout the day. It is also advisable that you do not miss breakfast, lunch, and in particular dinner. It is not necessary to have a big meal. Even something light like fruit for dinner would be considered sufficient to prevent weakness and early aging. (Duruus Tirmizi p.155 v.1)

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham