Fatwa ID: 08295
Answered by: Maulana Abdurrahman Mohammad
Question:
I have heard that the Prophet SAW advised eating to two thirds of the stomach or, ideally, only a few mouthfuls.
Please could you clarify what is meant in the Hadith when it says you should eat enough to strengthen your back?
Also, if one is eating at someone else’s house and wants to observe the Sunnah eating way, but doesn’t want to hurt their guest’s feelings, how should one approach this?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
It has been narrated in Ibn Mājah that Miqdam bin Madikarib said:
“I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one third of food, one third for drink and one third for air.’”
To “keep his spine straight” means to eat enough to feel strong and energised, rather than tired and lethargic, which can cause a person to slough or hunch over due to hunger and weakness. The Hadith mentions the Sunnah method of eating. It is permissible to eat more or to eat one’s fill, as long as it is done in moderation and without Isrāf (excessiveness or wastage).
When eating at someone else’s home, it is more important to honor the host and treat them with respect. Following the Sunnah of honoring the host and treating people with respect is greater than the Sunnah of eating. While you should aim to follow the Sunnah as much as possible, if the host insists that you eat more, you may do so until you feel satisfied. However, if the host continues to encourage you to eat beyond that, kindly explain that you are full and unable to eat more.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Abdurrahman Mohammad
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
مَا مَلأَ آدَمِيٌّ وِعَاءً شَرًّا مِنْ بَطْنٍ حَسْبُ الآدَمِيِّ لُقَيْمَاتٌ يُقِمْنَ صُلْبَهُ فَإِنْ غَلَبَتِ الآدَمِيَّ نَفْسُهُ فَثُلُثٌ لِلطَّعَامِ وَثُلُثٌ لِلشَّرَابِ وَثُلُثٌ لِلنَّفَسِ
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3349, Book 29, Hadith 99)
