An-Nur
Volume 7, Issue 2 Page 9
Islamic Manners The Islamic Way to Eat Mahshi — Part One by Dina Raafat So, as mahshi is an art, we must appreciate its craft by respecting it not only in its recipe but in how we eat it, for this mahshi is not only stuffed perfection, it is a blessing from Allah. For food is what gives us sustenance in order to ensure that our minds and bodies can be in the service of God. Because food is one of the pleasures of this life, it is not surprising that Islam has given us rules in its over indulgence and in sharing it with company, this article will particularly discuss the guidelines BEFORE we begin our meal. A healthy body is required through the digestion of food, therefore a person should satisfy his or her hunger, but abstain from food while still having an appetite for more. A hadith states, “Do not kill your hearts with much eating and drinking, for the heart is like a plant which dies if watered too much,” therefore, clearly Islam warns against excess but it portrays, an appreciation for food and our health. Therefore, by providing us with guidelines before we eat only further strengthens the appreciation we hold for it. The first guideline being the food must be lawful or halal. The second guideline is to wash one‟s hands. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Ablution performed before a meal banishes poverty, ablution after a meal banishes minor sins.” Because eating is a part of
Islam (therefore, a form of worship), it would be improper to conduct it while unclean. The third guideline is to place the food on a sufra (a ground cover) as did the Prophet (SAW) instead of a raised table. However, after the death of the Prophet (SAW) tables were introduced therefore, while eating on a sufra is appropriate, eating on a table is not condemned or found distasteful. The fourth guideline is while sitting at the sufra one should sit respectably and properly. The Prophet (saw) said, “I do not eat while reclining…for I am but a slave; I eat as a slave and sit as a slave sits”. The fifth guideline concerns itself with the purpose of eating. One should have the intention before eating that the purpose of the meal is strengthening his or her obedience to Allah. Ibrahim ibn Shayban resolved to lessen his food intake since he ate for the purpose of worshiping Allah, his intention was sincere only when he ate less than what satisfied him. The Prophet (SAW) said, “No human being has ever filled a container worse than his own stomach. The son of Adam needs no more than some morsels of food to keep up his strength; doing so, he should consider that a third of [his stomach] is for food, a third for drink and a third for breathing.” Therefore, one should only reach for food when there is hunger (regardless of whether mahshi is on the table or not). The sixth rule of conduct is simply to
eat what you are served or what is available. For food is what nourishes our bodies -- it gives us the ability to study, work, and most importantly, to worship. Food is held in such esteem that when the time of prayer arrives, you should eat the meal if there is enough time. The Prophet (SAW) said “If the time for evening prayers and that of supper coincide, begin with the supper.” However, if the person can wait and is not exceptionally hungry it is preferred to pray but, if the food will spoil or grow cold it is preferred to eat. This is because when the food is set, it‟s difficult to not think about the food, even when you are not very hungry. Finally, the last guideline is to have as many people join you during the meal. The Prophet (SAW) said, “The best food is that over which there are many hands.” Therefore, if anyone is having mahshi for dinner, it is your obligation to invite me.
To view the electronic version of one of the most popular du‟aa books in print visit http://www.makedua.com/