Hadith on Food: Avoid Waste, Eat Moderately
📖Sahih al-Bukhari 5491
Narrated Ibn `Umar: Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said, “A believer eats in one intestine (is satisfied with a little food), and a kafir (unbeliever) or a hypocrite eats in seven intestines (eats too much).
Explanation:
The hadith itself says “eats in one intestine” versus “seven intestines.” The word “in” is used to emphasize the difference in how much they eat, not the number of intestines in the body. A believer is content with a small portion, while a non-believer or hypocrite eats excessively, This also carries a warning: if you indulge in overeating or waste food, you risk becoming like a person who does not value sustenance, losing gratitude and mindfulness. For hypocrites, this includes those who claim to be Muslim but act contrary to Islamic teachings by wasting food instead of helping the needy.
Explanation:
This hadith does not mean that non-believers literally have more intestines. When it says “one intestine” versus “seven intestines, It means that a believer is satisfied with a moderate amount of food – eating just enough – while a kafir or hypocrite consumes as if they had “seven intestines,” meaning they eat excessively and waste food. It’s not about having more intestines in the body, but about the quantity they can eat and often waste.
- A believer eats moderately, is satisfied with little, and avoids waste.
- A kafir or hypocrite overeats excessively. A hypocrite, in this context, refers to someone who claims to be Muslim but fails to practice the values of Islam – wasting food instead of being grateful, helping the poor, or sharing sustenance with those in need.
The hadith about a believer eating in one intestine versus a kafir or hypocrite eating in seven intestines is not criticizing someone who eats enough to satisfy genuine hunger or nutritional need.
- Permissible eating: If a person eats a sufficient amount to fulfill their hunger or bodily needs, this is not wasteful and does not fall under the warning of the hadith.
- Wasteful eating: The hadith targets overeating beyond need and wasting food, especially when one is aware of others in need or indulging without reason.
- Key point: The focus is on gratitude, moderation, and mindfulness, not on restricting necessary consumption.
So, the lesson is: eat to satisfy genuine hunger, avoid overindulgence, and never waste food intentionally.
Who is the “kafir” here?
In this hadith, “kafir” refers primarily to someone who does not appreciate or value food – they overeat, waste, and are unmindful of blessings. It is not strictly about being a non-Muslim in every case. The emphasis is on behavior and attitude toward sustenance, The term is also used because such a person acts without moral or divine guidance, disregarding God’s message. Historically, those who had no law or moral teaching to guide them might unknowingly reject guidance, but here the focus is on knowingly ignoring or rejecting God’s message, which is the deeper meaning of “kufr.” By wasting food or overindulging, a person demonstrates a lack of gratitude and mindfulness – behaviors associated with spiritual heedlessness.
📖Sunan Ibn Majah 933
It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “If food is served and the Iqamah for prayer is given, then start with the food.”
Explanation:
- Islam recognizes that eating is necessary for maintaining the body and fulfilling basic needs.
- The hadith teaches that you should satisfy your hunger first, even if the call for prayer (Iqamah) is heard, before going to pray.
- This does not mean overeating or wasting food is allowed; the key is moderation. Eat enough to satisfy your hunger, but avoid excess.
- The principle is that basic needs like food take precedence, and performing prayer in a state of comfort and focus is encouraged.
Lessons for today:
- Moderation in eating: Overeating is discouraged; it harms both body and soul.
- Avoiding waste: Being content with what we have reduces waste and cultivates gratitude.
- Practicing faith genuinely: True Islam reflects in actions; claiming faith but ignoring responsibility toward the needy is hypocrisy.
- Mindful generosity: Sharing food and resources with the poor strengthens both individual and community.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 7:31
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.
📖Quran 23:51
O messengers! Eat from the good foods and work righteousness. Indeed, I am aware of what you do.
📖Quran 20:81
Eat from the good things We have provided you, and do not transgress therein, or Satan will tempt you with desire for excess.
📖Quran 107:1-3
Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan and does not encourage the feeding of the poor.