Mentioning Name of Allah Before Eating

📖Sunan an-Nasa’i 4436
It was narrated from ‘Aishah that: Some Bedouin people used to bring us meat, and we did not know whether they had mentioned the Name of Allah (when slaughtering it) or not. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Mention the Name of Allah and eat.”

This Hadith underscores the importance of invoking the Name of Allah before consuming any food. It’s a simple yet profound teaching: even in situations where doubt arises, the solution is to reaffirm your faith by mentioning Allah’s Name. This reflects the broader Islamic principle of ensuring that every action – from eating to praying – is carried out with awareness of Allah, Now, think about this in the larger context of the divine laws given to humanity. Islam, as a complete way of life, provides guidance on everything – from how to live to what to do. These divine instructions were not arbitrary; they were sent to humanity from the very beginning. The world, especially the Arabs, existed in darkness before the coming of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Social systems were unstable, knowledge was scarce, and the general lifestyle was primitive and steeped in ignorance. But when the Prophet ﷺ came, he brought with him a perfect system that gradually elevated society, not just for the Arabs, but for the entire world, If we look back even just  30 years ago, the majority of the world lived in poverty with no access to social media or rapid communication. Education was scarce and largely limited to the elite. But Islam, as revealed to the Prophet ﷺ, set in motion a process of social, intellectual, and economic development, leading humanity to where we are today. The laws revealed by Allah provide a comprehensive system of guidance for every aspect of life, helping to lead the world – especially the Arabs – from darkness to light.

Why you need to follow the guidance given by the Prophet ﷺ, especially if he is truly a messenger from God:

1. Who created you?
   Allah, your Creator, is the One who made you and everything about you – your body, your mind, your abilities. He knows exactly what’s best for you. If He’s your Creator, then His guidance, through the Prophet ﷺ, is designed specifically for your well-being.

2. Who created everything around you?
   The earth, the food you eat, the systems that allow you to live – none of this came from you. You didn’t create the earth or the laws of nature that govern how things grow. Everything around you, including what you consume, was created by Allah. So, if Allah created everything, it makes sense to follow His guidance on how to live in harmony with the world He created.

3. The Prophet ﷺ is the guide sent by God.
   If the Prophet ﷺ is truly a messenger sent by Allah, his instructions are not random or unnecessary. They are given by the Creator who knows exactly what you need to live a good life. The guidance of the Prophet ﷺ is not about control; it’s about ensuring your actions are in line with the system of the world that Allah has created for you.

4. What if you ignore the guidance?
   If you choose not to follow the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ, it’s not going to change the fact that Allah is the Creator of everything – including you. Ignoring the divine guidance doesn’t alter the reality of who created you and who designed the system you live in. It just means you’re not aligning yourself with what is best for you, as designed by the Creator.

5. The example of your mother: Some might say, “But my mom created me.” While your mother played a role in bringing you into the world, she didn’t create the universe, the laws of nature, or the systems that govern life. Allah did. Your mother’s role is a part of the divine system, but she, like you, is part of Allah’s creation. The Creator is the ultimate source of everything.

6. The food you eat grows from the earth. The food that sustains you grows from the earth, but who created the earth? Who gave life to the plants and animals that provide your food? Allah did. The system that produces what you consume is not your creation, but Allah’s. Understanding this connection shows that the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ is there to help you live in a way that is in line with the Creator’s plan.

7. The system is designed for your benefit. Everything around you – the earth, the food, your body, your mind – was designed by Allah to function together in harmony. The Prophet ﷺ’s guidance is the manual for living within that system. Ignoring it is like ignoring the instructions for a machine you didn’t build but rely on to function.

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Quranic Context:

📖Quran 6:121
And do not eat of that upon which the Name of Allah has not been mentioned, for indeed, it is a grave disobedience. And indeed, the devils inspire their allies to dispute with you. But if you obey them, then indeed, you would be associating others with Allah.

This verse from the Qur’an aligns with the guidance provided in the Hadith you mentioned, emphasizing the importance of mentioning Allah’s Name before consuming food. It highlights that consuming food without the Name of Allah being mentioned is a form of disobedience, and warns against the influence of those who lead others astray.

📖Quran 5:3
This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.
This verse is a declaration from Allah that He has provided a complete system for humanity – nothing is left to chance, and nothing is omitted.

📖Quran 2:2
This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.
The Qur’an is described as the ultimate guide for those who are conscious of Allah, giving us all the answers we need for how to live our lives in accordance with His will.

📖Quran 16:89
And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as a guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims.
This verse confirms that the Qur’an is a clarification for everything in life – it doesn’t leave anything out. It’s not just about ritual worship, but how to navigate every aspect of existence, from personal conduct to societal governance.

The teachings of Islam, including the guidance on even something as simple as mentioning the Name of Allah before eating, are part of a comprehensive system from Allah. This system was revealed gradually, especially during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and has been preserved to guide humanity in all matters of life – from personal ethics to societal laws. It leads the way to a prosperous and fulfilling life, both in this world and the Hereafter.