11 Nov 2021 By Know Muslim
Avoid eating while standing
There are people who argue on the basis of a Hadith of Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه that it is lawful to eat
while standing. Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه has said in this Hadith that during the time of the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم they ate while walking and drank water while standing. The people, therefore, ask why they are being forbidden to eat while standing when the Noble Companions رضي الله عنه, were free to do so.
You have just now heard the Hadith of Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه saying: that it is worse and more hateful to eat while standing. In other words it is unlawful to eat while standing. This Hadith refers to the meals eaten regularly two, or three times daily. The other Hadith of Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه refers to small bits of eatables, like chocolates almonds and dates etc., which can be eaten while standing and walking. As for the regular meals dinners and lunches, it is totally unlawful to eat them while standing and walking. The system of eating while standing has become very popular in the feasts arranged now. This must be condemned and abolished, because this is not human. It is a beastly way of eating. My respected father described this way of eating as a form of 'grazing' and not as human eating; snatching the food from here and there. This is sheer incivility and also insulting to the guests. For God's sake give up this way of eating. Only a little care is needed to get rid of this beastly system.
Some people justify this by alleging that this ensures economy in expenditure. Only a small space is needed and the heavy cost of furniture is saved. This is meaningless. What about the costly chairs arranged in the marriage hall and the decorative costly lights? In addition, huge amounts are wasted on useless customs, the preparation of video films and so many other sinful practices. Where is the idea of economy? The fact remains that all this is due to the craze of a blind following of fashion and nothing else.
Only a little resolution and courage are needed. Resolve today that you shall entertain your guests with food on dining chairs and tables or on the ground furnished with clean sheets, irrespective of the costs involved. Once you have taken a firm decision to do away with this beastly way of eating and entertaining, Allah will help you in abolishing this inhuman style of feasting.
May Almighty Allah help us all in getting rid of this bad custom. Ameen!
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