Question

I have come across some narrations which prohibit eating with two fingers as Shaytan does so. Are these authentic?

Answer

Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded the following narration:

“Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) once entered an Ansari’s orchard. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ate a few fresh dates while walking. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) then turned to Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) and said, ‘O Ibn ‘Abbas! Do not eat with two fingers for this is how Shaytan eats, eat with three fingers.'”

(Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 11251)

‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) was of the opinion that the Hadith is suitable.

(Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 5, pg. 25)

Imam Daraqutni (rahimahullah) has also recorded a similar narration in Al Afrad. ‘Allamah ‘Iraqi (rahimahullah) has declared this chain weak.

(Al Mughni ‘An Hamlil Asfar, Hadith: 2415. Also see: Al ‘Ilalul Mutanahiyah, Hadith: 1081 and Nawadirul Usul, Hadith: 159)

Note: Kindly contact a reputable Mufti/Darul Ifta for a Fiqh ruling regarding eating with two fingers.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar