Question

Is there any authentic Hadith which mentions washing of the hands before eating?

Answer

Imam Tirmidhi, Imam Abu Dawud, Imam Ahmad (rahimahumullah) and other Muhaddithun have recorded the following narration:

Sayyiduna Salman Al Farisi (radiyallahu ‘anhu) says, “I read in the Tawrah ‘Barakah in food lies in washing the hand after meals.’ I mentioned this to Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and he said, ‘Blessing in food lies in washing the hand before and after eating.”

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1846, Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 3755, Musnad Ahmad, vol. 5, pg. 441)

This Hadith will be classified sound by Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) based on his principle.

(Hidayatur Ruwat, Hadith: 4137)

Imam Ibn Majah (rahimahullah) has recorded the following weak Hadith which further corroborates the above Hadith:

Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever would like Allah to increase the goodness/blessing of his home, should wash hands when his [meal] is brought to him and when it is taken away”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 3260, Zawaid Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1063)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar