Muslim

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: This hadith shows that if food is not abundant, such that people cannot eat freely and to their fill, then one should also be considerate of one’s other companions. It is not appropriate to be heedless of one’s companions and only be concerned with filling one’s own stomach, without any regard for others. As is commonly seen nowadays at gatherings, every individual rushes at the food in such a manner that there is no consideration for young or old, and each person selects the best possible items for themselves, leaving the lesser items for others, and every individual appears to be a slave to greed.

Hadith Commentary:
There are differences among people in the manner of eating, which have been overlooked. Some eat quickly and are accustomed to eating more, while others eat slowly and consume less. This difference in eating is not taken into consideration. Since it was common to eat two dates together, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) forbade this. If one’s companion gives permission, then it is permissible, because all those before whom the dates have been placed are equal partners in the food. If someone eats two at a time, then doing so is not permissible, and it is also contrary to the etiquette of eating. However, this equality is not obligatory. And the prohibition in the hadith is of a discouraging (tanzihi) nature. In any case, adopting such a manner in a gathering is a sign of a person’s lack of refinement. Islam has greatly emphasized the maintenance of etiquette and dignity. And Allah knows best.

Hadith Commentary:
These are not the words of the hadith.

Hadith Commentary:
The meaning of the hadith is that when several companions are eating dates together on one dining mat, they should eat one date at a time; they should not combine two or three dates and eat them together at once.
If permission is obtained from the companions, then there is no harm in doing so.
Without their permission, it is not permissible to combine two dates and eat them together at once.
If it is evident from the circumstances that they would not mind this manner of eating, then it is permissible.
If someone is eating alone, then he is permitted to eat however he wishes.
And Allah knows best.

Hadith Commentary:

According to the apparent (zahir), this is not a prohibition of tahrimi (strictly forbidden).
According to other scholars, it is tanzihi (discouraged but not sinful).
And the reason for the prohibition is clear: it is the usurpation of another’s right, and it indicates greed and covetousness.
Nawawi said: If the dates are jointly owned, then to do so without the permission of the other partners is haram (forbidden); otherwise, it is makruh (disliked).
Hafiz said: This hadith strengthens the position of the one who considers the gift (hibah) of something unknown (majhul) to be permissible.

Hadith Commentary:
The reason for this prohibition is that it indicates greed and avarice, which is contrary to the dignity of a Muslim. Furthermore, doing so is tantamount to violating the rights of others.
Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has mentioned this hadith in the chapter of injustices (madhālim) for this very reason.
If the other partners grant permission and forgo their right, then doing so is permissible. Likewise, if the dates belong to someone personally, he may eat by taking a handful. However, in the case of partnership, doing so is not permissible because it involves usurping the rights of others.
And Allah knows best.

Benefits and Issues:
This instruction pertains to the etiquettes of gatherings and the etiquettes of eating.
When people are eating food or dates, etc., together in a group,
a person should be very mindful of his own dignity and the rights of others.