Eating and Drinking from Utensils of Jews and Christians: Islamic Ruling
Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadiyyah, Volume 1, Page 868❖ Question:
Are the utensils of present-day Jews and Christians considered pure? Is it permissible for Muslims to eat or drink using them?
✿ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:
If no other utensils are available except those belonging to Jews or Christians, then it is permissible to eat and drink from them after washing them thoroughly.
✦ Evidence from Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī:
Narrated by Abū Thaʿlabah al-Khushani (رضي الله عنه):
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked about the utensils of Ahl al-Kitāb (People of the Book), and he said:
((أَمَّا مَا ذَكَرْتَ أَنَّكُمْ بِأَرْضِ أَهْلِ كِتَابٍ، فَلَا تَأْكُلُوا فِي آنِيَتِهِمْ إِلَّا أَنْ لَا تَجِدُوا غَيْرَهَا، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَجِدُوا غَيْرَهَا فَاغْسِلُوهَا وَكُلُوا فِيهَا))
— Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Bāb: Āniyah al-Majūs wa al-Mayyitah, Vol. 2, p. 826
Translation:
"You mentioned that you live in the land of the People of the Book. Do not eat from their utensils unless you find no alternative. But if you do not find other than theirs, then wash them and eat from them."
Ruling Summary:
✿ It is not preferable to use the utensils of Jews and Christians when alternatives are available.
✿ However, in the absence of other options, it is permissible to eat and drink from their utensils after washing them thoroughly.
This is what I understand. And Allah knows best what is correct.
هٰذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
