Author: Shaykh Abdul Salam bin Muhammad (May Allah protect him)
وعن المقدام بن معد يكرب رضى الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم:
"ما ملا ابن آدم وعاء شرا من بطن."
"According to Al-Miqdam bin Ma'di Karb (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'The son of Adam has not filled a container worse than his stomach.'" (Narrated by Tirmidhi, who classified it as Hasan.)
References:
Sahih [Tirmidhi 2380] [Hakim 4/121] [Ahmad 4/132] [Ibn Hibban 1349]. The chain of narration in Musnad Ahmad is as follows:
حدثنا ابوالمغيره قال حدثنا سليمان بن سليم الكناني قال حدثنا يحيي بن جابر الطائي قال سمعت المقدام بن معديكرب قال سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم.
Sheikh Al-Albani classified this chain as authentic and the Hadith as correct. For details, see "Irwa Al-Ghalil" [7/41-42]. Tirmidhi stated it is Hasan Sahih. Al-Hakim remained silent on it, and Al-Dhahabi stated it is authentic.
"A few morsels are sufficient for the son of Adam to keep his back straight. If it is unavoidable, then a third of his food, a third for drink, and a third for breathing."
Sahih Ibn Hibban:
"فان كان فاعلا لا محالة ..."
And in Ibn Majah:
"فان غلبت الآدمي نفسه فثلث للطعام وثلث للشراب وثلث للنفس."
"If a person is overcome by his desires, then a third is for food, a third for drink, and a third for breathing." [Sahih Ibn Majah 2704]
This Hadith condemns overeating as it is harmful to both the body and the religion. Eating beyond necessity can lead to various diseases, makes one lethargic, and hinders the performance of Allah's commands.
Medical Insights:
Ibn Rajab mentioned that a physician, Ibn Abi Masuiah, remarked that if people acted upon this Hadith, they would be protected from diseases, and hospitals and pharmacies would become unnecessary. The famous Arab physician Harith bin Kalda stated: "The stomach is the house of disease, and abstinence is the best remedy."
Increased Need for Water:
Overeating necessitates drinking more water, leading to increased sleepiness and frequent urges to relieve oneself, which wastes a significant part of one's life.
Increased Greed:
Overeating fosters greed, leading individuals to spend excessive time securing food and drink, often causing them to neglect other aspects of life.
Accumulation of Waste:
Excessive food leads to the accumulation of waste in the stomach, generating harmful vapors that can affect the brain. Toxic substances and fermentation in the stomach and intestines lead to various diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, ulcers, and heart issues. Gradually, this leads to bloating and obesity, which itself is a disease.
Loss of Energy and Motivation:
Overeating makes one sluggish, dims the heart's light, reduces courage, and even though one may be overweight, they can still feel weak.
Enhancement of Desires:
Consuming rich and delicious food increases desires, making self-control difficult and leaving one vulnerable to sin.
Cure Through Moderation:
The remedy for all these issues is to eat less, which reduces greed. It sharpens awareness, enlivens the mind, brightens the heart, and strengthens the body, making one less susceptible to illnesses. This allows more time for obedience to Allah, facilitating acts of worship like Tahajjud.
Sufficient Portions:
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) deemed a few morsels sufficient for a person. In one narration, the term "luqaymat" is mentioned, indicating small portions. [Sahih Ibn Majah 2705]
Avoiding Extremes:
Some Sufis have exaggerated the merit of hunger, leading to the abandonment of Allah's blessings. This approach contradicts the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Qur'an commands:
"وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا."
"Eat and drink, but do not waste." [7-Al-A'raf: 31]
It is indeed excessive to subject oneself to the torment of hunger. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"إن لنفسك عليك حقا."
"Indeed, your soul has a right over you." [Sahih Bukhari]
Therefore, it is wasteful to continue filling this harmful vessel (the stomach) excessively.
وعن المقدام بن معد يكرب رضى الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم:
"ما ملا ابن آدم وعاء شرا من بطن."
"According to Al-Miqdam bin Ma'di Karb (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'The son of Adam has not filled a container worse than his stomach.'" (Narrated by Tirmidhi, who classified it as Hasan.)
References:
Sahih [Tirmidhi 2380] [Hakim 4/121] [Ahmad 4/132] [Ibn Hibban 1349]. The chain of narration in Musnad Ahmad is as follows:
حدثنا ابوالمغيره قال حدثنا سليمان بن سليم الكناني قال حدثنا يحيي بن جابر الطائي قال سمعت المقدام بن معديكرب قال سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم.
Sheikh Al-Albani classified this chain as authentic and the Hadith as correct. For details, see "Irwa Al-Ghalil" [7/41-42]. Tirmidhi stated it is Hasan Sahih. Al-Hakim remained silent on it, and Al-Dhahabi stated it is authentic.
Further Explanation:
The remaining part of this Hadith states:"A few morsels are sufficient for the son of Adam to keep his back straight. If it is unavoidable, then a third of his food, a third for drink, and a third for breathing."
Sahih Ibn Hibban:
"فان كان فاعلا لا محالة ..."
And in Ibn Majah:
"فان غلبت الآدمي نفسه فثلث للطعام وثلث للشراب وثلث للنفس."
"If a person is overcome by his desires, then a third is for food, a third for drink, and a third for breathing." [Sahih Ibn Majah 2704]
Benefits:
Condemnation of Overeating:This Hadith condemns overeating as it is harmful to both the body and the religion. Eating beyond necessity can lead to various diseases, makes one lethargic, and hinders the performance of Allah's commands.
Medical Insights:
Ibn Rajab mentioned that a physician, Ibn Abi Masuiah, remarked that if people acted upon this Hadith, they would be protected from diseases, and hospitals and pharmacies would become unnecessary. The famous Arab physician Harith bin Kalda stated: "The stomach is the house of disease, and abstinence is the best remedy."
Increased Need for Water:
Overeating necessitates drinking more water, leading to increased sleepiness and frequent urges to relieve oneself, which wastes a significant part of one's life.
Increased Greed:
Overeating fosters greed, leading individuals to spend excessive time securing food and drink, often causing them to neglect other aspects of life.
Accumulation of Waste:
Excessive food leads to the accumulation of waste in the stomach, generating harmful vapors that can affect the brain. Toxic substances and fermentation in the stomach and intestines lead to various diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, ulcers, and heart issues. Gradually, this leads to bloating and obesity, which itself is a disease.
Loss of Energy and Motivation:
Overeating makes one sluggish, dims the heart's light, reduces courage, and even though one may be overweight, they can still feel weak.
Enhancement of Desires:
Consuming rich and delicious food increases desires, making self-control difficult and leaving one vulnerable to sin.
Cure Through Moderation:
The remedy for all these issues is to eat less, which reduces greed. It sharpens awareness, enlivens the mind, brightens the heart, and strengthens the body, making one less susceptible to illnesses. This allows more time for obedience to Allah, facilitating acts of worship like Tahajjud.
Sufficient Portions:
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) deemed a few morsels sufficient for a person. In one narration, the term "luqaymat" is mentioned, indicating small portions. [Sahih Ibn Majah 2705]
Avoiding Extremes:
Some Sufis have exaggerated the merit of hunger, leading to the abandonment of Allah's blessings. This approach contradicts the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Qur'an commands:
"وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا."
"Eat and drink, but do not waste." [7-Al-A'raf: 31]
It is indeed excessive to subject oneself to the torment of hunger. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"إن لنفسك عليك حقا."
"Indeed, your soul has a right over you." [Sahih Bukhari]
Therefore, it is wasteful to continue filling this harmful vessel (the stomach) excessively.