Source: Ahkam wa Masail, Chapter on Taharah Issues, Vol. 1, p. 91
Is wudu required after eating something cooked over fire (whether directly or indirectly)? What was the Prophet ﷺ’s last instruction or practice on this matter?
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʿammā baʿd:
The hadith:
«تَوَضَّؤُوْا مِمَّا مَسَّتِ النَّارُ»
“Perform wudu after eating that which has been touched by fire.”
(Abu Dawud – Kitab al-Taharah, Bab al-Tashdeed fi Dhalik)
The scholars have interpreted this command as istihbab (recommendation), not obligation.
Authentic narrations from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim show that the Prophet ﷺ sometimes ate food cooked over fire and did not perform wudu afterwards. This indicates that the command is for virtue, not compulsion.
Some claim this ruling was abrogated, but no definitive and authentic proof establishes that it was abrogated. Thus, it remains a recommended act.
Conclusion:
ھٰذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
Question:
Is wudu required after eating something cooked over fire (whether directly or indirectly)? What was the Prophet ﷺ’s last instruction or practice on this matter?
Answer:
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʿammā baʿd:
Hadith Evidence:
The hadith:
«تَوَضَّؤُوْا مِمَّا مَسَّتِ النَّارُ»
“Perform wudu after eating that which has been touched by fire.”
(Abu Dawud – Kitab al-Taharah, Bab al-Tashdeed fi Dhalik)
The scholars have interpreted this command as istihbab (recommendation), not obligation.
Reason:
Authentic narrations from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim show that the Prophet ﷺ sometimes ate food cooked over fire and did not perform wudu afterwards. This indicates that the command is for virtue, not compulsion.
Ruling:
- Performing wudu after eating food cooked over fire is mustahabb (recommended) and better.
- If one does not perform wudu, there is no sin and the salah remains valid.
About Abrogation:
Some claim this ruling was abrogated, but no definitive and authentic proof establishes that it was abrogated. Thus, it remains a recommended act.
Conclusion:
- Best practice: Perform wudu for added virtue.
- Not obligatory: No sin if left.
- The Prophet ﷺ’s actions show flexibility in this matter.
ھٰذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
