❖ Hadith Reference
Narrated by ʿĀ’ishah (رضي الله عنها), she said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say:
"There is no prayer when food is present, nor when one is resisting the call of nature (urine or stool)."
(Sahih Muslim: 560)
If food is served and one is hungry, it is not appropriate to begin prayer. Similarly, if one feels the need to use the restroom, they should first fulfill that need. Entering prayer in such a state compromises focus and concentration, and thus the essence of Salah.
➋ Islam Encourages Balancing Human Needs with Worship
This ruling illustrates the beauty of Islam — it does not impose undue hardship. Worship is not meant to conflict with natural human needs but to complement them. The Deen walks hand-in-hand with human nature.
➌ Delaying the Relief of Bodily Needs Can Be Harmful
Neglecting to relieve oneself at the appropriate time can weaken the digestive and urinary systems and may lead to medical issues. Islam, therefore, instructs to maintain personal hygiene and well-being alongside spiritual duties.
➍ Experiencing Hunger or Bodily Urges During Salah is Not a Sin
It is not blameworthy if such a need arises at the time of prayer. Islam is a religion of ease. In such cases, fulfilling one's basic needs before engaging in worship is preferred and encouraged.
➎ A Reminder of Allah’s Favors
Hunger and the natural urge to relieve oneself are blessings often taken for granted. They are signs of a healthy and functioning body. There are countless individuals deprived of these natural experiences, hence gratitude is essential.
Performing Salah with full presence of heart and mind is essential in Islam. If a person is distracted by hunger or bodily needs, they are advised to fulfill those needs first. This not only enhances the quality of their worship but also aligns with the compassionate nature of Islamic teachings.
May Allah grant us the ability to perform our prayers with full focus and sincerity. Ameen.
Narrated by ʿĀ’ishah (رضي الله عنها), she said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say:
"There is no prayer when food is present, nor when one is resisting the call of nature (urine or stool)."
(Sahih Muslim: 560)
❀ Key Lessons and Rulings ❀
➊ Salah Should Not Be Performed While Distracted by Hunger or the Urge to Relieve OneselfIf food is served and one is hungry, it is not appropriate to begin prayer. Similarly, if one feels the need to use the restroom, they should first fulfill that need. Entering prayer in such a state compromises focus and concentration, and thus the essence of Salah.
➋ Islam Encourages Balancing Human Needs with Worship
This ruling illustrates the beauty of Islam — it does not impose undue hardship. Worship is not meant to conflict with natural human needs but to complement them. The Deen walks hand-in-hand with human nature.
➌ Delaying the Relief of Bodily Needs Can Be Harmful
Neglecting to relieve oneself at the appropriate time can weaken the digestive and urinary systems and may lead to medical issues. Islam, therefore, instructs to maintain personal hygiene and well-being alongside spiritual duties.
➍ Experiencing Hunger or Bodily Urges During Salah is Not a Sin
It is not blameworthy if such a need arises at the time of prayer. Islam is a religion of ease. In such cases, fulfilling one's basic needs before engaging in worship is preferred and encouraged.
➎ A Reminder of Allah’s Favors
Hunger and the natural urge to relieve oneself are blessings often taken for granted. They are signs of a healthy and functioning body. There are countless individuals deprived of these natural experiences, hence gratitude is essential.
Summary
Performing Salah with full presence of heart and mind is essential in Islam. If a person is distracted by hunger or bodily needs, they are advised to fulfill those needs first. This not only enhances the quality of their worship but also aligns with the compassionate nature of Islamic teachings.May Allah grant us the ability to perform our prayers with full focus and sincerity. Ameen.
