Authentication

Obesity and overeating

Q: Please advise on the authenticity of the following:

(1) Narrated by Hadhrat Aaisha (Radiyallahu Anha) that she said: “The first calamity for this nation after the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam's) death is fullness of their stomachs; when their stomachs became full, they became obese and their hearts weakened and their desires became wild.” - Bukhari

(2) Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radiyallahu Anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “It is extravagance that one eats whatever he desires.” - Ibn Majah.

(3) If these are not authenticated, are they correct in their meanings?

Cleaning the utensils with one's finger after eating

Q: Is the statement below correct:

UTENSIL SEEKS FORGIVENESS

It was the practice of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) that after eating he would lick the utensil clean with his finger and not leave behind even a tiny speck of food and drink. He would even lick his fingers clean of any food particles. Rasulullaah Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam ordered his followers to also do the same, as has been mentioned in many Ahadith. In fact, great virtues have been mentioned for this.

In a narration of Tirmizi it has been mentioned that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "The one who eats in a plate, then licks it clean (with his finger), the utensil seeks forgiveness for him."

In another narration it is mentioned that the utensil prays for him in the words: " May Allah free you from the fire as you have freed me from shaitaan (by not leaving any food behind for shaitaan)" (Mishkaat).

One should therefore always wipe the utensil clean and not leave behind anything for shaitaan.

The story of a Sahaabi who could not recite the kalimah at the time of death

Q: I would like to ask Mufti Saheb regarding this story. What is the status of this story? Can we use it for targheeb and tarheeb?

 There is a story narrated in the hadith that there was a youngster in the time of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) who was in his dying moments. It was told to Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) that this youngster cannot recite the Kalimah Tayyibah. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) came to him and asked as to what the problem was. He said, “O Rasul of Allah, there is something like a lock upon my heart.” When they enquired on his condition, it was found that his mother was displeased with him. 

Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) called for his mother and said to her that if someone had to light a huge fire and wants to throw her son into it, will you intercede on his behalf? She said, “Yes, O Rasul of Allah, I will.” Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, "If this is so, then forgive his mistake." She forgave all that he did. He was then told to recite the Kalimah Tayyibah, which he immediately did. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) thanked Allah Ta’ala that through him a person was saved from the fire.

Reciting Surah Ikhlaas two hundred times

Q: I read somewhere that if we pray Surah ikhlass one hundred times, 25 years of sins will be forgiven and if we pray two hundred times then 50 years of sins are forgiven, inshaAllah. Does that mean we have to pray the set amount every day or after every salaah or just once in our lifetime? And if we pray that amount for our deceased family, will their 25 or 50 years of sins be forgiven? And if so, do we have to pray for each member of our family separately or can we include all of them together?