Washing one's hands before eating snacks

Q:

1. Is it necessary or sunnat to wash the hands before eating snacks (not a regular meal)?

2. Usually the snacks are served in bowls and eaten with the help of spoon. What is the rule if it is eaten with hand?

A:

1. One does not need to wash the hands to eat snacks (e.g. peanuts, sweets, chocolates, etc.).

2. If one's hands are clean, then one does not need to wash the hands.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)