Riyad as-Salihin · Chapter 101

Prohibition of Criticizing Food

باب : لا يعيب الطعام واستحباب مدحه

This short chapter teaches a refined manner of the table: never disparage food. The Prophet's way was simple, if he liked a dish he ate it, and if he did not he left it without a word of complaint. Food is a provision from Allah, and faultfinding it is, at root, ingratitude dressed as preference.

The two hadith here move from restraint to active appreciation. As you read, notice the shift from holding the tongue back from criticism to opening it in praise, even over something as humble as vinegar. Contentment and gratitude are the quiet virtues being trained.

Hadith 735

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبى هريرة رضى الله عنه قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏ما عاب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم طعاماً قط، إن اشتهاه أكله، وإن كرهه تركه‏" ‏ ‏.‏ ((متفق عليه))

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) never found fault with food. If he had inclination to eating it, he would eat; and if he disliked it, he would leave it. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

He never spoke a word against food. If he liked it he ate, and if not he simply left it without complaint. Quiet contentment with whatever provision is set before you.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 735 In-book reference : Book 2, Hadith 9

Hadith 736

Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن جابر رضى الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم سأل أهله الأدم فقالوا‏:‏ ما عندنا إلا خل، فدعا به، فجعل يأكل ويقول‏:‏ ‏ "‏نعم الأدم الخل، نعم الأدم الخل‏" ‏ ‏.‏‏‏((رواه مسلم))‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) asked for sauce and was told that there was nothing except vinegar. He asked for it and began to eat from it saying, "How excellent is vinegar when eaten as sauce! How excellent is vinegar when eaten as Udm!" [Muslim].

In plain words

When only vinegar was available, he ate it gladly and praised it. Even a humble food deserves appreciation rather than disdain.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 736 In-book reference : Book 2, Hadith 10