Chapter: The Dislike of Eating While Reclining

746 – Abū Juḥayfah Wahb ibn ʿAbd Allāh (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “I do not eat while reclining.” Recorded by al-Bukhārī.

Al-Khattābī said: The muttakiʾ (“one who reclines”) here is someone who sits leaning on a cushion placed beneath him. In other words, the Prophet ﷺ would not settle upon cushions and pillows like a person intent on consuming large amounts of food; rather, he would sit upright, not sunk into the seat, and eat modestly. That is al-Khattābī’s explanation. Others have stated that the muttakiʾ is the one who leans on his side. Allah knows best.

747 – Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ squatting (muqʿiyan) while eating dates.” Recorded by Muslim. A muqʿiʾ is someone who rests his buttocks on the ground with his shins raised.

[Commentary]
The author (may Allah have mercy on him), in the Book of Dining Etiquette, says: “Chapter: The Dislike of Eating while Reclining.” With respect to posture, eating is divided into two categories. One category is forbidden according to the Prophet’s guidance ﷺ: that a person should eat while reclining, whether leaning on the hand