the earth so that you could draw it forth—otherwise you would never have obtained any. For that reason He says about crops, “If We willed, We could turn them into chaff, and you would remain in bewilderment” (56:65), and about water, “If We willed, We could make it bitter; so why are you not grateful?” (56:70). Thus, part of showing gratitude for Allah’s favor of food and drink is to praise Him when you finish eating or drinking; that praise becomes a cause for His good pleasure with you.

Concerning the word “the meal (al-aklah),” the author explains that it means the morning or evening meal, not a single morsel. You are not required to say al-ḥamdu lillāh (all praise is due to Allah) after every bite or every date you eat; the sunnah is to say it when you have completely finished. It is related that Imām Aḥmad—may Allah have mercy on him—used to praise Allah after each bite. When asked about this he replied, “Eating with praise is better than eating in silence.” Even so, the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad ﷺ, and if a person praises Allah at the end of his eating or drinking, that is sufficient. Should he see a benefit—such as reminding others to praise Allah—then, following Imām Aḥmad’s practice, I hope there is no harm in it. Allah alone grants success.

141 – Hadith Twenty-Five: Abū Mūsā al-Ashʿarī narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said, “Charity is due from every Muslim.” He was asked, “What if he finds nothing to give?” He replied, “Let him work with his own hands; he will benefit himself and give in charity.” He asked, “And if he cannot?” He said, “Let him help someone in desperate need.” He asked, “And if he cannot?” He said, “Let him enjoin what is right.” He asked, “And if he will not do even that?” He said, “Then let him refrain from evil, for that is an act of charity.” Agreed upon.