QUESTION:
Someone recently mentioned that covering the head whilst eating is not Sunnah, but merely Adab. If that is the case, what is the ruling regarding covering the head? Did Sayidinna Rasulullah صلي الله عليه وسلم cover his Mubarak head whilst eating? If it is only Adab, what motivation can I provide to encourage someone to cover their head?
ANSWER:
Eating with a Topi is established from Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam:
عن محمد بن سلام عن الحسن قال وكان بيكند عن رجل من الصحابة قال: أكلت مع رسول اللَّه صلّى اللَّه عليه وآله وسلم، ورأيت عليه قلنسوة بيضاء في وسط رأسه (الإصابة 5/277)
A Sahaabi (named Farqad) states, “I ate with Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and I saw a white Topi in the middle of his head.
However, Fataawa Hindiyyah states that to eat without a Topi is permissible.
وَلَا بَأْسَ بِالْأَكْلِ مَكْشُوفَ الرَّأْسِ، وَهُوَ الْمُخْتَارُ، كَذَا فِي الْخُلَاصَةِ (الفتاوى الهندية 5/337)
This means that it will be best to wear the Topi and partake of meals in accordance to the practice of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and the pious. However, if one does not wear a Topi, he will not be sinful.
Mufti Mahmood Saheb Gangohi Rahimahullah, after citing the above ruling from Fataawa Hindiyyah, states, “If partaking of meals without a Topi is the custom and practice of the Kuffar and impious people in a particular area, then it is incumbent upon one to refrain from emulating and resembling them.” [Re: – Fataawa Mahmoodiyya Vol.27 Pg.45]
In conclusion, the laws of Shariah should be kept in its respective place. An act that is Mustahab should not be raised to the position of Fardh or Waajib. Yes, people should be encouraged to wear the Topi when eating, but if he doesn’t do so for whatever reason, then he shouldn’t be reprimanded or frowned upon for his actions.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date: – 22 Rabi ul Aakhir 1445 / 7 November 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
