𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗮 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (41)

Important Guidelines on Covering Utensils Sheikh Rashād Adh-Dhali'ee ḥafidhahullāh mentioned: ▪️Among the issues and benefits related to this topic is that covering a container applies specifically when there is food or drink in it. This is supported by two versions of the hadith. The first version is in Sahih Al-Bukhari, in the hadith of Jabir, where the Prophet ﷺ said: “Cover the food and drink,” using wording that clearly mentions covering food and drink. Another narration that explains this is found in Sahih Muslim, where the Prophet ﷺ said: “Turn over the container.” The scholars reconciled these two instructions by saying: a) If the container has food or drink in it, it should be covered. b) If it is empty, it should be turned upside down. So, a container that contains food or drink is to be covered and tied, while an empty container is turned over. If someone does not turn over an empty container, it is still recommended to cover it out of fear that disease or harm might enter it. This is also considered a valid practice. ▪️Also, most scholars understood the commands as recommendations (not obligations). Some scholars explained that commands meant for worldly benefit are guidance and therefore indicate recommendation. The majority of scholars held that such advisory commands are understood as recommended, not obligatory. This is not an absolute rule, but in this matter, no scholar is known to have clearly stated that it is obligatory. Many scholars, such as Al-Qurtubi in his commentary and Ibn Daqiq Al-‘Id, explicitly mentioned that it is recommended. ▪️Another issue related to this topic is: If someone forgot to cover food, is it permissible to eat it or must it be thrown away? The basic rule is that if nothing harmful is seen in it, it is permissible to eat it. This is supported by the hadith of Jabir in Sahih Muslim. He said that the Prophet ﷺ asked for a drink. Jabir said, “O Messenger of Allāh, shall I give you some nabīdh?” He said yes. Jabir brought a cup containing nabidh. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Why did you not cover it? Even if you were to place a stick across it.” Then he took it and drank. Similarly, in the hadith of Abu Humayd As-Sa‘idi in Sahih Muslim, he brought the Prophet ﷺ a cup of milk. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Why did you not cover it, even if only by placing a stick across it?” Then he took it and drank. The scholars used these hadiths as evidence that it is permissible to eat or drink from something that was left uncovered, as long as nothing harmful is seen in it. If someone chooses to leave it out of caution, fearing that disease may have entered it, there is no sin on him, and this is not considered wastefulness. ▪️Another related point is that if a person cannot find something to cover the container with, he may place a stick across the top. Placing it crosswise over the container is sufficient and serves the purpose of covering. ▪️Someone might ask: In our time, if food is placed in a refrigerator, does that count as covering it, or must it still be covered? Or if it is placed in a drawer or cupboard, is covering still required? What appears to be the case is that places meant for preservation, like a refrigerator, serve the purpose of covering. If the refrigerator door is closed, it is as if the container is covered. Covering would only be needed if the refrigerator is left open, since things could fall into the food. If the door is closed, it is like a cover. Still, covering it in addition is better. Source: https://t.me/madrasatuna/5861