Hadith Text & Reference

"When any of you eats, he should eat with his right hand, and when he drinks, he should drink with his right hand, for the devil eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand."

Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 3776 | Book: Foods (Kitab Al-At'imah)

Legal Ruling (Hukm)

The scholars have differed regarding the ruling of this matter. The majority position holds that eating and drinking with the right hand is mustahabb (recommended) rather than obligatory. However, some scholars from the Zahiri school consider it wajib (obligatory) based on the imperative language "he should eat" and "he should drink."

Spiritual Significance

This teaching distinguishes the believer from the devil in their most fundamental acts. The right hand is traditionally associated with purity, blessings, and noble deeds in Islamic tradition, while the left is reserved for cleansing impurities. By using the right hand, the Muslim affirms that even mundane acts like eating and drinking are forms of worship when performed according to divine guidance.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Nawawi comments that this hadith demonstrates how Islam legislates even for the smallest details of life, transforming ordinary actions into acts of worship. The prohibition against using the left hand is not because the hand itself is impure, but because this is the practice of Satan, whom the believer should oppose in all matters.

Ibn al-Qayyim explains that the wisdom behind this teaching includes: preserving the distinction between the believer and the enemies of Allah, training oneself in following prophetic guidance in all matters, and maintaining proper etiquette that reflects the dignity of the Muslim.

Exceptions & Practical Application

Scholars agree that one may use the left hand if there is a valid excuse, such as injury or disability affecting the right hand. The prohibition applies specifically to voluntary use of the left hand when the right is capable. This teaching extends to all consumption, including taking food from shared plates and handling drinking vessels.