Ibn 'Umar said, "the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'None of you should eat with his left hand nor drink with his left hand. Shaytan eats and drinks with his left hand.'"
Hadith Text
Ibn 'Umar said, "the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'None of you should eat with his left hand nor drink with his left hand. Shaytan eats and drinks with his left hand.'"
Reference: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 1189
Commentary on the Prohibition
This noble hadith establishes a clear prohibition against using the left hand for eating and drinking, as this is the practice of Shaytan. The wisdom behind this prohibition lies in distinguishing Muslim conduct from the ways of Satan and maintaining cleanliness and propriety in daily acts of worship and life.
The left hand is typically reserved for cleansing and removing impurities, while the right hand is designated for noble acts such as eating, drinking, giving and receiving, and performing acts of worship. This distinction preserves the dignity of these actions and maintains spiritual purity.
Spiritual Significance
By associating left-handed eating and drinking with Satan, the Prophet ﷺ emphasizes that our physical actions have spiritual dimensions. Following Satan's ways in minor matters can lead to following him in greater matters. Thus, this prohibition serves as a spiritual safeguard.
The hadith teaches us that every aspect of a Muslim's life, including how one eats and drinks, should be in accordance with divine guidance, transforming mundane activities into acts of worship when performed according to the Sunnah.
Practical Application
Scholars have derived from this hadith that using the right hand for eating and drinking is strongly recommended (mustahabb) and using the left hand is prohibited (haram) unless there is a valid excuse such as injury or disability.
This teaching extends beyond mere physical action to cultivate mindfulness in all daily activities, reminding the believer to constantly distinguish their conduct from that which displeases Allah and to emulate the noble example of the Prophet ﷺ in all matters.