Who was the son of Um Salama, the wife of the Prophet: Once I ate a meal with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and I was eating from all sides of the dish. So Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to me, "Eat of the dish what is nearer to you."
Food, Meals - Sahih al-Bukhari 5377
The son of Umm Salama referred to in this narration is 'Umar bin Abī Salama, the stepson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He was the son of Umm Salama from her previous marriage to Abū Salama Abdullah bin Abdul Asad before she married the Prophet.
Context and Significance
This incident occurred when young 'Umar was eating with the Prophet ﷺ and reaching across the dish to take food from various sides. The Prophet's gentle instruction teaches proper etiquette when dining communally.
The wisdom behind this teaching includes: maintaining cleanliness by not reaching over food, showing consideration for fellow diners, and demonstrating contentment with what is directly before oneself.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explain that this hadith establishes the sunnah of eating from what is directly in front of one in a shared dish. This prevents disturbance to others and maintains proper dining decorum.
Imam al-Nawawi emphasizes that this teaching applies particularly when eating with others, as eating from all sides may inconvenience companions and display greed or lack of contentment.
The Prophet's ﷺ manner of correction was gentle and educational, reflecting his perfect character in teaching children and adults alike with wisdom and compassion.