The Book on Food - Jami' at-Tirmidhi

Hadith Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1839

Text of the Hadith

That the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "What an excellent condiment vinegar is."

Commentary by Classical Scholars

This hadith demonstrates the Prophet's guidance regarding permissible and beneficial foods. Vinegar, being a product of natural fermentation, was praised for its utility as a flavoring agent and preservative.

Scholars note that this praise indicates the permissibility and recommended nature of using vinegar in food. It serves as a simple, wholesome alternative to more complex or questionable condiments.

The excellence mentioned encompasses both its spiritual aspect - as something praised by the Prophet - and its worldly benefits, including its digestive properties and ability to enhance the taste of simple foods.

This teaching reflects the Islamic principle of appreciating Allah's blessings in simple, natural provisions and avoiding extravagance in food consumption.

Juridical Ruling

The consensus of scholars is that vinegar is permissible (halal) and its use is recommended (mustahabb) based on this explicit praise from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).