Eating in Moderation

Leaving a third of the stomach for food and a third for water is part of the sunnah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised against filling the stomach to capacity, recommending instead a third for food, a third for water and a third for breath. This balance is a perfect measure for the body to work at its healthiest.

What is the hadith source of this sunnah?

This sunnah rests on the following hadith. The reference gives the collection, chapter and number where the hadith appears.

• T2380 Tirmizî, Zühd, 47

More sunnahs in Eating & Drinking

As a table with references: Eating & Drinking sunnahs.

• Beginning with Bismillah: Beginning every meal with Bismillah comes first among the sunnahs.
• Eating with the Right Hand: Using the right hand while eating and drinking is a sunnah.
• Drinking While Seated: Drinking water and other drinks while seated is a sunnah of the Prophet.
• Praising Allah After Eating: Praising Allah after eating or drinking is gratitude for His blessings.
• Sharing the Meal: Sitting together at the table and sharing increases the blessing.
• Never Criticising Food: Not criticising food is a mark of respect for the blessing of Allah.
• Washing the Hands: Washing the hands after eating is the sunnah of cleanliness at the table.
• Eating from What Is in Front of You: Eating from the side of the plate nearest you is a sunnah of table etiquette.
• Eating Seated on the Floor: Eating seated on the floor, and not eating or drinking standing, is humility reflected in the sunnah.
• Eating the Fallen Morsel: Cleaning and eating a morsel that has fallen is refusing to belittle a blessing.