Question:
Assalaamou ‘alaikoum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.
In fatwa number 43618, under the verse
… وكلوا واشربوا ولا تسرفوا انه لا يحب المسرفين.
It was stated that Mufti Shafii sahib RAHIMAHULLAH explained under its commentary, that eating more than what is needed to remove one’s hunger is impermissible.
My question therefore is: Is eating desserts, snacks and fruits as treats without exceeding the limits – i.e without filling our stomachs completely to the extent that we cannot eat anything more,-included in eating for than what is needed to remove one’s hunger and will thereby be impermissible?
Jazaakumullah khairaa.
Answer:
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Sister in Islam,
In principle, in matters of eating and drinking, everything is halal until it is proven haram.[i] This is understood from the generality of the ayah mentioned. Regarding those things that have been made halal, we are prohibited from making israf. Israf occurs when one consumes beyond satiation i.e. after one is full. That is the meaning of what Mufti Shafi (rahmatullahi Alaihi) has mentioned.[ii]
Accordingly, it is permissible to eat desserts, snacks etc before one is fully satiated. However, to continue to consume, even after one feels full, for the sake of enjoyment falls under the ambit of israf.
