I have heard in speeches that it is Sunnah with great reward if we eat our meals sitting on the floor versus a dining table. Please provide the directives of Prophet s.a.w.s. in regards to this.

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In the Bayaans multiple it is generally mentioned that there are multiple Sunnahs that can be observed when one sits on the floor and eats, please list these with proper references in terms of Ahadith. It is also mentioned that there are medicinal benefits for this, please identify these with any available references.

Mufti Ebrahim Desai · Accepted Answer

It is Sunnah to sit on the floor and eat. To sit on a dinning table will be contrary to Sunnah. It is narrated in a Hadith, 'Whenever food was brough to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), he would place it on the ground.' (Ahmad) This is closer to humility.

It is also narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) never ate from a table. (Bukhari). There are Sunnat methods of sitting on the floor. It is narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) should sometimes squat on his knees or raise his right leg and sit on his left leg or sit in Tashahhud position and eat. (Abu Dawud). So, this was the practice of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and it is sufficient for us. (Ihya-ul-Uloom vol.3 pg.6)

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

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