CHAPTER 17 – HADITH REGARDING EATING WHILE LEANING
It is narrated from Ali bin Akmer that I heard it said that Abu Jahfah stated: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “I do not eat while leaning.”
[Footnote: The Prophet ﷺ did not incline to his right or left while eating, nor did he lean against anything. He would eat sitting cross-legged, squatting, or by keeping one knee upright and sitting on the other.]
It is related from Abdullah ibn Amr, may Allah be pleased with him, the father of Shu’ayb:
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was never seen eating while leaning. Nor was it ever seen that two people walked behind him. [426]
**Explanation:**
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, would walk amongst or behind his companions. It was not observed that two individuals walked behind him. For he said, “Leave my back empty, for the angels follow me from behind.”
Mus'ab ibn Suleym (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated from Anas (may Allah be pleased with him):
I heard him say: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) sent me on an errand. When I returned to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him), I found him reclining, his knees drawn up, eating dates.