FatwaFederal TerritoriesFood & Halal
IRSYAD HUKUM 272: HUKUM MAKAN DAN MINUM DENGAN TANGAN KIRI
What is the ruling on eating and drinking with the left hand, and must one use the right hand to bring food to the mouth when using a spoon?
Short answer
The conclusion of this ruling is that eating and drinking with the right hand is recommended, while using the left hand is disliked, in line with the majority of scholars.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Federal Territories Mufti Office
- Date
- Status
- Opinion (irsyad)
- Series
- Irsyad al-Hukum (Umum)
- Topic
- Food & Halal
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
The conclusion of this ruling is that eating and drinking with the right hand is recommended, while using the left hand is disliked, in line with the majority of scholars. It becomes prohibited if done deliberately with the intention of belittling the Prophet's sunnah and the Islamic law. A valid excuse such as illness or injury removes the dislike of using the left hand, and eating with both hands is not forbidden when the situation requires it.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Makan dan minum dengan tangan kanan adalah sunat, manakala menggunakan tangan kiri adalah makruh, dan inilah pandangan majoriti ulama.
Read the full fatwa on the Federal Territories website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Federal Territories Mufti Office. “IRSYAD HUKUM 272: HUKUM MAKAN DAN MINUM DENGAN TANGAN KIRI”, 26 November 2018. https://muftiwp.gov.my/ms/artikel/irsyad-hukum/umum/2808-irsyad-al-fatwa-272-hukum-makan-dan-minum-dengan-tangan-kiri. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-eating-drinking-with-left-hand/