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Is it safe to consume uncovered food/water left overnight?

Answered as per Hanafi Fiqh by Muftisays.com
As salaamualaykum
If food or water etc is left uncovered overnight, what thoughts and beliefs are there regarding it; is it ok to consume it next morning?


Answer

Bismillah

Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance)

Food and drink left over night should be covered.

Narrated Jabir (RadhiyAllahu Anhu):

Allah’s Apostle said, “Extinguish the lamps when you go to bed; close your doors; tie the mouths of your water skins, and cover the food and drinks.” I think he added, “. . . even with a stick you place across the container.” (Bukhari, Tirmidhi)

The command of this Hadith is based on the ‘Compassion’ of Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi WaSallam) and not a ‘Necessity’. The Hikma of the Hadith is that so nothing harmful or filth enters the food or drink.

If it is left uncovered, then there should be no problem to consume it if there is no traces of harm or filth (i.e. smell, colour and taste).

And Only Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

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Moulana Qamruz Zaman
London, UK

This answer was collected from MuftiSays.com, based in London (UK). It is one of the fruits of Darul Uloom London. Many ‘ulama are involved in answering the Q&A on the site, including: Shaikul Hadeeth Mufti Umar Farooq Sahib, Mufti Saifur Rahman Sahib, Mufti Abdullah Patel Sahib, Maulana Qamruz Zaman Sahib, Mufti Abu Bakr Karolia Sahib.

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