Don’t Like the Food? Here’s the Sunnah Response

One of the beautiful yet often forgotten Sunnahs of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is his habit of never criticizing food. This simple act reveals deep wisdom and humility, and yet today, it’s something many of us overlook—especially in a world where food reviews and picky opinions are everywhere.

The Prophet ﷺ never said “this food is bad” or insulted the effort behind a meal. If he liked something, he ate it. If he didn’t, he simply left it without complaint.

“The Prophet (ﷺ) never criticized any food. If he liked it, he ate it; and if he disliked it, he left it.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5409

This shows us how the Sunnah isn’t just about rituals—it’s about respect, gratitude, and being mindful of the feelings of others. Someone may have spent hours preparing a dish, and one careless comment could hurt them deeply. The Prophet ﷺ understood this.

In our time, it's common to mock certain dishes or complain loudly at restaurants, but following this Sunnah teaches us patience, self-restraint, and good manners. And more importantly, it teaches us shukr (gratitude) for whatever Allah has provided.

Next time you’re served something you don’t like, remember: leaving it quietly might just earn you the reward of a Sunnah—and the respect of those around you.