Is it permissible for a Muslim to pray while hungry and with an empty stomach, especially if he does not desire food until after Maghrib or Isha?

It is disliked to perform prayer in the presence of food or drink if one's soul craves it. This includes anything that preoccupies the heart and diminishes the completeness of devotion (khushu'). This was prohibited, as Muslim narrated from Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "No prayer when food is present, nor when one is resisting the two excretions (urine and feces)." If one's soul does not crave it, then there is no harm in praying in its presence, as the reason for the prohibition is absent.