Is it legally permissible to refuse food offered by a host if it is not desired, and did the Messenger (peace be upon him) do so?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If a person dislikes a food due to a natural aversion, there is no harm in leaving it or returning it without disparaging it. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, if he desired food, would eat it, and if not, he would remain silent. However, if the dislike is due to discontent or contempt for the food, this is blameworthy and forbidden. It is sufficient sin for a person to be displeased with what is presented to him. A person should accept what is offered to him with cheerfulness and a pleasant disposition, and should beware of despising what is presented to him or what he presents to a guest.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/176165
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 176165
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- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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