Is decorating food a Shar'i purpose, or does it fall under forbidden extravagance?
Decorating food is not a divinely ordained purpose in the technical sense of Maqasid al-Shari'ah (objectives of Islamic law), which aim to preserve necessities such as religion and life. However, it is permissible and lawful within the bounds of what is permissible, as long as it does not involve extravagance or ostentation, based on the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: "Eat, drink, give charity, and dress, without pride or extravagance." This is also supported by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reporting that the Prophet (peace be upon him) "loved sweets and honey," and by scholars mentioning the permissibility of expanding one's variety of foods.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 8258
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy