What is the meaning of "istabaha" in the hadith, "Whoever eats seven dates every morning...", and does it mean eating before breakfast or in the morning? And what is meant by the prohibition of blowing on food; is it blowing to cool it or blowing in general?
The scholars mentioned that the intent of the hadith is to eat dates on an empty stomach before other food, due to what is narrated in Sahih Muslim from Aisha, that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Indeed, in the Ajwa date of Al-Aliyah there is healing, and it is an antidote at the break of dawn.” And in a narration by Ahmad: “In the Ajwa date of Al-Aliyah, at the break of dawn, on an empty stomach, there is healing from every magic or poison.” The prohibition also includes blowing into food to cool it or for other reasons, to prevent harm from carbon dioxide. The fact that the prohibition is not exclusive to cooling is indicated by the prohibition of blowing into drinks to remove impurities or breathing into them.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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