70/55. Chapter:
Sahih Bukhari 5460 — Kindness to Servants at Mealtime
To eat with one's servant.
Hadith About Kindness to Servants and Sharing Food
Sahih Bukhari : 5460
Sahih BukhariHadith Number 5460
حَدَّثَنَا حَفْصُ بْنُ عُمَرَ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدٍ ـ هُوَ ابْنُ زِيَادٍ ـ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " إِذَا أَتَى أَحَدَكُمْ خَادِمُهُ بِطَعَامِهِ، فَإِنْ لَمْ يُجْلِسْهُ مَعَهُ فَلْيُنَاوِلْهُ أُكْلَةً أَوْ أُكْلَتَيْنِ، أَوْ لُقْمَةً أَوْ لُقْمَتَيْنِ، فَإِنَّهُ وَلِيَ حَرَّهُ وَعِلاَجَهُ ".
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When your servant brings your food to you, if you do not ask him to join you, then at least ask him to take one or two handfuls, for he has suffered from its heat (while cooking it) and has taken pains to cook it nicely."
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 5460In-book reference : Book 70, Hadith 89USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 7, Book 65, Hadith 370
Summary of Sahih Bukhari Hadith 5460
This hadith about kindness to servants teaches a simple but powerful habit at the table. When a servant brings food, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم directed the owner either to seat him with the meal or, at least, give him a few bites or handfuls. The reason is clearly stated in the hadith: the servant dealt with the heat and took pains to cook it well. The main lesson is not only about food. It is about seeing the effort behind the food. A person who cooks, serves, or helps should not be treated like a tool. The hadith about sharing food with servants reminds us to notice work, show thanks, and give a fair share when someone has carried the burden of preparation.
What we learn from this hadith
- Recognize the effort of the person who prepares and serves food.
- Share some food when the worker is not seated with you.
- Do not ignore the hardship of cooking and serving.
- Small acts of care can show respect and gratitude.
