Hadith #5974

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Eat citron before food and after it as the progeny of Muhammad (ﷺ) do this.

This Hadith highlights the practice of consuming citron before and after meals, as it was observed by the family of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

To understand the significance of this practice, let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (أُتْرُجَّ) "utrujj" refers to the citron fruit, also known as the "Bitter Orange" or "Citrus medica." It is a citrus fruit with a distinct taste and aroma. The word (طَعَامِ) "ta'am" refers to food or a meal.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find support for this practice. In Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 6:99)

And it is He who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees - of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe

This verse emphasizes the diversity of fruits and their benefits. The citron, with its unique taste and properties, is part of this diverse creation. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has blessed us with various fruits, each with its own nutritional value and potential health benefits.

Now, let us reflect on the significance of consuming citron before and after meals. The practice of eating citron before a meal can serve as an appetizer, stimulating the digestive system and preparing it for the upcoming food. It can help in the secretion of digestive enzymes, aiding in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from the meal.

Additionally, consuming citron after a meal can act as a palate cleanser, refreshing the taste buds and aiding in digestion. It can also help in reducing the feeling of heaviness after a meal and preventing bloating or indigestion.

The progeny of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) are known for their deep knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Islam. Their practices and actions hold great significance and serve as a source of guidance for Muslims. By following their example of consuming citron before and after meals, we can benefit from its potential health benefits and align our actions with the practices of the noble family of the Prophet (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to eat citron before and after meals, as it was observed by the progeny of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This practice aligns with the diversity of fruits mentioned in the Quran and can have potential health benefits for digestion. By incorporating this practice into our lives, we can not only benefit physically but also spiritually by following the example of the noble family of the Prophet (ﷺ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with good health and guide us to follow the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt.