The Story of al-Harith al-Muhasibi and the Food of Syubhat

 

The Story of al-Harith al-Muhasibi and the Food of Syubhat

Islam has given clear boundaries about halal and haram to its adherents. Halal things can be used. On the other hand, things that are forbidden are ordered to leave and stay away from them. However, between halal and haram cases, there are cases whose legal status is still unclear or what is called syubhat.

Although the clarity of halal and haram is uncertain, doubtful cases are recommended to be avoided, because it is feared that they can fall into things that are forbidden.

There are many stories of pious people who are so careful with doubtful matters. Among them was one of the great Sufis named Abu 'Abdillah al-Harith bin Asad al-Muhasibi (d. 243 H) or better known as al-Harith al-Muhasibi.

Al-Muhasibi is known for his wara' attitude , especially towards the food and drink that will be consumed. In fact, because he is so used to avoiding doubtful food, when someone is offered a food and he does not know where and how to get the food, he receives a 'signal' that the food is of unclear origin (syubhat).

Imam al-Junaid al-Baghdadi (d. 297 H) tells a story about it. One day Imam al-Junaid saw al-Muhasibi looking hungry, al-Junaid offered him to go into the house and rest to fill his stomach.

After al-Muhasibi agreed to his offer, al-Junaid also asked for food from a house close to his house to be served to al-Muhasibi. Having just tasted the food, al-Muhasibi suddenly stood up and rushed to the entrance of the house and vomited the food that was in his mouth. Al-Muhasibi then walked away.

When al-Junaid met with al-Muhasibi another time, he also asked about the events that occurred at that time. Al-Muhasibi told that at that time he was hungry and wanted to eat it, but he felt a 'signal' that Allah would not allow him to eat it, because the food contained doubts, that's why al-Muhasibi did not swallow it even though he had tasted it.

Al-Muhasibi also asked al-Junaid, "Where did you get the food?" al-Junaid replied, "The food was brought to me from a house not far from my house, and the food was brought from a party." Maybe that's why the food became doubtful, because al-Junaid did not even know the process of cooking the food, along with the ingredients used.

This story was quoted by Imam al-Qusyairi (d. 465 H) in the book al-Risalah al-Qusyairiyyah (p. 429). Al-Qusyairi also cites the story told by Abu 'Ali al-Daqqaq (d. 405 H), that when al-Muhasibi was about to reach for food, and it contained doubts, his fingers became sweaty as a 'signal' for al-Muhasibi don't eat it. Hopefully we can all take lessons from this story.

Wallahu a'lam.