Reciting al-Faatihah on food on occasions is a sunnah ?

Summary: Reciting al-Faatihah over food on certain occasions or otherwise is not a Sunnah and is not an established Islamic practice.

Detailed Answer: The practice of reciting al-Faatihah and specific du‘aa’s before eating, and claiming that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) performed this supplication, is considered an innovation (bid’ah) with no basis in Islam. There is no authentic hadith or evidence from his Sunnah indicating that he used to recite al-Faatihah before or after meals.

The concept of innovation in religious practices is addressed in various hadiths. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected”

(Sahih al-Bukhari 2697, Sahih Muslim 1718).

This hadith emphasizes the importance of adhering strictly to the practices established by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and avoiding any additions or innovations.

Conclusion: In Islam, it is essential to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) without adding practices that have no basis in authentic sources. Therefore, reciting al-Faatihah on food is not an established practice and should be avoided to maintain the purity of Islamic teachings.