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The phrase you provided refers to a book that serves as a commentary (Sharḥ) on a famous and profound Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The full Hadith is: "الْمُؤْمِنُ يَأْكُلُ فِي مِعَاءٍ وَاحِدٍ، وَالْكَافِرُ يَأْكُلُ فِي سَبْعَةِ أَمْعَاءٍ" (Al-Muʾminu yaʾkulu fī miʿāʾin wāḥidin, wal-kāfiru yaʾkulu fī sabʿati amʿāʾ - The believer eats in one intestine, and the disbeliever eats in seven intestines.)
This Hadith is authentically narrated in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, making it one of the most reliable sayings of the Prophet (PBUH).
Understanding the Hadith and Its Meanings
This Hadith is understood by scholars to convey several important meanings and wisdoms, both literal and metaphorical:
Moderation and Contentment (Literal Interpretation):
The Believer: Is characterized by moderation, contentment (
qana'ah), and avoidance of excessive greed for food. Their eating is driven by necessity to sustain life and perform acts of worship, not by gluttony or indulgence. They are satisfied with little, hence metaphorically "one intestine."The Disbeliever: Is often characterized by excessive desire, greed, and preoccupation with worldly pleasures, including food. They eat without spiritual purpose, driven by insatiable desires, hence metaphorically "seven intestines" (meaning many intestines or a huge capacity).
Context: Some scholars relate this to the story of a disbeliever who ate a lot, then embraced Islam and became very moderate in his eating. The Prophet ﷺ then uttered this Hadith.
Blessing (
Barakah) and Satisfaction (Spiritual Interpretation):The Believer: Their food is blessed, and they find satisfaction and strength even in small amounts, due to their piety and reliance on Allah. Their eating is for the sake of Allah, making it an act of worship.
The Disbeliever: Lacks blessing in their sustenance, and no matter how much they consume, they remain unsatisfied, perpetually seeking more.
Difference in Intentions and Purpose:
The Believer: Eats to gain strength for worship and good deeds. Their eating is connected to a higher purpose.
The Disbeliever: Eats purely for physical gratification and worldly enjoyment, without a higher spiritual aim.
Broader Metaphor for Worldly Pursuit:
The Hadith can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the general approach to worldly life. The believer takes only what is necessary from this world, focusing on the Hereafter, while the disbeliever pursues worldly gains with an insatiable appetite, never feeling truly content.
Health and Wellness:
Implicitly, the Hadith also encourages healthy eating habits, moderation, and avoiding overeating, which is beneficial for physical health. Islamic tradition generally encourages healthy lifestyles.
About Commentaries on This Hadith
Due to its profound meaning and its inclusion in the two most authentic Hadith collections, this Hadith has been extensively commented upon by countless Islamic scholars throughout history, both in their comprehensive Hadith commentaries and sometimes in standalone treatises or lectures.
Some of the most notable commentaries where you would find a detailed explanation of this Hadith include:
Fath al-Bari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari (فتح الباري شرح صحيح البخاري) by Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani.
Al-Minhaj Sharh Sahih Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj (المنهاج شرح صحيح مسلم بن الحجاج) by Imam al-Nawawi.
Other major Hadith commentaries and books of
Sharh al-Hadith(Explanation of Hadith).Many contemporary scholars have also dedicated lectures or short works to explaining the comprehensive meanings and benefits of this Hadith.
A book specifically titled "شرح حديث الْمُؤْمِنُ يَأْكُلُ فِي مِعَاءٍ وَاحِدٍ، وَالْكَافِرُ..." without mentioning a specific author might refer to one of these dedicated smaller works or a printed version of a lecture. The wisdom of this Hadith continues to resonate and is a frequent topic of discussion in Islamic lessons on ethics, self-discipline, and lifestyle.
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