COOKING ACCORDING TO ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES

In principle, cooking is one part of the food processing process. The full range of processing methods includes preservation, packaging, and storage (such as canning), as well as roasting, boiling, frying, and so on. Generally, the processing of protein-rich foods can be carried out through physical, chemical, or biological means. Physical processing usually involves crushing or heating; chemical processing utilizes organic solvents, oxidizing agents, alkalis, acids, or sulfur dioxide; and biological processing involves enzymatic hydrolysis or fermentation. Among these methods, heat-based processes—such as sterilization, cooking, and drying—are the most commonly employed.

Halal (permissible) and thoyyib (wholesome/good) food encompasses both the raw ingredients and the cooking method itself. In the context of thoyyib, food—as a source of energy for life—cannot simply be consumed without regard for its quality.

Cooking is a daily activity; surely, Islam provides guidance on it. Yet, have we ever asked ourselves if our current cooking methods align with Islamic teachings? Let us explore the extent of Islam's guidance on this matter.

Cooking is an act of worship. Prepare food that is halal and thoyyib, avoiding anything syubhat (doubtful) regarding its permissibility. The act of cooking should yield spiritual reward; the dishes we serve should not merely be delicious but also bring barakah (divine blessing).

Cooking—the process of transforming raw ingredients into a cooked state ready for healthy consumption—is an act of worship. It requires time and effort every day—morning, noon, and evening. We also need to learn how to cook correctly and deliciously; mothers, in particular, need diligence and patience in this learning process.

Fundamentals of Cooking

Cooking clearly requires knowledge, which is why cooking classes have become so popular. In addition to short courses, international cooking schools have also proliferated. Aspiring chefs may even travel to Europe—considered the mecca of global cuisine—for their training.

At its core, a key ingredient in cooking is water. Almost all dishes require water, whether for boiling, making vegetable soups or stews, or braising. Readers may recall that water responds to positive prayers. In 1994, a Japanese researcher (Dr. Masaru Emoto) demonstrated that water can transmit human emotions. Words can influence the molecular structure of water; when someone recited a prayer over water, the resulting molecules formed sparkling, diamond-like shapes. This proves that water takes on negative properties when exposed to negative words, whereas it acquires positive qualities when exposed to good words. Kind words—and prayers, which are the ultimate form of good speech—create beautiful water crystals, akin to the quality of Zamzam water. The molecular structure of Zamzam water is exquisite, orderly, and as beautiful as a sparkling diamond; when frozen, it radiates more than twelve distinct colors.

Therefore, maintain a positive attitude while cooking! The best approach is to engage in frequent dhikr (remembrance of God) and prayer. What is the religious ruling on praying over food (which contains water) or a glass of water? Several accounts mention that the Prophet (PBUH) would pray for individuals by asking them to drink water over which prayers had been recited. Drinking water over which Al-Fatiha or other Quranic chapters have been recited is permissible and does not constitute shirk (polytheism), provided one believes that healing comes solely from Allah SWT; the water serves merely as a medium. This practice is frequently exemplified by religious scholars. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen was once asked about treating the sick by reciting the Quran over water and having the patient drink it, or reciting the Quran over oil and applying it to the patient, or reciting the Quran into a cup inscribed with Ayat al-Kursi, filling it with water, and giving it to the patient to drink. Is there any precedent for these practices in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad?

It is said that Ahmad bin Hanbal once said: "Every time I was sick, my father often took a vessel filled with water, read it, then told me to drink some of it and wash my face and hands with the rest." The water seems "alive".

Ibnul Qayyim Rahimahullah also said that he once received treatment by drinking Zamzam water and recited Surah Al Fatihah several times. At that time he was in Mecca and fell ill and couldn't find medicine or a doctor, so he took Zamzam water and recited Surah Al Fatihah several times, then drank it and it turned out he was completely cured.

So in essence, in order for food to provide the best blessings, it is highly recommended to pray for it. Wallahu a'lam.

Cooking Etiquette

Especially for mothers who cook every day, if you all apply etiquette in cooking, then apart from getting the reward of cooking, the food will also be more blessed. For example, it is sunnah to read Surah Al-Insyirah so that when our children eat the food, Allah will enlighten their hearts and make it easier for them to understand the knowledge they are learning.

Imagine the food that our husbands and children eat, which throughout the process is prayed for by the mother who cooks it with love, and asks for health blessings from Allah SWT. Very beautiful.

Here are some cooking etiquette so that the food we serve becomes a blessing:

1.  Perform ablution before cooking. Apart from being a useful practice, medically performing ablution will also make our body clean before cooking. Rasulullah SAW taught us to always be clean and maintain ablution throughout the day.

2.  Perform the sunnah prayer of two rak'ahs. By praying two rak'ahs before cooking, InshaAllah Allah will add a lot of goodness to the food that will be served.

3.   Pray throughout the process. One example of a prayer that can be recited upon entering the kitchen is: “Robbanaaa Aatinaa mil ladunka rahmatan wahai yik lanaa min amrinaa rosyadaa” (meaning: “O Allah, our Lord, grant us abundant mercy from Your presence and prepare for us guidance regarding our affairs”). Likewise, we are encouraged to offer a prayer whenever we handle cooking utensils or food ingredients. Make it a habit to recite the Basmalah so that cooking becomes an act of worship; in doing so, Allah SWT will guide our hands, resulting in delicious food. There are also many other prayers—for instance, when taking out rice (Surah An-Nahl: 96), preparing to wash the rice, opening the pot, placing the rice into the pot (Ali Imran: 200), stirring the food (An-Najm: 58), cutting vegetables, fruits, or fish (Al-Baqarah: 71), placing the pot on the stove (Al-Baqarah: 137), or putting the rice away in its storage container (Ali Imran: 27).

4.  Stir the dish from right to left. Certain dishes may require prolonged stirring; in such cases, it is advisable to recite the prayer: “Laisa laha min dunillahi kasyifah” (There is none besides Allah who can reveal it).

5.   Recite Salawat (blessings upon the Prophet) and Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) three times. Instead of gossiping or backbiting, increase your *Dhikr* (remembrance of Allah); *InshaAllah*, the food will be more delicious and blessed. And Allah knows best.

 

Cooking Well

Food must meet two criteria: it must be halal (permissible) and thoyib (wholesome/good). The aspect of thoyib relates to practical knowledge—specifically, how to select, store, process, cook, and serve food ingredients. How can we ensure food remains thoyib without compromising its valuable nutritional content? Nutrient-rich foods can lose their nutritional value if cooked incorrectly. For instance, cooking at high temperatures can destroy up to 20 percent of the vitamins in vegetables—particularly vitamin C, folate, and potassium. This explains the rise of the raw food movement; its adherents believe that the best way to serve food is without cooking it.

However, numerous studies indicate that many foods—such as carrots, spinach, and tomatoes—actually become more nutritious after cooking. The cooking process helps release antioxidants by breaking down cell walls, making the essential nutrients within the vegetables easier for the body to absorb.

Therefore, the best approach is to cook food, but in moderation. A relevant article worth reading is titled "Why Processed Food is Bad for You." Indeed, foods that undergo extensive processing—involving mechanical and chemical methods—pose five major risks: excessive sugar (hidden sugars); a composition that no longer resembles recognizable food but consists of created chemicals; low nutritional value; a tendency to cause weight gain; and high levels of trans fats or processed vegetable oils.

It is worth noting a key point from the article: "Processed Food Is Not Really Food" (food that is excessively processed can no longer be considered food). Much research indicates that the more extensive the processing, the more nutrients are degraded. Conversely, the best foods are those that undergo minimal processing.

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