Can Mukbang be in Islam? Check, this is the answer!

Darulmaarif.net – Indramayu, September 3, 2025 | 20.00 WIB

Writer: Ushth. Maryam Aisatul Fuziah

In the digital age, trends Mukbang Trowning as a popular spectacle on various social media platforms. People eat in large portions, broadcast live, and millions of pairs of eyes watch. For some people, this is just entertainment; For creators, he becomes content fields and even sources of income. However, as a Muslim, an important question arises: how exactly Islam views this mukbang phenomenon? Is it just a modern culture that can be followed, or there are certain limits that must be maintained?

The true Islam not only guides us in the matter of mahdhah worship such as prayer and fasting, but also regulates daily manners, including eating matters. Rosululloh SAW stressed that eating is not just filling the stomach, but a part of worship that can bring reward if done according to the sunnah. From starting to read Bismillah, using the right hand, to limiting the portion so that it is not excessive – all are taught as a way to achieve blessings.

The mukbang phenomenon then becomes interesting to study: Can he be in harmony with the sunnah, or even potentially deviated? This article will describe how the teachings of Islam through the Qur’an, hadith, and the explanation of the ulama in the yellow book view this trend. That way, we can understand that eating is not only a matter of fullness, but also a matter of gratitude, health, and blessing. Imam al-Ghozali deep Ihya ‘Ulumuddin explain:

It is the person intended from strong food for worship

Meaning: “Indeed, the purpose of eating is to provide strength in worship.” (Ihya ‘Ulumuddin, Juz 3, p. 87, Dar al-Ma’rifah).

That is, every bribe of rice or a piece of bread that enters our bodies is actually a provision to be able to pray more solemn, study more enthusiasm, and work more sincerely.

Sunnah Rosululloh SAW at the dining table

Rasulullah (may peace) is very detailed in teaching food. He taught us to start Basmalaheat with right handTake the nearest food, don’t criticize food, and end with a prayer of gratitude. In the hadith narrated by Imam Abu Dawud mentioned:

If one of you eats, let him remember the name of God, because if he forgets to remember the name of God in the first, let him say in the name of God and the first

Meaning: “If one of you eats, let him mention the name of God. If he forgets to mention it at the beginning, then let him say: Bismillahi Awwalahu WA ends.” (Clock. Imam Abu Dawud)

In addition, the Prophet (saw) had never eaten and bowed. In the hadith:

What is full of Adami is a stomach crime, according to Adam’s son. And one third

Meaning: “There is no child Adam filled a worse container than his stomach. Suffice it for Adam’s child some bribes who uphold his backbone. If it must be more, then one third for food, one third for drinks, and one third for breath.” (HR. Imam At-Tirmidzi)

This hadith was also quoted by Imam al-Nawawi in Riyadhus Sholihin (Chapter al-Qana’ah). In principle, eating sufficiently is the sunnah while maintaining health.

Mukbang in the Sunnah of the Prophet

Lately, phenomena Mukbang Or eating in large quantities while recorded into popular entertainment. In terms of entertainment, it might be interesting. But from the perspective of Islam, there are some things that need to be weighed with adab and sunnah.

1. Don’t overdo it (isrof)

Mukbang is often synonymous with extreme food portions. Even though Allah SWT prohibits excessive. In the Qur’an it is mentioned:

Eat, drink, and don’t search.

Meaning: “Eat and drink, but don’t overdo it. Indeed, God does not like those who are too much.” (Surah Al-A’raf Verse 31)

Imam Fakhruddin Al-Razi In Tafsir al-Kabir Explain that isrof in eating will damage the body, turn off the heart, and prevent someone from worship.

2. Don’t waste

Mukbang that spends food without the intention of gratitude or even removes food scraps, including wasteful behavior. Imam al-Samarqomdi in Tanbihul Ghaphilin remind:

Both siblings are brothers and sisters

Meaning: ‘Indeed, Mubazir is a devil brother.’ (Surah Al-Isra ‘: 27, Tanbihul Ghofilin Interpretation, p. 152)

Food is a favor of Allah, not just a property for content.

3. Maintain body trust

The body is the mandate of Allah. Excessive eating to cause disease contrary to Islamic maqashid, which is to protect the soul (Hifdzun Nafs). Rosululloh SAW said:

You are really in your mind

Meaning: “Indeed, your body has the right to you.” (HR. Imam Bukhori and Muslim)

Change the mukbang into a reward field

However, the trend of mukbang does not have to be rejected outright. Can actually be directed to be more Islamic. The method:

• Reasonable portion: Not excessive, according to the principle of one third of food, one third of drinks, one third of breath.
• Invite others: For example orphans, poor people, or santri friends to eat together. Rosululloh SAW said:
• One food is enough for both, and the food is enough for the fourth and fourth

Meaning: “One person’s food is enough for two people, two people’s food is enough for three to four people.” (HR. Imam Bukhori and Muslim)

• Fill in education: For example, while discussing healthy nutrition, eating the Prophet, or verses about gratitude.
• Worship Intentions: Make Mukbang a means of symbol, not just entertainment content.

That way, the dining table is not only a place to fill the stomach, but also the arena of gratitude, sharing, and worship.

Mukbang in the perspective of Islam is allowed, but it must be according to etiquette and sunnah. Eat enough, grateful, not wasteful, and maintaining health is the key so that this daily activity is worth worship.

As Imam Al-Ghozali said, the purpose of eating is not only full, but for strong worship. Let’s make every bribe of food as a way to approach the Almighty SWT.

Hope it is useful. Wallohu a’lam.