Hadith 4099

(1) The statement: “This is the condiment of this, etc.”: Idam is what is eaten with bread, dissolving in the mouth, like vinegar, oil, or salt, not meat, eggs, cheese, or dates, per Abu Hanifah and Abu Yusuf. Muhammad said: Whatever is typically eaten with bread is idam, a view also held by Abu Yusuf in another narration, al-Shafi’i, and Ahmad, and this is the fatwa, per “Al-Bahr” citing “Al-Tahdhib.” Al-Faqih Abu al-Layth adopted this, and in “Al-Ikhtiyar,” it is the preferred view based on custom. In “Al-Muhit,” it is the more apparent view. For al-Shafi’i, dates have two views: one considers them idam due to this hadith, and another does not, as they are fruit like raisins. Muhammad said dates and walnuts are not idam, nor are grapes, melons, or vegetables, or other fruits, unless in a place where they are eaten with bread per custom, making them idam. Thus, Taj al-Shari’ah said the Prophet’s statement is a Shariah term, and oaths do not apply to it, per “Al-Durr al-Mukhtar,” “Radd al-Muhtar,” “Fath al-Qadir,” and “Al-Binayah.” In “Al-Mirqat,” Mirak said: This hadith supports those, like al-Shafi’i, who consider dates idam, and refutes those requiring idam to dissolve or excluding dates as typically eaten alone. It may be that idam is used metaphorically or by analogy since eaten with bread. I say: This interpretation is necessary, otherwise, the statement would be redundant. Oaths and their violation depend on time and place. The hadith hints at dietary balance, as barley is cold and dry, dates are hot and moist, and it reflects contentment and satisfaction, per “Al-Mirqat.”