The Treatise “Respect for Bread” by Shaykh ‘Abd al-Ghani ibn Isma‘il al-Nabulusi (d. 1143 AH):Critical Edition and Hadith Verification

Abstract

Abstract

Respect for bread is a well-known tradition that has existed among people since ancient times. In popular culture, bread is considered a blessing that should not be disrespected or stepped on. However, people differ in how they deal with bread found in the streets: some step on it carelessly, while others pick it up and treat it with respect out of appreciation for the blessing.

Several authentic hadiths from the Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasise respecting blessings in general, including food. However, the hadiths specifically related to bread vary in authenticity, ranging from fabricated to weak. As a result, a debate arose during the time of al-Nabulusi regarding whether bread should be respected or treated like ordinary objects. Al-Nabulusi responded to this issue through this treatise.

In this treatise, al-Nabulusi collected the hadiths related to respecting bread and explained them based on sources in hadith, fiqh, and the Arabic language. This research presents a critical edition of the treatise, verifies the hadiths mentioned in it, and clarifies the error of the view that permits disrespecting bread