What is the preferable action when the evening meal (Isha') is ready during prayer time?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is recommended to begin the evening meal before commencing prayer so that one's heart is more settled and focus is improved. One should not rush through the meal or the midday meal. Evidence for this is found in the report from Anas that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, "When the evening meal is ready and the prayer is called, begin with it before praying the Maghrib prayer, and do not hasten through your meal." Similarly, A'isha reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "There is no prayer in the presence of food, nor while one is warding off the two impurities [urine and feces]." These narrations, reported by Muslim and others, apply whether one fears missing the congregational prayer or not.
Supporting text
The companions stated that preferring the meal over the congregation is contingent upon the person having a strong desire for the food. Al-Shafi'i held a similar view. Malik held that they should begin with prayer unless the food is light. 'Umar, his son, Ishaq, and Ibn al-Mundhir followed the apparent meaning of the Hadith.