CONSUMING FRUIT BEFORE MEALS

Imam Ghazali (rahimahullah) says, 

‘If a person has fruit, then he should consume it first for this is better for a person’s health. 

Since fruit digests quickly, it should be at the bottom of the belly. In the Quran, Allah Ta’ala also mentioned fruit before meat; [In the Hereafter, they will be served] a variety of fruits to choose from and the meat of the birds they desire’ 

(Surah Al Waqi’ah, Verse: 20-21)

(Ihya ‘Ulumid Din, vol. 3 pg. 68)

The narration you have cited in your question is recorded in Sahih Muslim.

In the commentary, ‘Allamah Nawawi (rahimahullah) states, 

‘This Hadith proves that it is desirable to serve/eat fruit before meat and bread.’

(Al Minhaj, Hadith: 5281)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar,

*One should bear in mind, that generally Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) and the Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum) didn’t have much of a variety in their food, for such a practice to be established as a continuous habit