Eating Manners in Islam

In Islam, there are specific guidelines and etiquettes for eating, which are considered important to maintain physical and spiritual well-being. Here are some of the eating manners in Islam:

Saying Bismillah before eating: Before eating, Muslims say “Bismillah” which means “In the name of Allah”.
Washing hands before eating: Muslims are encouraged to wash their hands before eating to maintain hygiene and cleanliness.
Using the right hand: Muslims are taught to use their right hand while eating and drinking as it is considered more hygienic and respectful.
Eating in moderation: Overeating is discouraged in Islam as it is harmful to physical health and can lead to spiritual laziness.
Eating together: Eating together as a family or in groups is encouraged in Islam as it promotes a sense of community and brotherhood.
Eating from the nearest side: Muslims are encouraged to eat from the side of the dish that is nearest to them to avoid reaching across other people’s plates.
Thanking Allah after eating: After finishing the meal, Muslims say “Alhamdulillah” which means “All praise is due to Allah” as a way of expressing gratitude for the food.

By following these eating manners in Islam, Muslims believe that they can maintain good physical health and also cultivate a sense of spirituality and gratitude towards Allah.

Manners Of Eating In Islam

In Islam, it is essential to observe good eating etiquette and manners, both for Muslims and non-Muslims. Eating habits play a significant role in shaping one’s personality and lifestyle, and it’s important to have a positive influence on them. As Muslims, we have been blessed with the perfect example of our Prophet (SAW) on how to eat and behave during meal times. The manners include saying ‘Bismillah’ before starting to eat, and ‘Alhamdulillah’ after finishing, washing hands before and after the meal, eating what is closest to you, and using the right hand for eating.

These manners have a great wisdom behind them, and many of them have been scientifically proven to minimize health risks and promote a healthier lifestyle. However, as Muslims, we also gain religious rewards when we observe these manners as a sunnah, following the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). When we eat with the intention of following the sunnah, it becomes an act of worship, earning us rewards in this life and the Hereafter.

Sunnah of Eating in Islam

In Islam, it is essential to have good etiquette and manners while eating. Use your right hand only to eat and drink, and hold utensils with your right hand as well. Avoid eating with the left hand because the devil eats with his left hand. Sit down with your knees bent or legs folded while eating, and avoid leaning back or lying down. Eat from what is closest and in front of you, instead of moving your hand all over the plate.

It is best to eat from the edge of the plate as blessings flow outward from the center of the plate. Drink from a cup instead of a pitcher or jug, and take three sips of your drink instead of gulping it all at once. Avoid breathing or blowing into your cup, and do not slurp your beverage or soup. Eat slowly, chew thoroughly with your mouth closed, and avoid stuffing your mouth or talking while eating.

Never say anything bad about the food, but rather give good compliments when you enjoy something. Sharing food with others from a communal dish is better than using separate plates. Use three fingers to eat, unless more fingers are needed, and lick your fingers one by one after finishing your food.

If food falls on the ground, pick it up, dust the dirt off, and eat it at home. Leaving it would feed the devil. Avoid overeating and fill your belly with one-third food, one-third drink, and one-third air. Finish everything on your plate and do not waste food. After eating, praise and thank Allah by saying “Alhamdulillah” and recite other duas. Wash your hands and gargle your mouth with water.

16 Sunnah Of Eating For Kids

Begin with the name of Allah (Bismillah) before eating
Eat with the right hand and not with the left hand
Sit and eat, do not eat while standing
Eat with manners and etiquettes
Eat slowly and chew your food properly
Do not speak while chewing food
Do not waste food, take only the amount that you can eat
Do not criticize or complain about the food
Drink water in sips and not in big gulps
Clean your plate and do not leave food uneaten
Do not overeat and fill your stomach with one-third food, one-third water, and one-third air
Use a spoon, fork or knife while eating
Eat together with family and share food with others
Do not eat while lying down or reclining
Say ‘Alhamdulillah’ after finishing eating
Clean your hands and mouth after eating.