10 Sunnahs of Eating That Muslims Must Follow

There are certain etiquettes that Muslims are encouraged to follow while eating. These etiquettes are derived from the teachings of Prophet of Allah ﷺ. Following these Sunnahs not only helps to develop good manners and improve health but also increases blessings in the food.

Here are 10 Sunnahs of Eating That Muslims Must Follow:

EATING WITH RIGHT HAND

The Prophet of Allah ﷺ said:

“When any one of you intends to eat (meal), he should eat with his right hand and when he (intends) to drink he should drink with his right hand, for the Shaitan eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand.”

Reference: Saheeh Al-Muslim 2020

MENTION THE NAME OF ALLAH

‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said,

“When any of you wants to eat, he should mention the Name of Allah in the begining, (i.e., say Bismillah).

If he forgets to do it in the beginning, he should say Bismillah awwalahu wa akhirahu (بسم الله أوله وآخره‏)

(I begin with the Name of Allah at the beginning and at the end).”

[Riyad as-Salihin 728].

EAT WHAT IS INFRONT

Umar bin Abu Salamah R.a reported:

“I was under the care of Allah’s Messengerﷺ, and as my hand used to roam about in the dish he said to me: Boy, mention the name of Allah, and eat with your right hand and eat from what is near to you.”

Reference: Saheeh Al-Muslim 2022

EATING WITH 3-THREE FINGERS

‘Abdullah b. Ka’b reported that his father Ka’b narrated to him that

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) used to eat with three fingers and when he had finished (eating), he licked them.

[Sahih Muslim, 2032,]

PICK UP THE FOOD IF DROPPED

The Prophet of Allah ﷺ said:

“When a morsel of any of you falls, he should pick it up and remove any of the dirt on it and then eat it, and should not leave it for Shaitan nor should wipe his hand with towel until he has licked his fingers, for he does not know in what portion of the food the blessing lies.”

Reference: Saheeh Al-Muslim 2034

NOT BLOWING INTO FOOD AND DRINKS

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited breathing in the vessel, or blowing into it.”

[Abu ‘Eisa said:] This Hadith is Hasan Sahih.

Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1888

LICKING FINGERS AFTER FOOD

Jabirﷺ reported:

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded the licking of fingers and the cleaning of the dish, saying: “You do not know in which portion the blessing lies.”

BE GRATEFUL TO ALLAH

The Prophet of Allah ﷺ said:

“A grateful eater is equal to a patient fasting person.”