The Recommended Eating Manners
Issue No. 2268- There are certain recommended rules (with the intention of them hopefully having rewards in the eyes of almighty Allah [swt]) to be observed while having a meal:1- Washing both the hands before having a meal.2- Washing both the hands after having a meal and drying them with a towel.3- The host should begin eating first, and should also be the last to withdraw from the table.4- One should say “بسم الله” before starting to eat and recite “الحمد لله” at the end and in case there are a number of dishes, it is recommended to say “بسم الله” before eating from each of the dishes.5- One should eat with the right hand.6- If several persons are sitting together for their meals, they should partake of the food placed in front of him. 7- One should take small morsels of food.8- One should not eat in a hurry, should prolong the duration of taking a meal, and chew the food thoroughly.9- One should use a toothpick after having a meal to bring out the food particles between the teeth, and also wash the mouth.10- One should avoid throwing away the food which is scattered on the dining cloth. However, if one takes food in an open place, like a desert, etc., it is better to leave the food which has fallen aside for animals and birds to eat.11- One should have two meals a day, in the earlier part of the day and in the earlier part of the night.12- One should take some salt before and after the meal.13- One should wash all fruits before eating them.14- To try one’s best to always have a guest at the meal.
