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The Sunnah Way of Eating

The Prophet(sallallaho alaihi wasallam) said:

"Whoever during the era when sins are Common adopts sunnats would be rewarded with the same sawab as one hundred martyrs. " (Baihaki Sharif) and also "Whoever loves my Sunnah loves me, and whoever loves me will accompany me to Heaven."

One should not over-eat. He should keep room in his stomach for one third of each: food, water and air. This will help him to function efficiently and carry out his religious obligations easily. He should eat halal food, stay away from haraam foods, otherwise forty days worship would not be accepted.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Qais (radi Allahu anhu) narrates that the Prophet (sallallaho alihi wasallam) that:

"Whosoever takes his food in full and is satiated and recites the following words in the end, he is cleared of his sins as if he is born presently: "Alhamdu lilla-hillazi aat amani wa-assh ba-ni wa saqani wa arwani." (All praise be to Allah who gave good in full and satiety.)

It would be unfortunate if we did not take the opportunity of pleasing the Prophet (sallalaho alaihi wasallam) by upholding the Sunnah every time we partake food and take advantage of the enormous rewards.

1. Before eating, wash both hands upto your wrists and do not dry them with towel or other item.

2. Eat food placed on the floor, to eat on tables and chairs is against Sunnah.

3. The sitting position should be that of Tashahhud in Mamaaz, or with one thigh raised or to squat.

4. The food should be on the dining place before sitting down for meals.

5. Have meals in company. Allah showers His blessings on those who have meals in company. (Hadith in Abu Daud relates in detail to this)

6. It is Sunnah to have head covered when eating.

7. Recite Durood Sharif and recite the following Dua before eating: Bismiliahil-lazi la yadurru ma'a ismihi shaiy-un fil ardi wa la fi sama-e wa huwas-sami ul aleem. By praying this dua even poison would not harm.

8. After this recite: Bismillah or Bismillahi wa'ala barkatillah (This should also be recited when invited out) There will be a lot of barkat and Shaitaan would not join in.

9. When one has forgotten to say 'Bismillah', he should say, "Bismillah awwalahu wa aakhiruhu." when he remembers during the meal.

10. If one eats with a person with an infectious disease, the following Dua should be recited: Bismillahi tekatan billahi wa tawak-kula alai hi. (In the name of Allah, with confidence in Allah and humbly trusting Him)

11. Drink before and during eating. Drinking at the end harms the digestive system.

12. Before drinking milk recite the Dua: "Allahumma bariklana fee-he wazidna minhu." ( 0' Allah. Bless us in this (food) and increase therefrom)

13. Start eating with a bit of salt or finish eating with it. This is the way of preventing heartburn, stomach upsets and indigestion.

14. To lean against the wall, or recline while having meals is against the Sunnah.

15. It is Sunnah to eat with the right hand. One should not eat with the left hand without a valid reason. It is said that Shaitan eats with the left hand.

16. It is Sunnat to eat with three fingers i.e. the thumb, the index and the middle finger. The fourth finger should be used when eating very soft foods.

17. Begin by helping yourself or eating from the food that is in front or nearest to you. One should not begin by taking from the centre of the plate. Where there is a variety of foods, sweetmeats and fruit in one utensil, one may select and eat from wherever one wishes.

18. To eat very hot steaming food is against the Sunnah. To blow food is also against the Sunnah.

19. When does not like some types of food, don't express dislike for it. It is better to remain silent and abstain from eating disagreeable food.

20. Use Vinegar. Hazrat Umme Haani (radi Allahu anha) stated that the Prophet (sallallaho alai hi wasallam) stated that in the house in which there is vinegar, will be never in want of food. (Tirmizi)

21. When one has eaten food which has an unpleasant or strong smell e.g. raw onion or garlic, etc. the mouth should be thoroughly cleaned so that no offensive smell is left, especially when is in company or going to the mosque.

22. Whilst eating do not stay in complete silence. Make some conversation that is allowed in Islam.

23. If a morsel has fallen from the hand, and it is possible to eat it, one should do so.

24. If there is a little food left in the plate, it should all be eaten. Who knows which grain has got a lot of barkat. Clean your plate completely, as it saves one from punishment of Hell.

25. Lick your fingers clean. First the middle finger, then the index and, lastly. the thumb.

26. It is Sunnah to use a tooth-pick after meals.

27. After eating, recite Durood Sharif and then the. following Dua: Alhamdulillahil-lazi aat aamana wasakana wa ja alna minal muslimeen. (Praise be to Allah, who fed us and gave us drinks and made us Muslims)

28. Guest should recite the Dua for the host after the meal: Allahumma barik lahum feema razakahum faghfeer lahum varham hum. (O Allah. Bless them in that which You have provided them. And forgive them and have Mercy on them.)

29. It is Sunnah to wash hands after meals, and dry them with a cloth.

30. It is Sunnah to accompany the departing guests to the door.

Taken with permission from "Sirat ul Muslimin" who acknowledge contribution to this article from Ahle Sunnat Jamaat, London; Sunni Dawaat'e Islami, Preston