The Book About the Etiquette of Eating

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), said to me, "Mention Allah's Name (i.e., say Bismillah before starting eating), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

"‏سم الله وكل بيمينك، وكل مما يليك‏"

Narrated by Umar ibn Abu Salama + 15 other versions

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

"‏إذا أكل أحدكم فليذكر اسم الله تعالى، فإذا نسى أن يذكر اسم الله تعالى في أوله، فليقل، بسم الله أوله وآخره‏"

Narrated by Ā’ishah + 10 other versions

I heard Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "If a person mentions the Name of Allah upon entering his house or eating, Satan says, addressing his followers: 'You will find no where to spend the night and no dinner.' But if he enters without mentioning the Name of Allah, Satan says (to his followers)…

"‏إذا دخل الرجل بيته، فذكر الله تعالى عند دخوله وعند طعامه، قال الشيطان لأصحابه‏:‏ لا مبيت لكم ولا عشاء، وإذا دخل ، فلم يذكر الله تعالى عند دخوله، قال الشيطان‏:‏ أدركتم المبيت؛ وإذا لم يذكر الله تعالى عند طعامه قال‏:‏…

+ 7 other versions

When we attended a meal with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), we would not stretch forth our hands towards the food until he (ﷺ) would start eating first. Once, we were with him when a little girl rushed in as if someone was impelling her. She was about to lay her hand on the food when the Messenger of…

"‏إن الشيطان يستحل الطعام أن لا يذكر اسم الله تعالى عليه، وإنه جاء بهذه الجارية ليستحل بها، فأخذت بيدها، فجاء بهذا الأعرابي ليستحل به، فأخذت بيده، والذي نفسي بيده إن يده في يدي مع يديهما‏"

Narrated by Hudhayfah + 5 other versions

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was sitting while a man was eating food. That man did not mention the Name of Allah (before commencing to eat) till only a morsel of food was left. When he raised it to his mouth, he said: "Bismillah awwalahu wa akhirahu (With the Name of Allah, in the beginning and in the…

"‏ما زال الشيطان يأكل معه، فلما ذكر اسم الله استقاء ما فيه بطنه‏"

Narrated by Umayya ibn Makhshī + 2 other versions

If only he had mentioned the name of Allah, it would have been enough for all of you

‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: While the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was eating food with six of his Companions, a Bedouin came in and ate it up in two morsels. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)…

"‏أما إنه لو سمى لكفاكم‏"

Narrated by Ā’ishah + 1 other version Explained

Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) finished a meal, he would say: "Al-hamdu lillahi hamdan kathiran taiyyiban mubarakan fihi, ghaira makfiyyin wa la muwadda`in, wa la mustaghnan `anhu, Rabbuna. (All praise is due to Allah, praise which is abundant, pure, and full of blessings, which is indispensable and to…

"‏الحمد لله حمداً كثيراً طَيِّباً مباركاً فيه، غير مكفى ولامودع، ولا مستغنى عنه ربنا‏"

Narrated by Abu Umāmah + 11 other versions

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who has taken food and says at the end: 'Al- hamdu lillahi-lladhi at'amani hadha, wa razaqanihi min ghairi haulin minni wa la quwwatin (All praise is due to Allah Who has given me food to eat and provided it without any endeavour on my part or any power),' all his…

"‏من أكل طعاماً فقال‏:‏ الحمد الله الذي أطعمني هذا، ورزقنيه من غير حول منى ولا قوةٍ، غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه‏"

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 1 other version

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) never found fault with food. If he had inclination to eating it, he would eat; and if he disliked it, he would leave it. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

"‏ما عاب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم طعاماً قط، إن اشتهاه أكله، وإن كرهه تركه‏"

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 15 other versions

The Prophet (ﷺ) asked for sauce and was told that there was nothing except vinegar. He asked for it and began to eat from it saying, "How excellent is vinegar when eaten as sauce! How excellent is vinegar when eaten as Udm!" [Muslim].

"‏نعم الأدم الخل، نعم الأدم الخل‏"

Narrated by Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh + 3 other versions

If anyone of you is invited, let him answer the invitation. If he is fasting, let him supplicate (for the inviter); if he is not fasting, let him eat

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If anyone of you is invited, let him answer the invitation. If he is fasting, let him supplicate (for the inviter); if he is not fasting, let him eat."

"‏إذا دعي أحدكم ، فليجب، فإن كان صائما فليصل، وإن كان مفطراً فليطعم‏"

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 8 other versions Explained

This man followed us. If you wish, allow him to come in, and if you wish, he will go back

Abu Mas‘ūd Al-Badri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that a man invited the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to a meal that he prepared for him and four others. A man followed them, and when he arrived at the door, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon…

"‏إن هذا تبعنا؛ فإن شئت أن تأذن له، وإن شئت رجع‏"

Narrated by Abu Mas‘ūd al-Badrī + 3 other versions Explained

I was a boy under the care of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and as my hand used to wander around in the dish, he (ﷺ) said to me once, "Mention Allah's Name (i.e., say Bismillah), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is in front of you." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

"‏ يا غلام سم الله تعالى، وكل بيمينك،وكل مما يليك‏"

Narrated by Umar ibn Abu Salama + 15 other versions

A man ate with his left hand in the presence of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), whereupon he said, "Eat with your right hand." The man said: "I cannot do that." Thereupon he (the Prophet (ﷺ)) said, "May you not be able to do that." It was vanity that prevented him from doing it and he could not raise it…

وعن سلمةَ بن الأَكْوَع أنَّ رَجُلاً أَكَلَ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ الله بِشِمَالِهِ ، فَقَالَ : « كُلْ بِيَمِينِكَ » قَالَ : لا أسْتَطِيعُ . قَالَ : « لا اسْتَطَعْتَ » ! مَا مَنَعَهُ إِلا الكِبْرُ ! فَمَا رَفَعَهَا إِلَى فِيهِ…

Narrated by Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ + 8 other versions

We were with 'Abdullah bin Az-Zubair (May Allah be pleased with them) in a time of famine, then we were provided with dates. (Once) when we were eating, 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) passed by us and said: "Do not eat two dates together, for Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited…

"إلا أن يستأذن الرجل أخاه"

+ 10 other versions

Some of the Companions of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "We eat but are not satisfied." He (ﷺ) said, "Perhaps you eat separately." The Companions replied in affirmative. He then said: "Eat together and mention the Name of Allah over your food. It will be blessed for you." [Abu Dawud].

عن وحشى بن حرب رضى الله عنه أن أصحاب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قالوا‏:‏ يا رسول الله ، إنا نأكل ولا نشبع قال‏:‏ ‏"‏فلعلكم تفترقون‏"‏ قالوا‏:‏ نعم‏.‏ قال‏:‏ فاجتمعوا على طعامكم، واذكروا اسم الله ، يبارك لكم فيه‏"‏…

+ 4 other versions

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Blessing descends upon food in its middle, so eat from the sides of the vessel and do not eat from its middle." [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

"‏البركة تنزل وسط الطعام، فكلوا من حافتيه ولا تأكلوا من وسطه‏"

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbās + 1 other version

The Prophet (ﷺ) had a large bowl called Al-Gharra', which would be carried by four men. One day, when the Companions finished their Duha (forenoon optional) prayer, Al-Gharra' was brought full of sopped bread, meat and broth, and they sat down around it. When their number increased, Messenger of…

"‏كلوا من حواليها، ودعوا ذروتها يبارك فيها‏"

+ 4 other versions

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "I do not eat reclining (against a pillow)." [Al-Bukhari].

"‏ لا آكل متكئاً‏"

I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) eating some dates while sitting on his buttocks with his knees bent upwards

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) eating some dates while sitting on his buttocks with his knees bent upwards.

وعن أنس رضى الله عنه قال‏:‏ رأيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم جالساً مقعياً يأكل تمراً.‏ ‏‏((رواه مسلم))‏

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 1 other version Explained

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When one of you finishes eating, he should not wipe his fingers until he has licked them himself or has given them to someone else to lick for him." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

"‏إذا أكل أحدكم طعاماً، فلا يمسح أصابعه حتى يلعقها أو يلعقها‏"

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbās + 12 other versions

I saw Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) eating with three fingers (i.e., the thumb, the index finger and the middle finger) and licking them after having finished the food. [Muslim].

وعن كعب بن مالك رضى الله عنه قال‏:‏ رأيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يأكل بثلاث أصابع ، فإذا فرغ لعقها‏.‏‏‏((رواه مسلم))‏ ‏

Narrated by Ka‘b ibn Mālik + 2 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded the licking of fingers and the gleaning of the dish, saying, "You do not know in which portion the blessing lies." [Muslim].

"‏إنكم لا تدرون في أي طعامكم البركة‏"

Narrated by Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh

The Messenger 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 Satan 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…

"‏إذا وقعت لقمة أحدكم، فليأخذها فليمط ما كان بها من أذى وليأكلها، ولا يدعها للشيطان، ولا يمسح يده بالمنديل حتى يلعق أصابعه؛ فإنه لا يدرى في أي طعامه البركة‏"

+ 22 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Satan appears at every thing done by you; he appears even at one's dinner. When a morsel of any of you falls, he should pick it up and remove any dirt on it, and then eat it. He should not leave it for Satan, nor should he wipe his hand with the towel until he has…

"‏إن الشيطان يحضر أحدكم عند كل شئ من شأنه، حتى يحضره عند طعامه؛ فإذا سقطت لقمة أحدكم فليأخذها فليمط ما كان بها من أذى، ثم ليأكلها ولا يدعها للشيطان، فإذا فرغ فليلعق أصابعه؛ فإنه لا يدرى في أي طعامه البركة‏"

+ 22 other versions

Whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) ate food, he would lick his three fingers and say, "If anyone of you drops a morsel of food, he should remove any dirt that may have stuck on it and then eat it, and should not leave it for Satan." He (ﷺ) also commanded us that we should glean the pot, saying…

وعن أنس رضى الله عنه قال‏:‏ كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا أكل طعاماً، لعق أصابعه الثلاث، وقال‏:‏‏"‏إذا سقطت لقمة أحدكم فليأخذها، وليمط عنها الأذى، وليأكلها،ولا يدعها للشيطان‏"‏ وأمرنا أن نسلت القصعة وقال‏:‏…

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 6 other versions

I asked Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) whether it was obligatory to make Wudu' for Salat (prayer) after eating cooked food. He said: "No, because in the lifetime of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), such food was rarely available. We had no handkerchiefs, so when we ate such food we would wipe our…

وعن سعيد بن الحارث أنه سأل جابراً رضى الله عنه عن الوضوء مما مست النار، فقال‏:‏ لا ، قد كنا زمن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم لا نجد مثل ذلك الطعام إلا قليلاً، فإذا نحن وجدناه، لم يكن لنا مناديل إلا أكفنا وسواعدنا وأقدامنا…

+ 2 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The food of two persons suffices for three persons, and the food of three persons suffices for four persons." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

عن أبى هريرة رضى الله عنه قال ‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏طعام الاثنين كافي الثلاثة، وطعام الثلاثة كافي الأربعة‏"‏.‏ ((متفق عليه))

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 4 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The food of one person suffices for two, the food of two persons suffices for four persons, and the food of four persons suffices for eight persons." [Muslim].

"‏طعام الواحد يكفى الاثنين، وطعام الاثنين يكفى الأربعة، وطعام الأربعة يكفى الثمانية‏"

Narrated by Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh + 22 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to breathe three times in the course of a drink

Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to breathe three times in the course of a drink.

عن أنس رضى الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يتنفس في الشراب ثلاثاً‏.‏((متفق عليه))

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik Explained

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Do not drink in one gulp like a camel, but in two or three (gulps). Mention the Name of Allah (i.e., say Bismillah) when you start drinking and praise Him (i.e., say Al-hamdu lillah) after you have finished (drinking)." [At- Tirmidhi].

"‏لا تشربوا واحداً كشرب البعير، ولكن اشربوا مثنى وثلاث، وسموا إذا أنتم شربتم،واحمدوا إذا أنتم رفعتم‏"

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbās + 2 other versions

The Prophet (ﷺ) forbade breathing into the vessel while drinking. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

وعن أبى قتادة رضى الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم نهى أن يتنفس في الإناء‏.‏‏((متفق عليه))

Narrated by Abu Qatāda

Milk mixed with water was brought to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). On his right side was sitting a bedouin and on his left was sitting Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him). He (ﷺ) drank from it and handed the rest to the bedouin saying, "One who is on the right has preference, then again the one…

"‏الأيمن فالأيمن‏"

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik

A drink was brought to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he drank (some) from it. On his right was a boy and on his left were some elderly people. He (ﷺ) said to the boy, "Would you permit me to give rest of this drink to these on my left?" The boy said: "O Messenger of Allah, I would certainly not…

"‏أتأذن لي أن أعطى هؤلاء‏.‏‏؟‏‏"

Narrated by Sahl ibn Sa‘d + 8 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade turning the water-skin upside down and drinking directly from its mouth. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

عن أبى سعيد الخدرى رضى الله عنه قال ‏:‏ نهى رسول الله عن اختناث الأسقية ‏:‏ يعنى‏:‏ أن تكسر أفواهها، ويشرب منها‏.‏((متفق عليه))

Narrated by Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited drinking directly out of the mouth of a water- skin. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

وعن أبى هريرة رضى الله عنه قال‏:‏ نهى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أن يشرب من في السقاء أو القربة.‏((متفق عليه))

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 4 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) visited me and drank some water from a hanging water-skin while he was in a standing posture. So, I stood up and cut off the mouth (of that water-skin). [At- Tirmidhi]. An-Nawawi said that the reason why she did this was to preserve the part of the water-skin which the…

وعن أم ثابت كبشة بنت ثابت أخت حسان بن ثابت رضى الله عنه وعنها قالت‏:‏ دخل عليَّ رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فشرب من فيّ قربة معلقة قائماً، فقمت إلى فيها فقطعته‏ ‏((رواه الترمذي وقال: حديث حسن صحيح)). وإنما قطعتها…

+ 3 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited us blowing in the drinking water. A man said: "O Messenger of Allah! Sometimes I see some litter floating about on the surface. What should I do then?" He (ﷺ) replied, "Pour them out." Then the man said: "My thirst is not quenched with one draught." Messenger…

عن أبى سعيد الخدرى رضى الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم نهى عن النفخ في الشراب، فقال رجل ‏:‏ القذاة أراها في الإناء‏؟‏ فقالب‏:‏ ‏"‏أهرقها‏"‏ قال‏:‏ إني لا أروى من نفس واحد‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏فأبن القدح إذاً عن…

Narrated by Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri + 2 other versions

The Prophet (ﷺ) prohibited us from breathing into the drinking vessel or blowing in it. [At-Tirmidhi].

وعن ابن عباس رضى الله عنهما أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم نهى أن يتنفس في الإناء، أو ينفخ فيه‏.‏((رواه الترمذي))

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbās + 4 other versions

I served the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) Zamzam water to drink and he drank it while he was standing. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

وعن ابن عباس رضى الله عنهما قال‏:‏ سقيت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم من زمزم، فشرب وهو قائم ‏.‏((متفق عليه))

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbās + 8 other versions

'Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) arrived at Bab Ar-Rahbah (in Kufah) and drank water in a standing posture. Then he said: "I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) doing what you have seen me doing." [Al-Bukhari].

وعن النزال بن سبرة رضى الله عنه قال‏:‏ أتى علي رضى الله عنه باب الرحبة فشرب قائماً، وقال‏:‏ إني رأيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فعل كما رأيتموني فعلت‏.‏‏‏((‏رواه البخارى‏)‏‏)‏‏

During the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) we would eat while walking and would drink while standing. [At- Tirmidhi].

وعن ابن عمر رضى الله عنهما قال‏:‏كنا نأكل على عهد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ونحن نمشى ، ونشرب ونحن قيام‏.‏((رواه الترمذي))

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 7 other versions

I saw Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) drink standing, or sitting. [At-Tirmidhi].

وعن عمرو بن شعيب عن أبيه عن جده رضى الله عنه قال‏:‏ رأيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يشرب قائماً أو قاعداً‏.‏ ((رواه الترمذي))

The Prophet (ﷺ) forbade us from drinking while standing. Qatadah reported: "We asked him: 'What about eating?"' He said: "That is even worse, (or may be he said) more detestable." Another narration is: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) reprimanded [us] for drinking while standing. [Muslim].

وعن أنس رضى الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه نهى أن يشرب الرجل قائماً‏.‏ قال قتادة‏:‏ فقلنا لأنس‏:‏ فالأكل‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ذلك أشر -أو أخبث- ‏.‏ وفى رواية له أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم زجر عن الشرب قائما.‏‏((رواه…

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 6 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "None of you should drink standing; and if any one forgets, he must vomit." [Muslim].

وعن أبى هريرة رضى الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ لا يشربن أحد منكم قائماً، فمن نسى فليستقئ‏"‏‏‏‏. ((رواه مسلم))‏

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 4 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who serves others with drinking water should be the last to drink himself." [At-Tirmidhi].

"‏ ساقي القوم آخرهم شرباً‏"

Narrated by Abu Qatāda + 6 other versions

Once the time for As-Salat (the prayer) approached. Those whose houses were near, went to their houses (to perform Wudu') while some of the people remained with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). A stone (containing some water) bowl was brought for him. It was too small for him to spread his hand over it…

عن أنس رضى الله عنه قال‏:‏ حضرت الصلاة، فقام من كان قريب الدار إلى أهله، وبقى قوم فأتى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم بمخضب من حجارة، فصغر المخضب أن يبسط فيه كفه، فتوضأ القوم كلهم‏.‏ قالوا‏:‏ كم كنتم‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ثمانين…

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 1 other version

The Prophet (ﷺ) visited us and we brought water for him in a brass vessel for his ablution and he performed ablution. [Al- Bukhari].

وعن عبد الله بن زيد رضى الله عنه قال‏:‏ أتانا النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، فأخرجنا له ماء في نور من صفر فتوضأ‏.‏‏‏((‏رواه البخارى‏)‏‏)‏‏

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn Zayd + 2 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) visited the house of a man of the Ansar with one of his Companions and said to him, "If you have some water in the water-skin left over from last night, give it to us for drinking; otherwise, we shall drink from some stream directly." [Al- Bukhari].

"‏إن كان عندك ماء بات هذه الليلة في سنة وإلا كرعنا‏"

Narrated by Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh + 4 other versions

The Prophet (ﷺ) prohibited us from wearing brocade or silk and drinking out of gold or silver vessels and said, "These are meant for them (disbelievers) in this world and for you in the Hereafter." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

"‏هي لهم في الدنيا، وهى لكم في الآخرة‏"

Narrated by Hudhayfah + 19 other versions