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  3. The Words That Of Rasoolullah Said Before and After Eating
  4. Ash-Shama'il Al-Muhammadiyah 189
حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، قَالَ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ لَهِيعَةَ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ أَبِي حَبِيبٍ، عَنْ رَاشِدِ بْنِ جَنْدَلٍ الْيَافِعِيِّ، عَنْ حَبِيبِ بْنِ أَوْسٍ، عَنْ أَبِي أَيُّوبَ الأَنْصَارِيِّ، قَالَ‏:‏ كُنَّا عِنْدَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم، يَوْمًا، فَقَرَّبَ طَعَامًا، فَلَمْ أَرَ طَعَامًا كَانَ أَعْظَمَ بَرَكَةً مِنْهُ، أَوَّلَ مَا أَكَلْنَا، وَلا أَقَلَّ بَرَكَةً فِي آخِرِهِ، قُلْنَا‏:‏ يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ، كَيْفَ هَذَا‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ إِنَّا ذَكَرْنَا اسْمَ اللهِ حِينَ أَكَلْنَا، ثُمَّ قَعَدَ مَنْ أَكَلَ وَلَمْ يُسَمِّ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى فَأَكَلَ مَعَهُ الشَّيْطَانُ‏.‏
Translation
'Umar ibn Abi Salama said that he went in to see Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace), who had a meal before him, so he said to him

'O my dear son, pronouncethe Name of Allah(Exalted is He), eat with your right hand, and eat what is directly in front of you!’”

Comment

The Words That Of Rasoolullah Said Before and After Eating

Ash-Shama'il Al-Muhammadiyah 189

Hadith Commentary

This noble instruction contains three essential etiquettes of dining: First, to commence with "Bismillah" (In the Name of Allah), thereby recognizing the meal as divine provision and seeking blessings therein. Second, using the right hand, for the left is reserved for purification acts. Third, eating from what is nearest, demonstrating humility and avoiding greed by reaching across the platter.

Scholars note that mentioning Allah's Name transforms eating from mere physical nourishment into an act of worship. The restriction to the right hand aligns with the Prophetic practice of reserving the right for noble acts. Eating from what is directly before one cultivates contentment and prevents disturbance to fellow diners.

Imam al-Ghazali comments that these three principles encompass spiritual, physical, and social dimensions of eating - connecting with the Divine, maintaining bodily dignity, and observing communal harmony.