The Sunnat of Eating

1. To recite the following dua before eating: BISMILLAHEE WA ALAA BARAKATILLAH {Abu Dawood}

2. If one forgets to read Bismillah before eating then if remebers whilst eating he should recite the following dua: BISMILLAHEE AWWALAH WAL AAKHIRA {Tirmidhi}

3. After eating to recite the following dua:ALHAMDU LILLAH HILLADHEE AT AMANA WA SAQAANA WAJA ALNA MINAL MUSLIMEEN

4. To wash hands and gargle mouth before and after eating. {Tirmidhi}

5. To eat with the right hand similarly when taking food from and when giving to someone the right hand should be used. {Ibn Maja}

6. To sit on the floor and eat in any one of the following three ways:

7. To squat with the buttocks away from the ground

8. To sit on one leg having the other knee raised

9. To sit on both the legs as in the tashahhud posture. {Umdatul Qari}

10. To remove the shoes before eating. {Darimi}

11. When eating together the most pious or eldest should be made to begin. {Muslim}

12. If a variety of dishes are served then it is permissible to partake of any that he wishes leave that which he does not feel like eating without passing any remarks. {Tirmidhi}

13. To have vinegar and honey in the house is Sunnah. {Tirmidhi}

14. Steamy food should not be eaten, but one should eat after it cools. {Ahmad}

15. Do not blow onto any food. {Tirmidhi}

16. Whilst eating if any crumbs or pieces of food fall then these should be picked up and eaten and not left for the Shaytaan. {Ibn Maja}

17. The dastarkhan (food mat) should be spread on the floor as Rasulallah (Salaal Laahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) never ate on a table. {Shamail Tirmidhi}