Every action that a Muslim does with good intentions and pure heart has rewards. When it comes to small things in daily life, we can still earn a lot. Every action committed in order to please Allah (s.w.t) brings blessings and prosperity to life. As Muslims, we are obliged to spend our lives the way our Lord wants us to by following the lifestyle of our beloved Holy Prophet (PBUH). The entire life of people who follow Sunnah becomes an act of worship even the act of eating and drinking, upon which all living things depend, and just by simply eating or drinking we can earn rewards for ourselves. This article describes the Etiquette of Drinking and Eating in Islam.

♦   The etiquette of eating

Beginning

We should start eating our food in the name of Allah. As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: ‘When one of you eats, he should mention Allah’s name (i.e. say Bismillah). If he forgets to mention Allah’s name at the beginning, he should say (when he remembers): I begin in the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end of it.’

Manners

The best way to eat it is with the fingers of the right hand. Another manner of eating which the Prophet (PBUH) taught us is that we should always eat from what is near­est to us and not from the middle of the plate. We should not eat in a reclining position as Holy Prophet (PBUH) has prohibited it as it shows arrogance towards the blessings of food. If one doesn’t like the food he/she is not permitted to criticize it as Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself criticized the food. If he liked it, he would eat it, but if he disliked it, he just left it.

We should not eat until we are completely satiated; rather we should eat an amount of food that eliminates hunger and does not satisfy us to our fullest. We have been taught by the Prophet (PBUH) that we should do all things in moderation, including eating. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “A believer eats in one intestine, whereas a non-believer eats in seven intestines” [Muslim]

After eating

When we have finished eating, we should always remember Allah and be grateful to Him. Prophet (s.a.w) said: “One who has eaten some food and then says: ‘All praise is for Allah, who has given me this (food to eat) and provided for me without any effort or power on my part’, he will have his sins forgiven.” (Tirmidhi)

♦   Etiquettes of drinking

Muslims get to know about the etiquette of drinking by Sunnah of Prophet (PBUH). We should never drink straight from a bottle. We should not drink from the mug’s cleft and not breathe in the beverage and drink in three draughts. Holy Prophet (PBUH) said,

“Do not drink the water in one draught just like camels, but drink it in one or three gulps, and invoke Allah when you drink and praise Him when you finish.”

By following the etiquettes mentioned in the Sunnah we can earn many rewards and blessings of Allah (s.w.t)

♦   Summary

Islam is the complete code of life and it gives you the way to live a prosperous and peaceful life. The life of the Holy Prophet is a complete guide for us, and we should follow it completely with dignity. The etiquettes of eating and drinking are not enforced on us, but it is for the benefit of our hygiene and nurture. How you eat and drink defines your lifestyle and personality, so drinking and eating according to Islamic principles and teachings gives you a respectable outline of your lifestyle and personality.

If you follow the teachings of Islam, you will not only get the blessings of Allah, but you will also live a peaceful, respectable, and hygienic life in this mundane world. The teachings are there and if you follow these teachings, there will be Barkat (blessing) In your food and you will be thankful to God. The basics like drinking water in three breaks or exhales are also a blessing and etiquette.

Signup Free for Learn Quran Online and many more Courses about Islam and many more Etiquettes about life in Islam.