Eating with Adab: Table Manners in Islam
In Islam, even the way we eat is guided by the Sunnah. Mealtime is not just about filling the stomach; it is an act of worship when done with remembrance of Allah and proper manners.
The Prophet Muhammad S.A.W said: “O young boy, say ‘Bismillah’, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is in front of you.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
How to practice this Sunnah:
- Begin with Bismillah and end with Alhamdulillah.
- Eat with the right hand and from what is nearest to you.
- Avoid wastefulness—take only what you need.
- Share food generously, for the Prophet S.A.W said: “The food of one is enough for two, the food of two is enough for three, and the food of three is enough for four.” (Muslim)
Why it matters: Eating with adab brings barakah into the food and cultivates gratitude for Allah’s blessings. Wastefulness and ingratitude, on the other hand, remove blessings and invite accountability.
Practical Tip: Make meals a moment of dhikr by eating calmly, without rushing, and remember that every bite is a blessing from Allah.
Takeaway: When we eat with adab, our tables become places of worship, gratitude, and blessing.
