12 Eating Sunnahs That Every Muslim Should Follow! (Including Hadiths!)

Eating is a fundamental necessity for every living being, and Islam has emphasized its importance in various ways. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has given great importance to the etiquettes of eating and drinking, and his way of eating and drinking is known as Sunnah. Sunnah refers to the traditions and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is considered an essential part of the Islamic faith. Following the Sunnah not only helps us gain the blessings of Allah but also brings us closer to the Prophet (PBUH) and teaches us how to lead a disciplined and healthy lifestyle. In this blog, we will discuss ten eating Sunnahs of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that we should all follow.

1. Start with the Name of Allah
The first Sunnah that we should follow before eating is to start with the Name of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would say the following dua before eating: "Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim." It means "In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate." This Sunnah not only reminds us of the blessings of Allah but also protects us from the harms of Satan. In a hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet (PBUH) said, "When any one of you eats, let him mention the name of Allah. If he forgets to mention the name of Allah at the beginning, let him say Bismillah awwalahu wa akhirahu (In the name of Allah at its beginning and at its end)." Saying Bismillah before eating not only reminds us of Allah's blessings but also makes the food more beneficial for us.

2. Eat with the Right Hand
Another Sunnah that we should follow is to eat with the right hand. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would always eat with his right hand and drink with his right hand. Eating with the right hand is considered more hygienic and respectful in Islamic culture. In a hadith narrated by Muslim, the Prophet (PBUH) said, "When any one of you eats, he should eat with his right hand, and when he drinks, he should drink with his right hand, for the Satan eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand." This hadith emphasizes the importance of using the right hand while eating and drinking.

3. Sit Down to Eat
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would always sit down to eat, and he would encourage others to do the same. Sitting down to eat not only helps us to eat mindfully but also prevents us from overeating. In a hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet (PBUH) said, "None of you should eat while reclining on his back like a camel. Rather, sit down and eat." This hadith emphasizes the importance of sitting down and taking time to eat, rather than rushing or eating while lying down.

4. Wash Hands Before and After Eating
Another Sunnah that we should follow is to wash our hands before and after eating. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would always wash his hands before eating and would encourage others to do the same. Washing hands before eating helps to remove any impurities and dirt, while washing hands after eating helps to remove any food particles and prevents the spread of germs. In a hadith narrated by Muslim, the Prophet (PBUH) said, "When one of you eats, let him wash his hands, and if he cannot find water, let him at least strike the earth with his hands (and then wipe them), for Satan runs away from the one who strikes the earth with his hands." This hadith emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and hygiene before eating, as it not only removes dirt and germs from the hands but also has a spiritual benefit by driving away Satan.

5. Eat Together and Share Food
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would always eat together with his family, friends, and companions. Eating together and sharing food not only strengthens the bond between individuals but also increases the blessings of Allah. In a hadith narrated by Abu Dawud, the Prophet (PBUH) said, "Eat together and not separately, for the blessing is in being together." Eating together strengthens social bonds, promotes harmony, and fosters a sense of community.

6. Eat in Moderation
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would always eat in moderation and would discourage overeating. Overeating not only leads to various health problems but also goes against the Islamic principle of moderation. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us the importance of moderation in all aspects of our lives, including our eating habits. He said, "The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls, to keep him going. If he must do that (fill his stomach), then let him fill one-third with food, one-third with drink, and one-third with air." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of not overeating and filling our stomachs beyond its capacity. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended that we eat in moderation, filling only one-third of our stomachs with food, one-third with water or other drinks, and leaving the remaining one-third empty for air. Overeating can lead to various health problems, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease. By following the Sunnah of moderation in our eating habits, we can maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

7. Chew Food Thoroughly
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would always chew his food thoroughly before swallowing it. Chewing food thoroughly helps to break down the food particles and aids in digestion. In a hadith narrated by Tirmidhi, the Prophet (PBUH) said, "The food that is chewed well becomes a part of the body, but the food that is swallowed without chewing goes to waste." Chewing food thoroughly enhances digestion and absorption of nutrients, prevents overeating, and promotes good oral health.

8. Eat Healthy and Nutritious Food
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would always eat healthy and nutritious food. He would encourage others to do the same and would discourage the consumption of harmful and unhealthy food. Some of the favorite foods of our Prophet (PBUH) are dates, lamb, honey, milk, pomegranate, figs, vinegar, barley etc.

9. Thank Allah After Eating
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would always thank Allah after eating. He would say the following dua after finishing his meal: "Alhamdulillahil-lathee at'amana wa saqana wa ja'alana minal muslimin." It means "All praise is due to Allah, Who has fed us and given us drink, and made us Muslims."

10. Don't Waste Food
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would always discourage the wasting of food. He would encourage people to eat what they need and save the rest for later. Wasting food not only goes against the Islamic principle of moderation but also disregards the blessings of Allah.

11. Don’t Blow Into Hot Food
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us the importance of showing respect and gratitude towards food. He advised us not to blow on hot food to cool it down, as it is a sign of disrespect to the food and may cause germs to spread. In a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (RA), the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Do not blow into your food, for the blessing is in the middle of it." (Sahih Bukhari). This Hadith emphasizes the importance of preserving the blessings of food and not causing any harm to it. Blowing on hot food not only shows disrespect to the food but also spreads germs and bacteria that can cause harm to our health. Instead of blowing on hot food, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended waiting for it to cool down naturally or adding a cool liquid, such as water or milk, to it to cool it down.

12. Always eat Halal Food
The concept of Halal, meaning lawful or permissible, is an essential aspect of Islamic dietary laws. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us the importance of consuming only Halal food and abstaining from Haram, meaning unlawful or prohibited, food. In a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (RA), the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Allah is pure and He accepts only that which is pure. Allah has commanded the believers to do that which He commanded the Messengers, and the Messengers to do that which they were commanded. He said: 'O you Messengers! Eat of the good things and do righteous deeds.' (Quran 23:51) And He said: 'O you who believe! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you.' (Quran 2:172)" (Sahih Bukhari). This Hadith emphasizes the importance of consuming only Halal and pure food, as it is pleasing to Allah and a necessary aspect of righteous living. Eating Haram food not only goes against the teachings of Islam but also has negative effects on our physical and spiritual health.