Eating in Islam is more than nourishment — it's an act of worship when done with the right etiquette and intention. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"O young man, say Bismillah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is in front of you."
— Sahih al-Bukhari (5376), Sahih Muslim (2022)
Begin with "Bismillah", eat with the right hand, and avoid wasting food. The Prophet ﷺ disliked excessive eating and said:
"The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach... One third for food, one third for drink, and one third for air."
— Sunan Ibn Majah (3349)
He ﷺ also taught gratitude after meals:
"Alhamdulillahi alladhi at'amani hadha, wa razaqanihi min ghayri hawlin minni wa la quwwah."
"Praise be to Allah who fed me this and provided it without any might or power from me."
— Sunan Abu Dawud (4023)
The Sahaba practiced humility in eating. Abu Hurairah (RA) often fasted and broke his fast with dates and water, following the Prophet's simple lifestyle.
Sharing food, eating together, and avoiding waste are all part of the etiquette. Through these actions, eating becomes a means of gratitude, humility, and spiritual discipline.