The Barakah (blessing) of eating is gained by washing the hands and rinsing the mouth before and after meals. (Tirmidhi)
Recite Bismillah before eating. (Bukhari, Muslim)
Eat with the right hand. (Bukhari, Muslim)
Never eat and drink with the left hand because Shaytaan eats with the left hand. (Muslim)
Eat from the portion of food that is nearest to you, i.e. do not eat from all sides of the plate. (Bukhari, Muslim)
Do not eat from the centre of the plate, but rather from the side, as barakat descends in the centre of the utensil. (Tirmidhi)
Before commencing with meals, removes shoes as this relaxes the feet. (Darimi)
When morsel has fallen from one’s hand, clean it and eat it. It should not be left for Shaytân. After eating, before washing the hands one should lick one’s fingers for one does not know in which portion of the food does the barakah lie. (Muslim)
Whoever eats from a plate and thereafter cleans it, that plate seeks repentance on behalf of that person. (Tirmidhi)
Do not get up (after eating) till the table is cleared.
Always partake of food in company and utter Allah’s name before eating, as this will be a source of blessing for one. (Abû Dawûd)
When partaking meals with another person, do not stop eating until he has not finished eating; for this will embarass him. If one has to leave than offer an excuse (Ibn Majah, Baihaqi)
Rasoolullah salallahu alaihi wasallam never leaned on anything while eating. (Bukhari)
Rasoolullah salallahu alaihi never found fault with food. If he liked it, he would partake of it. If he disliked it, he would leave it. (Bukhari)
When commencing to drink first recite Bismillah. (Tirmidhi)
After drinking water says Alhadulillah. (Tirmidhi)
Do not drink directly from a water pitcher (or any water container). (Bukhari)
Do not breath into the utensil nor blow into it (whilst drinking). (Tirmidhi)
Do not stand and drink. (Muslim)
Do not drink in one draught like a camel but in two or three sips.
Do not drink from utensils that have chipped or cracked edges. (Abû Dawûd)
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.co.za ?
