How to Eat in Islam

Choosing Food

Understand the difference between Haram and Halal. The word 'Halal' in Islam means something that is permissible according to Islamic law. The word 'Haram' is the opposite; it refers to things that are not allowed. When choosing and eating foods, always stick to foods that are Halal.

Stay away from eating swine and pork. Allah has forbidden Muslims from eating anything made from pork or swine products as it is considered impure. Bacon, pork lard, certain gelatin, pork grease, and other pork or swine products should be avoided. Allah says in the Quran, “He has forbidden you only of the Maytah (dead animals), and blood, and the flesh of swine…” [al-Baqarah 2:173] If you have no choice but to eat pork (for example, if you are starving and that is the only food available), you will not be punished for it.

Refrain from eating meat from companion animals. Animals such as dogs, cats, frogs, donkeys, mules, and so on should be avoided, since they are meant to be companions rather than food. While it is not outright Haram to eat them if they're pure and cleansed, it is encouraged not to consume them. Vicious animals such as tigers, crocodiles, lions, rhinos, etc. should also not be eaten. It's encouraged to eat animals that are herbivores, such as cattle, sheep, rabbits, goats, etc.

Eat meats that are slaughtered according to Islamic law. According to Islamic law, when slaughtering an animal, you should begin by saying Bismillah (بسم الله‎‎), which means 'In the name of Allah'. Then, the animal should be slaughtered using dhabiha, a fast cut to the throat using a sharp blade. Most meats that are slaughtered this way will state on the package that they're Halal. The animal being slaughtered should be healthy and fed well. Dhabiha should not be done around other animals to avoid frightening them. It is not permissible to eat the animal if it's been beaten, strangled, savaged, or found dead. Instead, Dhabiha should be performed to make the slaughtering easy and less stressful on the animal.

Understand what type of meats are permissible. Any type of meat (besides pork and swine) is permissible as long as they are slaughtered correctly. The meat must be clean from any blood or filth before being cooked or eaten.

Avoid using alcohol in cooking. Alcohol is forbidden in Islam and the Quran. Avoid adding it when preparing any of your meals. If a recipe requires alcohol, substitute it with non-alcoholic sparkling wine or leave it out of the recipe completely. Allah says in the Quran, “O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansaab, and Al-Azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytaan’s (Satan’s) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order so that you may be successful.” [al-Maa’idah 5:90]

Be sure foods are thoroughly clean before consuming. Any meat used should be thoroughly cleaned, especially if it contained blood. Wash foods thoroughly with water if necessary, and scrub fruits and vegetables with a brush. This helps remove any dirt.

Try to eat a variety of healthy, nutritious foods. Having a healthy diet is encouraged in Islam. Eat a variety of foods that are nutritious and good for your health. Examples include: Grains. Grains are foods made from rice, oats, wheat, cornmeal, and more. Grains include pasta, rice, bread, tortillas, oatmeal, and grits. It is highly encouraged to eat whole grains, as they contain more fiber and vitamins. Fruits and vegetables. Strive to eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Pick a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to get plenty of different nutrients. Dairy products. Dairy products are made out of milk and provide plenty of calcium. Some examples of dairy products include cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, cream cheese, butter, and milk itself. Meats and poultry products. Plenty of meat and poultry products are great for the body and include protein, iron, vitamin B, and magnesium. Meats such as turkey, chicken, and beef are great choices. Seafood. Allah says in the Quran, "Lawful to you is from the sea and its food as provision for you and the travelers..." [5:96] Seafood such as fish, shrimp, crab, and lobster contain vitamins and minerals.

Know what beverages are permissible. Any types of beverages are okay to drink as long as it does not contain any alcohol. Beverages such as soda, lemonade, fruit juice, tea, coffee, smoothies, and milk are all acceptable. It is narrated in al-Bukhaari (5147) and Muslim (3736) from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Umar that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said: “Whoever drinks wine in this world and does not repent from that, he will be deprived of it in the Hereafter.”

Understand what types of desserts can be eaten. Desserts such as cakes, chocolates, ice cream, and other sweet treats can all be eaten as long as they do not include any type of pork gelatin or alcohol.

Eating

Wash your hands before eating. Before beginning to eat, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. It is Sunnah to keep clean, and washing your hands keeps dirt or germs off your food.

Ask what you're eating, if needed. If you're not sure what the meal is, ask the cook or host about it before you take a bite. If you are aware of what you're eating, you can make sure your meal is halal, and that you won't eat something you dislike. Al-Bukhaari narrated from Khaalid ibn al-Waleed that he and the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) entered upon Maymoonah and found that she had some roasted lizard that her sister Hafeedah bint al-Haarith had brought from Najd. She offered the lizard to the Messenger of Allah (SAW), but he would barely stretch forth his hand to [the] food until he had been told what it was. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) stretched forth his hand, [and] then one of the women who were present said, “Tell the Messenger of Allah (SAW) that what has been offered to him is a lizard.” The Messenger of Allah (SAW) withdrew his hand from the lizard, and Khaalid ibn al-Waleed asked, “Is lizard Haram, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “No, but it is not found in the land of my people and I feel that I would have no liking for it."

Mention the name of Allah before you begin eating. It is Wajib (mandatory) to mention Allah's name before you put anything in your mouth. Say Bismillah (بسم الله‎‎), meaning "In the name of Allah", before eating. You can also recite the Dua or prayer before meals. The most common Dua said before eating is "Allahomma barik lana fima razaqtana waqina athaban-nar. Bismillah", meaning "Oh Allah! Bless the food You have provided us and save us from the punishment of the hell fire. In the name of Allah." However, prayer and Dua is only Sunnah, not obligatory. It was narrated from Umm Kalthoom from ‘Aa’ishah that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) 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, then let him say ‘Bismillahi awwalahu wa aakhirahu (In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end).’”

Always eat with your right hand. In Islam, most daily tasks are done with the right hand. Shaytan (Satan) eats with his left hand, so all Muslims are required to eat food with their right hand to differ from him, and to honor the right hand over the left. In al-Saheehayn it is narrated that ‘Umar ibn Salamah said that The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “O young boy, say the name of Allah and eat with your right hand, and eat from what is nearest to you.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5376) and Muslim (2022). In Sunan Abi Dawood (33), it is narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: The right hand of the Messenger of Allah (SAW) was for his purification and food, and his left hand was for using the toilet and anything that was dirty. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood. If you physically cannot use your right hand, like if you are injured, it is acceptable to use your left hand. Being left-handed is not considered an acceptable reason for eating with the left hand.

Eat what's directly in front of you. Avoid reaching over to get food from other people's plates or other parts of the table. It is Sunnah and better manners to eat what is directly in front of you. The Prophet (SAW) said to Umar ibn Abi Salamah, “O young boy, say Bismillaah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is directly in front of you.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3576; Muslim, 2022)

Eat with three fingers. When eating finger food or using a utensil, it is Sunnah to eat using only three fingers. Eating with more than three is considered a sign of greed. Ka'b bin Maalik narrated that he saw the prophet Muhammad (SAW) licking his three fingers (after having finished the food). (Sahih Muslim Hadith 5039)

Sit down properly when you're eating. Reclining or laying down while eating is discouraged in Islam, and can lead to heartburn or choking. It was narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: “I do not eat whilst I am reclining.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5399) It is okay to eat lying down if you can't get up; for example, if you are sick and need to rest.

Pick up food if you accidentally drop it. If you mistakenly drop food on the ground while eating, pick it up immediately and blow on it to remove any dirt. Anas ibn Malik narrated that that the Prophet (SAW) said, "If any one of you drops a piece of food, let him remove any dirt from it and eat it, and not leave it for the Shaytaan." (Narrated by Muslim, 2034). If you drop food and don't notice until you're done eating, do not eat it. It may have gathered dirt and bacteria, and should be thrown away.

Try to always eat with a group. It is Sunnah to eat with a group, such as with your family. Eating together allows you to bond and brings you together. It's also a blessing to eat together and brings barakah (closeness of Allah) to the family. Wahshi bin Harb reported: Some of the companions of the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “We eat but are not satisfied.” He (SAW) said, “”Perhaps you eat separately.” The Companions replied in the affirmative. He then said: “Eat together and mention the Name of Allah over your food. It will be blessed for you.” [Abu Dawud].

If it's time to pray by the time you set the table to eat, eat first. If, by the time you set the table and everyone is ready to eat, the Athan (call of prayer) goes off, eat first. If your stomach is growling during Salah and you're thinking only about food, your concentration is not on the prayer. The scholars of Islam have stated that, "Beginning by eating food (when Salah is present), is allowed at a time when a person is extremely hungry and he wishes to eat, but there is sufficient time for Salah. If this is not the case, then he must begin with Salah since this was the practice of the Prophet (SAW)". (Umdatul Qari –Commentary of Sahih Al Bukhari).

Praise Allah after eating. After you finish eating, it is encouraged to praise Allah by saying Alhamdulillah (الحمد لله), which means 'Praise be to Allah'. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "Allah will be pleased with His slave who praises Him (i.e., says Alhamdulillah) when he eats and praises Him and when he drinks." You can also say the Dua when you're finished with your meal. The most common Dua to say after you're done is Alhamdulillah il-lathi at'amana wasaqona waja'alana Muslimeen. (Praise be to Allah Who has fed us and given us drink, and made us Muslims).

Wash your hands when you're done and clean up. After you're done eating, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Clear the table and help clean up, if necessary. This is proper Islamic manners, especially if you're eating at someone else's house.

Etiquette While Eating

Avoid criticizing food or stating that you hate it. While it's okay not to like every food, it's discouraged to criticize food on the table. If you don't like the food you are given, kindly refuse it. You don't need to outright say you hate it. This is the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (SAW) never criticized any food. If he liked it he would eat it, and if he did not like it he would leave it. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3370; Muslim, 2046)

Eat in moderation. Avoid eating until you're full, as this is not proper etiquette in Islam and is also unhealthy. Eat until you are no longer hungry, which is enough to help you last till your next meal. Al-Hassan Al-Basri said: "O, son of Adam, eat with one third of your stomach and drink with one third and leave one third of your stomach to breathe so that you may think [and work better]."

Avoid eating from plates or cups made from gold or silver. Hudhayfah B. al-Yamân relates that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “Do not drink from gold and silver vessels and do not eat from gold and silver dishes, because indeed they are for them in this world and for you in the Hereafter.” Eat from plates and cups made of ceramic, plastic, glass, or paper, instead.

Eat calmly and don't rush. Avoid eating too quickly or stuffing too much food in your mouth. Take your time to chew and swallow as you enjoy your meal. Not only is eating too fast a choking hazard, it's not proper etiquette.

Use proper table manners, especially around others. Follow basic table manners when eating, such as not chewing with your mouth open, not chewing too loudly, and not talking when you're eating. If you're eating with a group, be sure to let everyone have a turn to speak. Simple words such as "Please", "Thank you" and "Excuse me" go a long way. Children should be taught good table manners at an early age. When eating with a group, avoid having a heated discussion or argument. The dinner table should be calm and pleasant; it doesn't need to be a war zone.

Avoid eating your food if it's piping hot. If your food is too hot to eat, wait patiently until it is cool. It is not permissible to blow on it to cool it off because Ibn Abbaas said: "The Prophet (SAW) forbade blowing onto food and drink.” [Ahmad] Let the food cool off until it's at a comfortable temperature to eat.

Refrain from wasting food. Food should not be wasted in Islam and it is not permissible to throw it out. In Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (22/341) it was said: "Leftover food must be saved for the next time or it should be given to the needy; if there are no needy people, then it should be given to animals, even after it has dried out, for the one who is able to do that." Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan said: "It is not permissible to throw any food into dirty places or impure places such as washrooms, because that is a waste [and] mistreatment of the blessing and a lack of gratitude to Allah."

Consider sharing and serving the meal to others. It's Sunnah to share and serve your food with your family, friends, guests, and to others who are hungry. This small action of sharing brings a lot of blessing and Hasanat (rewards).