Halal Earnings & Etiquette Before Beginning a Meal
A person’s physical and spiritual well-being is directly linked to the purity of the sustenance they consume. Imam Ghazali, when describing the etiquette of eating, emphasizes that halal earnings are the first and most important principle. The food one eats should be inherently halal, and the manner in which it is earned must be virtuous, free from doubt, and impeccably clean. There are manners to observe even when dining alone; washing hands before and after eating, beginning with Bismillah (In the name of Allah), and rising from the table without being completely full are among these. Overeating leads to heedlessness of the heart and diminishes the enthusiasm for worship.
Humility at the Table & The Limits of Generosity
A person’s gaze and posture during a meal should also be characterized by good manners. Looking greedily at the food being prepared is a sign of gluttony and the soul’s avarice. When dining with family or guests, everyone’s rights must be respected, and stinginess avoided; however, extravagance must also be strictly shunned. It is not in accordance with Islamic morality for a person to enjoy beautiful and delicious meals alone at home without sharing them with their family or those less fortunate. It is commanded that leftover food or potentially spoiling provisions be given as sadaqah (charity) to the needy.
After the Meal & Respect for Provision
Gathering crumbs spilled from the table when clearing it is a demonstration of both respect for the provision and humility. Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave glad tidings that one who eats fallen crumbs will find abundance in their sustenance. It is sunnah (the way of the Prophet) to lick fingers, wipe with a cloth, and wash hands after eating. One should reflect on every morsel eaten as a blessing from Allah and intend to use this nourishment not for the rebellion of the self, but as energy and strength in obedience to Allah.