Halal Earnings and the Etiquette of Starting a Meal
A person’s physical and spiritual health is directly linked to the purity of the food that enters their stomach. Imam Ghazali, when describing the etiquette of eating, states that the first and most important rule is earning through halal means. The food a person eats should not only be inherently halal, but the manner in which they earn it must also be virtuous, completely free from doubt, and utterly pure. There are manners to observe even when eating alone; washing one’s hands before and after eating, beginning with ‘Bismillah’ (In the name of God), and rising from the table without being fully satiated are among these manners. Eating to excess leads to heedlessness in the heart and diminishes the desire for worship.
Humility and the Limits of Generosity at the Table
A person’s gaze and posture during a meal should also be in accordance with etiquette. Looking greedily at where the food is prepared is a sign of gluttony and the soul’s avarice. When eating with family members or guests, everyone’s rights must be respected and stinginess avoided; however, one must also strongly avoid extravagance. It does not conform to Islamic morality for a person to eat beautiful and delicious meals alone at home without sharing them with their family or the poor; it is commanded that leftover food or potentially spoiling provisions be given as charity to the needy.
After the Meal and Respect for Blessings
Gathering crumbs spilled when the table is cleared is a demonstration of both respect for blessings and humility. Our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has given glad tidings that whoever eats crumbs fallen from the table will find abundance in their provision. It is sunnah (recommended practice) to lick one’s fingers after eating, wipe them with a cloth, and wash one’s hands. A servant should reflect on every morsel they eat as a blessing from God, intending to use this nourishment not in the rebellion of the soul, but as energy and strength in obedience to God.