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Islamic dining involves specific guidelines for food selection and behavior at meals. Opt for permissible (Halal) options like grains, dairy, fruits, and seafood. Meat and poultry are acceptable if prepared according to Islamic regulations, excluding pork or swine, which are prohibited.
Procedures
Choosing Meals
Learn about Halal and Haram distinctions. In Islam, 'Halal' denotes permissible items while 'Haram' signifies forbidden ones. Adhere strictly to Halal choices when selecting and consuming foods.
Avoid Pork and Swine Products. Islam prohibits the consumption of pork or any products derived from swine due to their impurity. This includes bacon, pork lard, certain types of gelatin, and other pork-based items.
- According to the Quran, Allah forbids the consumption of the flesh of swine: “He has forbidden you only of the Maytah (dead animals), and blood, and the flesh of swine…” [al-Baqarah 2:173]
- In extreme circumstances, such as starvation with no other food available, consuming pork is permissible without punishment.
Avoid Meat from Companion Animals. Animals like dogs, cats, donkeys, and frogs, which are meant to be companions, should be avoided as food. While it's not strictly forbidden (Haram) to eat them if they're pure, it's recommended to refrain from doing so.
- Avoid consuming meat from predatory animals like tigers, lions, and crocodiles. Opt for herbivores such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
Consume Halal-Slaughtered Meats. Islamic law mandates the use of the phrase 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah) when slaughtering animals. The method, known as dhabiha, involves a swift cut to the throat with a sharp blade. Look for meats labeled as Halal, indicating they've been slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines.
- The animal must be healthy and well-fed.
- Dhabiha should be performed away from other animals to prevent distress.
- Animals that have been mistreated, strangled, or found dead are not permissible for consumption. Dhabiha ensures humane slaughtering.
Know Permissible Meats. With the exception of pork and swine, all meats are permissible if slaughtered correctly and free from impurities. Ensure that meats are thoroughly cleaned of blood and filth before cooking or consuming.
Avoid Alcohol in Cooking. Islam strictly prohibits the use of alcohol in cooking. Substitute alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic alternatives, or omit them entirely from recipes.
- The Quran states, “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]
Ensure Food Hygiene. Before consumption, ensure thorough cleaning of food items, particularly meat to remove any traces of blood. Wash foods with water and scrub fruits and vegetables to eliminate dirt.
Embrace Nutritious Eating Habits. Islam encourages a diverse and healthy diet. Consume nutritious foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, lean meats, and seafood. These foods provide essential nutrients for good health.
- Grains: Include rice, oats, wheat, and cornmeal-based foods like pasta, bread, and oatmeal in your diet for fiber and vitamins.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Opt for colorful varieties to maximize nutrient intake.
- Dairy: Incorporate calcium-rich dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk.
- Meats and Poultry: Choose protein-rich options like turkey, chicken, and beef.
- Seafood: Enjoy fish, shrimp, crab, and lobster for their nutritional benefits, as mentioned in the Quran [5:96].
Know Permissible Beverages. All beverages are permissible except those containing alcohol. Enjoy soda, lemonade, fruit juice, tea, coffee, smoothies, and milk without alcohol content.
- The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) warned against consuming wine, stating that those who do not repent will be deprived of it in the Hereafter.
Explore Dessert Options. Indulge in desserts like cakes, chocolates, and ice cream, ensuring they are free from pork gelatin or alcohol content.
Eating
Prioritize Cleanliness. Before eating, ensure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Maintaining cleanliness is a Sunnah practice, and clean hands prevent contamination of food with dirt or germs.
Clarify Your Meal. If unsure about the dish, inquire about its contents with the cook or host before consumption. Knowing what you eat ensures adherence to halal principles and avoids consuming undesired items.
- In a narration, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) refrained from eating a lizard until he was informed about it, emphasizing the importance of being aware of the food being consumed.
Invoke Allah's Name. It is mandatory to recite 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah) before eating. Optionally, one may recite a Dua or prayer before meals, seeking blessings for the food provided and protection from Hellfire.
- Reciting the name of Allah before meals is emphasized in Islamic teachings, as narrated by Umm Kalthoom from ‘Aa’ishah.
Use Your Right Hand. Following Islamic tradition, eat using the right hand as opposed to the left. This practice distinguishes from Shaytan, who eats with the left hand, and honors the right hand.
- The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) instructed to eat with the right hand and use the left hand for other tasks, as stated in hadiths.
- If unable to use the right hand due to injury, using the left hand is permissible.
Stick to Your Portion. Refrain from reaching over to others' plates or different sections of the table. Eating directly from what's in front of you aligns with Sunnah and demonstrates good manners.
- The Prophet (SAW) advised to eat from what is directly in front of you, emphasizing mindfulness and etiquette during meals.
Adopt a three-finger eating style. When consuming finger foods or using utensils, follow the Sunnah by using only three fingers for eating. Using more than three fingers is considered indicative of greed.
- According to Ka'b bin Maalik's narration, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) licked his three fingers after finishing his meal (Sahih Muslim Hadith 5039).
Sit upright while eating. Avoid reclining or lying down during meals, as it is discouraged in Islam and can lead to heartburn or choking. The Prophet (SAW) stated, “I do not eat whilst I am reclining.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5399)
- If circumstances require, such as illness, eating while lying down is permissible.
Retrieve dropped food promptly. If food falls to the ground accidentally, pick it up immediately and blow on it to remove any dirt. Anas ibn Malik reported 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 food is dropped unnoticed until after the meal, it should not be consumed as it may have become contaminated with dirt and bacteria.
Opt for communal dining whenever possible. Eating with others, especially family, aligns with the Sunnah and fosters bonding. It is considered a blessing and brings barakah (divine blessings) to the household.
- According to Wahshi bin Harb's report, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) advised companions to eat together and invoke the Name of Allah over their food for blessings (Abu Dawud).
Prioritize eating if prayer time coincides with mealtime. If the call to prayer (Adhan) occurs when the table is set and everyone is ready to eat, begin with the meal. Focusing on Salah with a growling stomach may distract from prayer.
- Islamic scholars have stated that beginning with food when Salah is imminent is permissible if there is sufficient time for both. Otherwise, Salah takes precedence, following the practice of the Prophet (SAW) (Umdatul Qari – Commentary of Sahih Al Bukhari).
Express gratitude to Allah after eating. Once you've finished your meal, it's encouraged to express gratitude to Allah by saying Alhamdulillah (الحمد لله), which translates to '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 recite the Dua after completing your meal. A common Dua to say at this time 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).
Clean your hands and tidy up when finished. After completing your meal, ensure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Additionally, tidy up the dining area and offer assistance with cleaning if required. This reflects proper Islamic etiquette, especially when dining at someone else's home.
Manners During Meals
Refrain from criticizing food or expressing dislike. While it's acceptable not to enjoy every dish, it's discouraged to criticize food openly. If you're served food you don't like, politely decline without expressing disdain. This aligns with the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).
- Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (SAW) never criticized any food. If he enjoyed it, he would eat it, and if not, he would leave it. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3370; Muslim, 2046)
Practice moderation in eating. Avoid overeating, as it goes against Islamic etiquette and is detrimental to health. Consume food until you're no longer hungry, allowing you to sustain yourself until your next meal.
- Al-Hassan Al-Basri advised: 'O, son of Adam, eat with one third of your stomach, drink with one third, and leave one third to breathe so that you may think [and work better].'
Avoid using gold or silver plates or cups. According to Hudhayfah B. al-Yamân, Allah’s Messenger (SAW) advised: “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.” Instead, opt for ceramic, plastic, glass, or paper tableware.
Eat slowly and avoid rushing. Refrain from eating too hastily or cramming food into your mouth. Take your time to chew and savor your meal. Eating too quickly not only poses a choking risk but also lacks proper etiquette.
Practice proper table manners, especially in company. Adhere to basic table etiquette, including avoiding chewing with your mouth open, speaking with food in your mouth, and speaking over others. When dining with others, ensure everyone has the opportunity to speak. Simple courtesies like 'Please', 'Thank you', and 'Excuse me' are essential.
- Instill good table manners in children from a young age.
- During group meals, steer clear of contentious discussions. The dining table should be a peaceful environment, not a battleground.
Avoid consuming scalding-hot food. If your meal is too hot, wait patiently for it to cool down. Blowing on it to cool it off is not permitted, as Ibn Abbaas reported: 'The Prophet (SAW) forbade blowing onto food and drink.” [Ahmad] Allow your food to reach a comfortable temperature before eating.
Avoid squandering food. Wastefulness is discouraged in Islam, and throwing out food is impermissible. In Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (22/341), it is stated: 'Leftover food should be saved for later use or given to those in need; if no needy individuals are available, it should be given to animals, even if it has dried out, for those capable of doing so.'
- Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan emphasized: 'Disposing of food in unclean or impure areas, such as restrooms, is not permissible, as it constitutes wastefulness and ingratitude towards Allah's blessings.'
Share and serve meals with others. Following the Sunnah, share your food with family, friends, guests, and those in need. This act of generosity brings abundant blessings and rewards.
Advice
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If compelled to consume something Haram, no sin is incurred. As stated in the Quran, 'He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.' [2:173]
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If offered Haram food, politely decline as it's not permissible in Islam.
