Islam is a religion that not only teaches us how to offer prayers and other religious activities, it also teaches us how to live in a society, how to deal with people and even the etiquettes of food intake by Sunnah acts of eating and drinking.

We have already shared in an article 13 Sunnahs of eating the food according to Islam. Here are some Sunnah acts of eating and drinking that Islam has taught us:

1-Cover the Glass of Water – A Sunnah of eating and drinking in Islam

The Messenger of Allah has taught his companions to cover up the drinks and vessels in which water or drinks were stored. This way not only the drink remains free from germs but also animals and insects cannot fall into the drink and contaminate it.

For instance, if a vessel full of water is left uncovered, a dog might drink water from it and leave it as if nothing has happened! (Sahih Muslim, book 36, hadith 116)

2-Start with the name of Allah – A Sunnah of eating and drinking in Islam

Always remember to say the name of Allah before eating the food. In a hadith, it is mentioned that if a person does not mention the name of Allah before eating his food, Satan finds a place for his meal. (Sahih Muslim, Book 36, Hadith 136)

3-Eat with the right hand – A Sunnah of eating and drinking in Islam

A Muslim shall always eat his food with his right hand. A Muslim shall always drink with his right hand. According to a Hadith, it is Satan who eats and drinks with his left hand.   (Sahih Muslim, Book 36, Hadith 139)

4-We should eat what is placed near to us – A Sunnah of eating 

This is a great dining etiquette. If we lean forward to grab something that is not near to us that does not look good. We shall remain contented with what is placed near to us or wait until the far away dish reaches to us.  (Sahih Muslim, Book 36, Hadith 144)

5-Drinking Water in a Sunnah way

The Prophet PBUH advised Muslims to drink the water while in a sitting posture. Here comes a question Is it forbidden in Islam to drink water while standing?

Drinking water Sunnah is to drink water in three gulps. This way we would not get choke while drinking water especially when we are thirsty. It is reported that drinking water in three gulps is healthier and it tends to satisfy thirst.

It does not look good to drink the glass of water in a single breathe. According to Sunnah, we shall take three breathes while drinking water. (Sahih Muslim, Book 36, Hadith 160)

6-Drinking ZamZam Water

According to traditions, the Prophet PBUH used to drink the water of Zamzam while standing. As a Sunnah act, we should drink the water of Zamzam while standing. We have already shared the Sunnah of Drinking ZamZam Water in detail in our blog.  

7-Pass the dish to the one sitting on the right

Often when we are at a gathering and we have to revolve around the dish or so, we get confused. The Prophet of Allah has even taught this etiquette as well. Accordingly, we shall pass it on to one who is on our right and he shall pass it on to one who is on their right. (sahih Muslim, Book 36, Hadith 163)