10 things to keep in mind while eating

Everyone is aware of the importance of food in maintaining our health. But not many people are aware of the precautions to be followed. Below are ten guidelines from the Qur’an and authentic hadith books such as Bukhari, Muslim, Turmudi, and Ibn Majah regarding Islam, which provides precise guidance in all matters.

1. The Prophet instructed his companions to wash their hands before and after eating. Eating without washing hands can lead to viral diseases. Health professionals advise to maintain maximum hygiene to prevent harmful bacteria from entering the stomach.
2. The Prophet advised to eat food while chanting the name of Allah and praise Allah when it is finished. Starting every good deed by reciting ‘Bismee’ is a great virtue in Islam. Along with this Prophet’s love, Allah’s command to bless him is also implemented.
3. Islam strictly prohibits immorality and extravagance. The Qur’an says: Eat and drink of the food that Allah has provided. And do not do mischief in the earth as destroyers (2:60). The buffet system, which started with the good intention that we can eat according to our taste, should not become a synonym of distance.
4. Don’t criticize food. Islam teaches that it is a very good behavior not to criticize the food that has been given to us by the immense blessings of Allah. He never criticized any of the food that was given to the Prophet (PBUH). If he likes it, he will eat it. If you don’t like it, leave it. That was the approach of the Prophet.
5. Eating a balanced diet is important. The Prophet (PBUH) used to eat only a little with three fingers. The Prophet said: ‘The son of Adam needs only a little roll to be poisoned. But if one desires more, let him reserve one-third of his stomach for food, one-third for drink, and one-third for air’.
6. Eating with neighbors, family members, friends, the needy, the afflicted etc. will strengthen the bond of brotherhood. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Eat together, not by separating.” May Allah’s blessing be with the group. Eating together increases happiness.
7. The Prophet reminded that eating slowly is good for health. Eating slowly helps to chew well. Good for jaw exercise, mixing of saliva with food and digestion. The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘I do not eat while reclining’.
8. The Prophet said: He who drinks from it is not of us. Medicine today fears that drinking from can cause kidney disease. If you pour more into a sieve than it can hold, won’t the sieve’s sieving capacity work efficiently? The same will happen with the kidneys.
9. Eat with right hand. A hadith from Ibn Umar says: None of you should eat or drink with his left hand. Because the devil eats and drinks with his left. When he used to drink water, he used to drink it three times a day.
10. The Qur’an exhorts moderation in all things, including food. The financial security that should be achieved in life is often derailed by poverty and extravagance. The Qur’an says: Do not waste. Indeed, the prodigals are the brothers of the devils. Satan is ungrateful to his Lord (17:26,27).