التسمية والأكل باليمين

Beginning Meals with Bismillah and the Right Hand

Therapeutic Practice Digestive & StomachHygiene & Prevention

Guidance to say 'Bismillah' before eating, use the right hand, and eat from the food nearest to oneself on a shared plate.

sahih graded

يَا غُلَامُ، سَمِّ اللَّهَ، وَكُلْ بِيَمِينِكَ، وَكُلْ مِمَّا يَلِيكَ

“My boy, say Allah's name, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is nearest to you.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5376; Sahih Muslim 2022 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Commentators note the practical hygiene logic of the 'eat from what is nearest' instruction on a shared dish, alongside its etiquette dimension — reducing repeated reaching across a communal plate.

Caution

None; a straightforward etiquette and hygiene guideline.