Eating with Adab: Etiquette of Food in Islam
Eating with Adab: Food, a gift from Allah (SWT), sustains our bodies and fuels our journey towards fulfilling our purpose in life. In Islam, the emphasis goes beyond simply what we eat (halal) but also extends to how we approach the act of eating itself. Eating with Adab Following proper etiquette, known as adab, is a way to express gratitude for Allah’s blessings and cultivate a mindful and respectful relationship with food. Before the Meal: Setting the Stage for Gratitude Seeking Sustenance from the Lawful: The Quran explicitly states the importance of consuming only halal food – that which is permissible according to Islamic guidelines ( Quran 2:168 ). This ensures the ethical sourcing of food and its purity, allowing Muslims to partake with a clear conscience. Washing Hands: Purification for Blessings: Cleanliness is a core principle in Islam, and washing hands before a meal is a cherished practice established by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ( Sa...