In the Footsteps of Muhammad (PBUH) - (5)

His Etiquettes in Eating

     The Messenger of Allah B used to eat whatever was available. The meal attended by a greater number of men was the most beloved to him. Whenever he sat to eat, he used to sit similarly as he sat in prayer. He used to say, "I am a slave. I eat like a slave, and sit like a slave." He did not use to eat hot food. He said on this occasion: "It is less blessed. Allah did not feed us with fire so, let it be cool." He used to eat what was nearer to him with three fingers. He used to eat barley bread that had been made from unsifted barley flour. He used to eat cucumber with fresh dates using both hands. His main meal consisted of water and dried dates. He used to eat dried dates and milk calling them the two wholesome foodstuffs. Meat was the most beloved meal to him. He used to eat Ath-Tharid [a dish of soaked bread, meat, and broth] with pumpkin. He loved pumpkin a great deal.

     Whenever he ate meat, he did not lower his head. He used to lift the meat to his mouth and eat from it. He used to eat buttered bread and he liked eating the foreleg and shoulder of the ewe. He used to prefer pumpkin from all vegetables and pressed dates. He invoked Allah Q to bless pressed dates. He said that it is from Paradise and a medication for poison and magic. He did not use to eat garlic, onion, or leek. He never dispraised any type of food. If he liked it, he used to eat. If he disliked it, he used to abstain without discouraging others to eat. He did not use to eat dabb or lizard [a kind of reptile] and the spleen but he did not prohibit them. He used to lick the plate saying: The leftover food is more blessed." He used to lick his fingers after the meal. He did not dry his fingers with his handkerchief, but he used to lick his fingers saying: "One does not know where is the blessedness of food." He used to drink in three sips reciting Al-Basmalah and At-Tahmid thrice.(1) He used to give the leftovers to the one sitting on his right. If the one on the left was higher in rank, he used to say to the one on his right: "It conforms to Sunnah to give to you. If you permit, I will give to him." He did not use to breathe while drinking. He would serve himself when he was having his meal or drink.

(1)                Al-Basmalah is to recite: "Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim [In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful]", and At-Tahmid is to recite: " Al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-Almin [Praise be to Allah, Lord of all that exists]." [editor]

Reference:

Selected Writings on Purifying the Soul, by Sa'eed Hawwa, page 532-533. (a non Ibadhi Book)