well, but each person has habits formed over time. We cannot condemn eating with a spoon, but neither can we say that it is the sunnah on the grounds that it involves eating with three fingers.

His statement, “and remove what is caught between his teeth,” is because leaving such food between the teeth harms both them and the gums, and may cause an unpleasant odour. Removing what is harmful is among the recommended practices.

His statement, “and wipe the dish,” is likewise something established by the sunnah; that is, one should wipe it clean of the remaining food, and also lick one’s fingers. The Prophet ﷺ said: “You do not know in which part of your food the blessing lies.” (1)

His statement, “and eat what falls,” is also sunnah, but only after removing any dirt from it. For instance, if a date or a piece of food falls, pick it up, wipe away any dirt on it, and then eat it. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Do not leave it for Satan.” (2) This indicates that Satan eats food which has fallen when it is not eaten. But if what has fallen cannot be eaten, then it should be left.

His statement, “and lower his gaze before his dining companion,” is likewise among the etiquettes of eating: one should lower his gaze from the person eating with him. Do not sit watching what this person has eaten and what that one has taken, observing him from the moment he picks up something until he puts it into his mouth. This is not good etiquette, and everyone finds such behaviour objectionable.