the middle of the dish, for the Prophet ﷺ forbade this and said: “Blessing descends upon its upper part.” (1)

His statement, “or from its upper part”: usually, the upper part is the middle. If the dish is level throughout, as with rice platters, then one should not eat from the middle.

His statement, “or doing what he finds objectionable when done by others”: this is very important. The meaning is that if someone else were to do this, you would regard it as filthy; so do not do the same yourself. This is derived from the saying of the Messenger ﷺ: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (2) It is also derived from his saying ﷺ: “Whoever wishes to be kept away from the Fire and admitted into Paradise, let death come to him while he believes in Allah and the Last Day, and let him treat people as he would love to be treated.” (3)

His statement, “praising his food and appraising it,” means that this is disliked, because it reminds the guest of the favour he has done him.

His statement, “and finding fault with food,” means that this is disliked. The Prophet ﷺ would not find fault with food: if he desired it, he ate it; otherwise, he left it. (4) As for criticizing it and saying, “Your food is too salty! Your tea is bitter! Your dates are dry and inferior!”—this is disliked,