It is recommended that he partake of the food, even if he is fasting—provided it is not an obligatory1 fast—and that he intend by his eating and drinking to gain strength for obedience.

It is unlawful to eat without explicit permission or a clear indication2, even in the house of a relative or close friend; an invitation to the walimah and the very presentation of food both count as permission to eat.

Whatever food is on hand should be served without affectation.

There is no prescribed basis for kissing bread. It is disliked3 to treat it with disrespect, to wipe one’s hands on it, or to place it beneath the serving bowl.

Section
It is recommended to wash one’s hands before and after the meal. It is a sunnah to say Bismillah aloud over one’s food and drink; to sit resting on the left leg with the right leg upright, or to sit cross-legged; to eat with the right hand, using three4 fingers, taking from the portion nearest to oneself; to take small bites and chew them well5; to wipe the dish clean; to eat what has fallen; to lower one’s gaze from one’s companion; to give preference to the needy; to share the meal with one’s wife, servant, and children—even a small child; to lick one’s fingers; to use a toothpick; and to discard whatever the toothpick removes. Swallowing what has been extracted is disliked, but if it is dislodged by the tongue there is no objection.