and loved it. He also ate it boiled. He ate tharīd with clarified butter, cheese, bread with olive oil, and melon with fresh dates. He ate dates with butter and loved it.

He neither refused wholesome food nor went to unnecessary trouble to obtain it. Rather, his practice was to eat whatever was available. If none was available, he remained patient, even tying a stone against his stomach because of hunger. Three successive new moons would appear without a fire being lit in his house, may Allah bless him and grant him peace!

His food (1) was placed on eating mats spread on the ground; these served as his table. He ate with three fingers and licked them when he had finished. This is the most dignified way of eating: the arrogant person eats with one finger, while the greedy, voracious person eats with all five and pushes the food in with his palm.

He did not eat while reclining. Reclining is of three kinds: leaning on one’s side, sitting cross-legged (2), and leaning on one hand while eating with the other. All three are blameworthy.

He mentioned Allah’s name when beginning his meal and praised Him at its end, saying when he had finished:

“All praise is for Allah—abundant, pure and blessed praise. You need no one; we neither forsake You nor can do without You, our Lord (3).” (4).

Sometimes he said: “All praise is for Allah, who feeds others and is not fed. He bestowed His favour upon us and guided us,