from the portion nearest to him when the food is of a single kind; but if the dishes are assorted, there is no harm in letting his hand move about the platter, for it has been set before him so that he may take whatever he prefers. Someone who is sharing a meal with others must not put two dates, two figs, or the like together in one bite. It is disliked to eat from the very top of the tharid (bread soaked in broth); one should eat from its sides and bottom instead.

There is nothing wrong with eating food that is offered unexpectedly so long as one has not lain in wait for it, nor with taking from food that is freely scattered with the owner’s permission—such as what is tossed over children’s heads or distributed at weddings and circumcision feasts. Scholars have differed as to whether such food is disliked, and refraining from it is preferable, yet it is not unlawful so long as its owner gives it gladly.

Whoever notices a speck in his vessel should pour it out rather than blow it away. No one should blow on his food or drink, or breathe into the cup from which he is drinking; if he needs to breathe, he should withdraw the vessel from his lips, breathe, and then return to it. Eating food that is extremely hot is disliked, except for someone who has no means to let it cool.

The proper etiquette of eating is to mention Allah’s name at the beginning and to praise Him upon finishing. When many hands partake of the same dish its blessing increases. One should not rise from the meal until the food has been cleared away. Washing the hands before and after eating is commendable, and the blessing lies therein. Salman al-Fārisi said, “I read in the Torah: ‘The blessing of food is in washing before it.’ I mentioned this to the Prophet ﷺ, and he said—”