Chapter: What one should say and do when he eats yet does not feel satisfied

743 – Wahshi ibn Harb (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Companions of Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said, “Messenger of Allah, we eat but we are not satiated.” He replied, “Perhaps you dine separately.” They said, “Yes, we do.” He said, “Then gather together around your food and pronounce the name of Allah; He will put blessing in it for you.” Related by Abu Dawud.

[Explanation]

These are two chapters that al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) includes in “The Book of Table Manners.” The first of them deals with the prohibition of pairing two dates—or any food normally eaten one by one—when one is in company, unless he first seeks his companions’ permission. Something customarily eaten singly, such as dates: if you are with a group, do not take two dates at once, for that would disadvantage your brothers who are sharing the food with you. Do not eat more than they do unless you ask permission and say, “Would you allow me to take two dates at the same time?” If they consent, there is no harm. The same rule applies to anything people ordinarily consume piece by piece, such as certain small fruits picked up one at a time; therefore a person should not