Allah says in the Quran, “He has forbidden you only of the Maytah (dead animals), and blood, and the flesh of swine…” [al-Baqarah 2:173][3] X Research source [4] X Research source If you have no choice but to eat pork (for example, if you are starving and that is the only food available), you will not be punished for it. [5] X Research source

Vicious animals such as tigers, crocodiles, lions, rhinos, etc. should also not be eaten. It’s encouraged to eat animals that are herbivores, such as cattle, sheep, rabbits, goats, etc. [7] X Research source

The animal being slaughtered should be healthy and fed well. Dhabiha should not be done around other animals to avoid frightening them. It is not permissible to eat the animal if it’s been beaten, strangled, savaged, or found dead. Instead, Dhabiha should be performed to make the slaughtering easy and less stressful on the animal.

Allah says in the Quran, “O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansaab, and Al-Azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytaan’s (Satan’s) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order so that you may be successful. ” [al-Maa’idah 5:90][10] X Research source

Grains. Grains are foods made from rice, oats, wheat, cornmeal, and more. Grains include pasta, rice, bread, tortillas, oatmeal, and grits. It is highly encouraged to eat whole grains, as they contain more fiber and vitamins. [13] X Trustworthy Source USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion U. S. agency responsible for promoting good nutrition based on scientific research Go to source Fruits and vegetables. Strive to eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Pick a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to get plenty of different nutrients. [14] X Research source Dairy products. Dairy products are made out of milk and provide plenty of calcium. Some examples of dairy products include cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, cream cheese, butter, and milk itself. [15] X Research source Meats and poultry products. Plenty of meat and poultry products are great for the body and include protein, iron, vitamin B, and magnesium. Meats such as turkey, chicken, sausage, and beef are great choices. [16] X Research source Seafood. Allah says in the Quran, “Lawful to you is from the sea and its food as provision for you and the travelers. . . " [5:96][17] X Research source Seafood such as fish, shrimp, crab, and lobster contain vitamins and minerals. [18] X Research source

It is narrated in al-Bukhaari (5147) and Muslim (3736) from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Umar that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said: “Whoever drinks wine in this world and does not repent from that, he will be deprived of it in the Hereafter. ”[20] X Research source

Al-Bukhaari narrated from Khaalid ibn al-Waleed that he and the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) entered upon Maymoonah and found that she had some roasted lizard that her sister Hafeedah bint al-Haarith had brought from Najd. She offered the lizard to the Messenger of Allah (SAW), but he would barely stretch forth his hand to [the] food until he had been told what it was. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) stretched forth his hand, [and] then one of the women who were present said, “Tell the Messenger of Allah (SAW) that what has been offered to him is a lizard. ” The Messenger of Allah (SAW) withdrew his hand from the lizard, and Khaalid ibn al-Waleed asked, “Is lizard Haram, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “No, but it is not found in the land of my people and I feel that I would have no liking for it. “[24] X Research source

You can also recite the Dua or prayer before meals. The most common Dua said before eating is “Allahomma barik lana fima razaqtana waqina athaban-nar. Bismillah”, meaning “Oh Allah! Bless the food You have provided us and save us from the punishment of the hell fire. In the name of Allah. “[25] X Research source However, prayer and Dua is only Sunnah, not obligatory. It was narrated from Umm Kalthoom from ‘Aa’ishah that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said: “When any one of you eats, let him mention the name of Allah. If he forgets to mention the name of Allah at the beginning, then let him say ‘Bismillahi awwalahu wa aakhirahu (In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end). ’”[26] X Research source

In Sunan Abi Dawood (33), it is narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: The right hand of the Messenger of Allah (SAW) was for his purification and food, and his left hand was for using the toilet and anything that was dirty. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood. [29] X Research source If you physically cannot use your right hand, like if you are injured, it is acceptable to use your left hand. [30] X Research source Being left-handed is not considered an acceptable reason for eating with the left hand.

The Prophet (SAW) said to Umar ibn Abi Salamah, “O young boy, say Bismillaah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is directly in front of you. ” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3576; Muslim, 2022)[32] X Research source

Ka’b bin Maalik narrated that he saw the prophet Muhammad (SAW) licking his three fingers (after having finished the food). (Sahih Muslim Hadith 5039)[34] X Research source

It is okay to eat lying down if you can’t get up; for example, if you are sick and need to rest.

If you drop food and don’t notice until you’re done eating, do not eat it. It may have gathered dirt and bacteria, and should be thrown away.

Wahshi bin Harb reported: Some of the companions of the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “We eat but are not satisfied. ” He (SAW) said, “”Perhaps you eat separately. ” The Companions replied in the affirmative. He then said: “Eat together and mention the Name of Allah over your food. It will be blessed for you. ” [Abu Dawud]. [39] X Research source

The scholars of Islam have stated that, “Beginning by eating food (when Salah is present), is allowed at a time when a person is extremely hungry and he wishes to eat, but there is sufficient time for Salah. If this is not the case, then he must begin with Salah since this was the practice of the Prophet (SAW)”. (Umdatul Qari –Commentary of Sahih Al Bukhari). [41] X Research source

You can also say the Dua when you’re finished with your meal. The most common Dua to say after you’re done is Alhamdulillah il-lathi at’amana wasaqona waja’alana Muslimeen. (Praise be to Allah Who has fed us and given us drink, and made us Muslims). [43] X Research source

Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (SAW) never criticized any food. If he liked it he would eat it, and if he did not like it he would leave it. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3370; Muslim, 2046)[45] X Research source

Al-Hassan Al-Basri said: “O, son of Adam, eat with one third of your stomach and drink with one third and leave one third of your stomach to breathe so that you may think [and work better]. “[47] X Research source

Children should be taught good table manners at an early age. When eating with a group, avoid having a heated discussion or argument. The dinner table should be calm and pleasant; it doesn’t need to be a war zone.

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan said: “It is not permissible to throw any food into dirty places or impure places such as washrooms, because that is a waste [and] mistreatment of the blessing and a lack of gratitude to Allah. “[49] X Research source