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THE ART OF EATING

BY SABA AMIR GONDAL

Why do we need table manners?

Eating manners are very important since it is repeated many times every day. It must be done

properly whether eating alone, with family, or with friends. To avoid pretenses, you should

train yourself in proper eating manners, whether alone or with your family. It will then

become a natural part of your behavior, and you will be at ease at the table.

To ensure that every food/drink is halal to consume

Most Muslims are unaware of this issue, but as Muslims, we must always be cautious when it

comes to the food that consume ourselves and the food that we serve to others. Make apoint to check the Halal sign or ingredients on food packaging before purchasing it, and to

ensure we are served with halal food.

To say Bismillah (in the name of Allah) before eating or drinking

There are certain table manners that are indispensable. Say 'Bismillah' when starting, to

thank Allah and say 'Alhamdulilah' when finished. Eat what is in front of you. Eat using your

right hand.

Be seated and avoid standing when eating or drinking

The Prophet (pbuh) intensely dislikes his Ummah to eat or drink while standing! So whenever

you reward yourself with an ice cream or some milkshake; grab a chair and enjoy your share!

To eat at the table or on the floor?

To eat on the floor is nearer to what the Prophet used to do. However, there is no problem to

eat at a table. Imam Ghazali said, 'To eat at a table is to make eating easier and there is

nothing against that. Do not start eating ahead of the elders.

Dont be quiet while eating

It is preferred that eating should not be conducted in silence. It is good manners to talk

during meals. Topics should be nice stories suitable for eating.

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What to do at the end of a meal

At the end of a meal, thank Allah who fed us and provided us with drink. It is very appropriate

to make a prayer for your hosts as it is reported by Muslims that Al-Migdad ibn Al-Aswad

reported that the Prophet said, 'May Allah feed those who have fed us, and provide drinks to

those who provided us with it.'

Avoid wastage of food and drinks

Wastage of food and drinks is not only the act of the shaitaan, but it makes us ungrateful, so

lets try our best to avoid that! Do not put in your plate more than can eat. Leftovers could

be thrown out, it shouldn't, and wasted. Put smaller portions twice rather than one large

portion that you will not eat.

The Prophet did not approve of leaving any food in a plate since as he said 'You don'tknow which portion is blessed'.

Food is a blessing of Allah, to misuse it is contrary to Islam. Do not forget the poor and the

needy who do not have the portion you are throwing away .So the next time when you

consume your food, be sure to have an empty plate or mug after eating!

Avoid passing rude comments about food

Do not express your disapproval or dislike of certain foods. Either eat it or pass it over quietly.Abu Huraira reported that 'the Prophet never expressed his dislike of a food. If he liked it he

will eat it. If he disliked it, he will set aside.'

Be modest in eating

Do not be gluttonous devouring food as if you have not eaten for a long time, or as if you

have not seen such excellent food before. Do not sample every dish on the table. People,

even generous hosts disapprove of greedy eaters.

Elbows on the table, back talk, and pleases and thank yous how are you kids doing when it

comes to social graces? These tips will help you to practice proper manners, help you behave

at the dinner table, and act appropriately at the dinner table.

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The Goops

By Gelett Burgess

The Goops they lick their fingers,

And the Goops they lick their knives;

They spill their broth on the tablecloth --

Oh, they lead disgusting lives!

And that is why I'm glad that I

Am not a Goop -- Are you?

The Goops are gluttonous and rude,

They gug and gumble with their food;

They throw their crumbs upon the floor,And at dessert they tease for more.

They will not eat their soup and bread

but like to gobble sweets, instead,

And this is why I oft decline,

When I am asked to stay and dine!"