HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO MENTIONING THE NAME OF ALLAH BEFORE EATING

"Mentioning the name of Allah before eating."

It is obligatory to mention the name of Allaah before eating. What is meant by that is saying “Bismillaah (in the name of Allaah)” when starting to eat.

It was narrated from Umm Kalthoom from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allaah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam said:
“When any one of you eats, let him mention the name of Allaah. If he forgets to mention the name of Allaah at the beginning, then let him say ‘Bismillaahi awwalahu wa aakhirahu (In the name of Allaah at the beginning and at the end).’”

(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1858;
Abu Dawood, 3767;
Ibn Maajah, 3264.
Classed as sahih by al-Albaani in Sahih Sunan Abi Dawood, 3202).

And ‘Umar ibn Abi Salamah said: I was a young boy in the care of the Messenger of Allaah MuhammedSallallaho alaihi wasallam, and my hand used to wander all over the platter (of food).
The Messenger of Allaah Muhammed Sallallaho alaihi wasallam, said to me,
“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).

From this hadith, we deduce three etiquettes:

1.Say bismillah before you start eating
2.Eat with your right hand
3.Eat what’s closest to you–don’t grab that tasty tidbit from the opposite side of the plate!

•Notes:
The Prophet (pbuh) informs us that shaitaan shares food and drink with those people who DO NOT mention the name of Allah.

- The pronouncement of Allah’s name beings blessing to the meal, and the omission of His Name robs the blessing away.

May Allah allow us all to understand and comprehend the greatness and completeness of our perfect and eternal deen, ameen!