يَا غُلَامُ سَمِّ اللَّهَ، وَكُلْ بِيَمِينِكَ، وَكُلْ مِمَّا يَلِيكَ
O young boy, mention Allah's name, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is nearest to you.
Yā ghulāmu, samm Allāh, wa kul bi-yamīnika, wa kul mimmā yalīk.
When to Read
This guidance is for all times when eating or drinking, as it establishes the fundamental Sunnah etiquette for consuming food. It's not a specific dua to be recited at a particular moment, but rather a set of principles to be followed throughout the meal.
How to Read
This guidance isn't a single dua to be recited. Instead, it's a directive for your actions while eating: 1. **Say 'Bismillah' (بِسْمِ اللهِ):** Begin your meal by remembering Allah. Even if you forget at the start, say it as soon as you remember. 2. **Eat with your Right Hand (وكل بيمينك):** The Prophet ﷺ consistently used his right hand for eating and drinking, and he prohibited eating with the left hand. This is a sign of respect for the food and a practice that aligns with our general good deeds. 3. **Eat from what's Near You (وكل مما يليك):** Avoid reaching across the table or plate to grab food from the other side. Take food that is directly in front of you. This shows politeness and consideration for others sharing the meal.
Virtues & Benefits
Following this Sunnah brings blessings to your meal, fosters good manners, and demonstrates obedience to the Prophet ﷺ. It helps in avoiding wastage and promotes a sense of contentment and gratitude for Allah's provision. The Prophet ﷺ also mentioned that Satan eats with his left hand (Sahih Muslim 2019), so by following this Sunnah, we are actively opposing the ways of Shaytan.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Umar bin Abi Salama: I was a boy under the care of Allah's Messenger ﷺ and my hand used to wander all over the platter. So Allah's Messenger ﷺ said to me: 'O young boy, mention Allah's name (i.e., say Bismillah), eat with your right hand and eat from what is near to you.' After that, I followed those instructions all my life. (Sahih al-Bukhari 5376, Sahih Muslim 2020)