Mustahab things in eating

2789. There are certain Mustahab acts to be observed while taking a meal:

I. Washing both the hands before taking a meal.

II. After taking a meal, one should wash one’s hands, and dry them with a dry cloth.

III. The host should begin eating first, and should also be the last to withdraw his hand.

IV. One should say Bismillah before starting to eat, and if there are several dishes, it is Mustahab to say Bismillah before partaking of each of the dishes.

V. One should eat with one’s right hand.

VI. If several persons are sitting together for their meals, everyone of them should partake of the food placed in front of him.

VII. One should take small bits of food.

VIII. One should prolong the duration of taking a meal, and do not rush.

IX. After taking one’s meal, one should praise and thank Allah.

X. One should use a toothpick after taking a meal, and wash one’s mouth.

XI. One should collect and eat the food, which is scattered. However, if one takes meal in an open place, like a desert etc., it is better to leave the food, which has fallen aside, so that it may be eaten by the animals and the birds.

XII. One should take one’s meal in the earlier part of the day, and in the earlier part of the night and should not eat during the day or during the night.

XIII. After taking one’s meal, one should lie on one’s back, and should place one’s right foot on one’s left food.

XIV. One should take salt before and after the meal.

XV. When eating a fruit and vegetables, one should first wash them before eating.

XVI. Having as many guests as possible at his dinning cloth.

XVII. To sit while eating.