Saying Bismillah before Eating

One should say ‘bismillah’ before commencing the meal. Similarly, one should eat with his right hand and eat from the side of the plate which is before him.

عن عمر بن أبي سلمة، قال: كنت غلاما في حجر رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، وكانت يدي تطيش في الصحفة، فقال لي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: يا غلام، سم الله، وكل بيمينك، وكل مما يليك. فما زالت تلك طعمتي بعد  (البخاري رقم 5376)

Hazrat Umar bin Abi Salamah (Radhiyallahu Anhu) relates: “I grew up in the care of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). On one occasion, while eating with Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), my hand began moving around the plate. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) (lovingly) addressed me saying: “O young boy, take the name of Allah Ta’ala (upon the commencement of the meal), and eat with your right hand and eat from the side that is before you.” Hazrat Umar bin Abi Salamah (Radhiyallahu Anhu) further says: “This remained my habit of eating thereafter.”