The Twelve Characteristics for Dining at a Table

12-61 Muhammad ibn Ali Majiluyih - may God be pleased with him - narrated that his uncle Muhammad ibn Abil Qasim quoted Muhammad ibn Ali al-Kufi, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Sin’an, on the authority of Ibrahim al-Karkhi, on the authority of Aba Abdullah as-Sadiq عليه السلام, on the authority of his father عليه السلام, on the authority of his forefathers عليه السلام that al-Hasan b. Ali عليه السلام said: "There are twelve characteristics regarding sitting at a dining-table which each Muslim should learn. Four of them are obligatory, four are recommendable, and four are good manners. The four obligatory characters are knowing what to eat; pronouncing the name of God (by saying ‘Bismillah’); gratitude; and contentment. The four recommendable characteristics washing before you eat; sitting on the left leg ; eating with three fingers; and sucking the fingers. The four characteristics that are good manners are eating only from what is placed before you; taking small bites of food to eat; chewing the food thoroughly; and avoiding looking at other people’s faces.”