Is it recommended to mention the name of God before eating and praise Him afterward?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hunting and Slaughter
Primary text
It is recommended to pronounce "Bismillah" (In the name of God) before eating and to praise God (Hamdalah) upon finishing. This is evidenced by the narration of 'Umar ibn Abi Salamah, who stated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, commanded him, saying: "Say Bismillah, eat with your right hand, and eat what is nearest to you." This tradition is narrated by Ibn Majah and Abu Dawud with similar wording. Furthermore, the Prophet, peace be upon him, stated that for the thankful eater, there is a reward equivalent to that of the patient faster, as narrated by Abu Hurairah, which Imam Ahmad interpreted as praising and thanking God for the sustenance provided. If one forgets to say Bismillah at the beginning, they should say: "Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu" (In the name of God, its beginning and its end), based on the narration from 'Aishah.
Supporting text
The Prophet, peace be upon him, also taught specific supplications for finishing food, such as saying: "Praise be to God who fed us, gave us drink, and made us Muslims," narrated by Abu Sa'id, or the supplication: "Praise be to God, a much praised, blessed praise, that is not exhausted, nor bid farewell to," as narrated from Abu Umamah.