What is the recommended manner of eating concerning the number of fingers used?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hunting and Slaughter
Primary text
It is recommended to eat using three fingers. Ka'b ibn Malik narrated that the Messenger of God, peace be upon him, used to eat with three fingers and would not wipe his hand until he had licked them, as narrated by Imam Ahmad.
Supporting text
An unauthenticated narration suggests the Prophet, peace be upon him, ate with his entire palm; however, Imam Ahmad did not authenticate it, only confirming the use of three fingers. Imam Ahmad himself once ate a sweet dish (khibis) using his entire palm. Additionally, 'Abdullah ibn Buraydah forbade his daughters from eating with three fingers, instructing them not to imitate men.