What is the recommended manner for eating with the fingers?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of the Wedding Feast

Book 37 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is recommended to eat using three fingers. It is established that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, ate with three fingers and did not wipe his hand until he had licked it. Evidence for this is the narration of Ka'b ibn Malik, who stated that the Messenger of Allah used to eat with three fingers and would not wipe his hand until he licked it, as narrated by Al-Khall.

Supporting text

Abu Abdullah, when questioned about eating with all fingers, restricted the practice to three fingers, rejecting the narration that the Prophet ate with his entire palm, as he did not authenticate that report.