The Sunnah of the Right at Mealtimes

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) loved to begin with the right in all good matters. Sayyidah ‘Aishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) reports:

We understand this when entering the Masjid, eating with the right hand, wearing our clothing and beginning wudu with the right limbs etc. Yet its application at mealtimes, especially when serving food, is often overlooked. This is a Sunnah that needs revival at our tables.

Honouring the Elders and Serving from the Right

Honouring the seniors by serving them first is also a Sunnah.
Therefore, ideally, the one serving should first hand the food to the most senior at the table, whether in age, knowledge or piety.
From him, the serving should continue to the right, so that each person is served in turn. In this way both Sunnahs are fulfilled: the elder is honoured, and the right is not bypassed.

Sayyiduna Sahl ibn Sa’d (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that a drink was served to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and he drank from it. A young boy was seated on his right and elders on his left. He asked the boy: “Do you permit me to give it to the elders?” The boy replied that he would not prefer anyone over himself regarding his share from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam). So he placed it firmly in the boy’s hand.

(Sahih Bukhariy, Hadith: 2351)

In this incident, the drink was first given to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) himself, the most senior of all. Thereafter, the Sunnah is to pass it to one on the right. The right may be given up only by the person’s own permission.

The Right Takes Precedence, Even Over Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu)

Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was given milk mixed with water. A bedouin was on his right and Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) on his left. [Fearing that Nabiy (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would hand the drink to the bedouin next,]  Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) suggested Sayyiduna Abu Bakr’s (radiyallahu ‘anhu) name. After drinking, Nabiy (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) handed the bowl to the bedouin and said:

Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) is the greatest human being in this Ummah. Yet the one on the right was served first, despite Sayyiduna ‘Umar’s (radiyallahu ‘anhu) suggestion.

A Common Mistake Today

At jalsahs, weddings and family gatherings, the person on the left is often served first, because he is a friend, a relative or the person we are engaged in conversation with. The one on the right is overlooked.

If Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) did not bypass the boy or the bedouin to serve Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu), who at our table is greater than him?

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the tawfiq to practise this Sunnah which will increase the barakah in the food and gathering. Amin.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.