(38) Chapter: Urging one's kith and kin to Obey Allah and refrain from evils

'Umar bin Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
I was a boy under the care of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and my hand would wander about in the dish. Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me "Mention Allah's Name (i.e., say Bismillah before you start eating), eat with your right hand and eat from what is near to you". I always followed this way of eating after this incident.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith brings the following points into focus:

1. Teaching good manners and morals to the children.

2. One must start his meals with Bismillah (Begin with the Name of Allah) and take his share of food from the side of vessel in front of him, if all are eating from one vessel. If there are many varieties of fruit on the table then one can choose freely.

3. If a child makes any mistake, he should be corrected right away because that proves more effective and is engraved in his mind and heart.