Understanding and practicing the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ can be a beautiful way to nurture love for Islam in the hearts of children. This guide highlights the Sunnahs related to eating, drinking, and sleeping—habits children can easily learn and apply daily.
🌟 Sunnahs of the Prophet ﷺ While Eating
The Prophet ﷺ taught us beautiful manners in eating that are easy for children to follow. Here are the main Sunnahs:
1. Saying Bismillah Before Eating
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“If one of you eats, let him mention the name of Allah. If he forgets to mention the name of Allah at the beginning, let him say: ‘In the name of Allah at its beginning and at its end.'”
(بِسْمِ اللهِ أَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ)
— [Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1858]
2. Eating with the Right Hand
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“None of you should eat with his left hand or drink with it, for Satan eats and drinks with his left hand.”
— [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2020]
3. Not Criticizing Food
The Prophet ﷺ never complained about food. He either ate it or left it.
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ never criticized any food. If he liked it, he ate it; if he disliked it, he left it.”
— [Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith 6437]
4. Eating from the Edges of the Plate
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Blessings descend in the middle of the food, so eat from the edges and do not eat from the middle.”
— [Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1805]
5. Using Three Fingers & Cleaning the Plate
Anas ibn Malik (RA) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to lick his three fingers after eating, and he said: ‘If any of you drops a morsel, let him pick it up, clean it, and eat it. Do not leave it for Shaytan. And clean the plate, for you don’t know in which part of the food the blessing lies.’”
— [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2034]
6. Praising Allah After Finishing
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah is pleased with His servant who, when he eats, praises Him, and when he drinks, praises Him.”
— [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2734]
🥤 Sunnahs of the Prophet ﷺ While Drinking
These simple acts of the Prophet ﷺ teach manners and health benefits too.
1. Drinking While Sitting
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“None of you should drink while standing. If anyone forgets, let him vomit.”
— [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2026]
2. Drinking in Three Sips
Anas (RA) said:
“The Prophet ﷺ used to drink in three breaths and said, ‘It is more satisfying, healthier, and more pleasant.'”
— [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2028]
🛏 Sunnahs of the Prophet ﷺ Before Sleeping
Teaching children these bedtime Sunnahs builds love for the Prophet ﷺ and helps them sleep peacefully.
1. Sleeping Early, Avoiding Late Nights
The Prophet ﷺ disliked sleeping before `Isha and chatting afterward.
— [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 568]
2. Sleeping with Wudu
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When you go to bed, perform wudu like the wudu for prayer.”
— [Sahih Abu Dawood, Hadith 5046]
3. Dusting the Bed Before Sleeping
He ﷺ said:
“When one of you goes to his bed, let him dust it with the inside of his lower garment, for he does not know what came onto it after he left.”
— [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6320]
4. Sleeping on the Right Side and Saying the Du’a
He ﷺ said:
“When you lie down to sleep, perform wudu as for prayer, lie on your right side, and say:
اللَّهُمَّ أَسْلَمْتُ وَجْهِي إِلَيْكَ…
— [Sahih Abu Dawood, Hadith 5046]
5. Reciting Surahs & Ayat Before Sleep
He ﷺ would:
- Gather his hands
- Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas three times
- Blow into his hands
- Wipe them over his body
He would also recite Ayat al-Kursi.
✨ Final Thoughts
By introducing children to these simple Sunnahs, we’re not only teaching them good manners—we’re helping them build a relationship with the Prophet ﷺ and love for his way. It starts with small actions, and those actions shape hearts and habits.
💡 Want to teach your child more about the Sunnah in a structured, engaging way?
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