There are twelve things that every Muslim should know about the table [mariners]; four are mandatory, four are recommended, and four are general manners. The mandatory are: knowledge [of the food], to be content with it, mentioning the name of Allah [before it], and offering thanks to Him [afterwards]. The recommended acts are: ablution before eating, sitting on one's left side, eating with three fingers. And the general manners are: eating from the closest spot to you, taking small bites, chewing well, and looking less at people's faces [while eating].'