12-62 Abul Hussein Muhammad ibn Ali ibn ash-Shah narrated that Abu Hamid Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Hussein quoted Abu Yazid Ahmad ibn al-Khalid al-Khalidy, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Salih al-Tamimy, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Anas ibn Muhammad Abu Malik, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Ja’far ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq (MGB), on the authority of his father (MGB), on the authority of his grandfather (MGB), on the authority of Ali ibn Abi Talib (MGB) that in his will to Ali (MGB), God’s Prophet (MGB) said, “O Ali, a Muslim should learn twelve characteristics regarding sitting at a dining-table four of which are obligatory, four are recommendable, and four are good manners. The four obligatory characters are: knowing what to eat; pronouncing the name of God (by saying ‘Bismillah’), gratitude and contentment. The four recommendable characteristics are sitting on the left leg; eating with three fingers; eating only from what is placed before you; and sucking the fingers. The four characteristics that are good manners are taking small bites of food to eat; chewing the food thoroughly; avoiding looking at other people’s faces; and washing the hands.”