740/1 - ‘Umar ibn Abi Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported: I was a young boy under the Prophet’s care, and my hand used to roam about in the dish, so he said to me: “O boy, mention the name of Allah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
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741/2 - Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man ate with his left hand in the Messenger’s presence, so he said to him: “Eat with your right hand.” The man said: “I cannot do that.” Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “May you not be able to do that.” It was only arrogance that prevented the man from doing it, and consequently he could not raise it (his right hand) up to his mouth afterwards. [Narrated by Muslim]
1) It shows the Prophet’s guidance in teaching his Companions on every possible occasion. Likewise, a seeker of knowledge should seize every opportunity to spread the Prophet’s teachings and guidance among people.
2) It is recommended for a Muslim to eat from what is near him, unless there are various types of food.
3) It points out the punishment of the person who abandons the Sunnah deliberately and out of arrogance.