Hungry for connection? This is what we lose when we stop eating together | Shadi Khan Saif

Mealtimes offer a pause in the day for parents and children to sit together, listen to one another and trade stories Making sense of it is a column about spirituality and how it can be used to navigate everyday life When I was growing up in a Muslim household, food was rarely just food.

As the youngest child, my job was to bring out a large water jug with a matching basin pot and soap to help the family wash their hands. Mum would distribute freshly baked breads to everyone to have with the soup or curry. Dad would have me sit next to him as he presided over the gathering – asking questions, giving directions all the while passing food and utensils around. My older brother would take turns helping everyone wash their hands.…