question #1 Sahih Muslim 374d, Book 3, Hadith 151 : What is the significance of performing ablution before eating in Islamic practice?

The Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) came out of the privy after relieving himself, and food was brought to him and he took it, and did not touch water. In another narration transmitted by Sa’id b. al-Huwairith it is like this: It was said to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) You have not performed ablution. He said: I do not intend to say prayer that I should perform ablution.