Question:

Is reciting Fatihah in front of food with ones hands lifted established in a hadith or narration? How is it to consider Fatihah necessary? What was the method that the Messenger used to adopt for Isaalus Thawaab?

Answer:

It is not established by any hadith or narration. To consider it necessary is a hideous innovation (bidah shaniah). The correct method of Isaaluth Thawaab is this, to do any good deed with a true and sincere intention without any name or fame and then supplicate: O Allah, give so-and-so its reward.  To gather people for this or to come together on special days and then recite in congregation and cook food etc are all acts of innovations. It is necessary to refrain from such.

والله سبحانه اعلم
(Shaikhul Islam Hazrat Mufti) Muhammad Taqi Usmani. (May Allah preserve him)
Fatawa Usmani 1/109