The Sunnah teaches Muslims to mention Allah’s name before eating and to praise Him after completing a meal to invite Barakah (blessing) into the food.
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
Bismillah.
In the name of Allah.
Hadith — Sahih al-Bukhari — Book of Food
Authenticity: Authentic hadith tradition
Meaning and Explanation
Saying Bismillah before eating acknowledges that all sustenance is a gift from Allah and seeks His blessing.
When to Recite
Immediately before taking the first bite of a meal or drink.
How to Recite
Say it clearly or to yourself. If forgotten, say 'Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu' as soon as you remember.
Important Notes
It is Sunnah to eat with the right hand and to eat from what is directly in front of you.
Benefits
It prevents Shaytan from sharing the meal, brings Barakah, and turns the act of eating into an act of worship.
Additional Duas
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنِي هَذَا وَرَزَقَنِيهِ مِنْ غَيْرِ حَوْلٍ مِنِّي وَلَا قُوَّةٍ
Alhamdu lillahil-ladhi at'amani hadha wa razaqanihi min ghayri hawlin minni wa la quwwatin.
Content type: Hadith
Tags:
prophet dua for food
dua before eating
eating dua
food blessing