Dua Before Eating – Everything you need to know

This post is also available in: العربية (Arabic)

Dua Before Eating: Food is a fundamental aspect of our existence as human beings. We must consume adequate nutrients to sustain our lives and support our physical and mental growth. Islam is a comprehensive way of life that also incorporates guidelines on the types of foods we should consume, tips for maintaining a healthy diet, and even advice on how we should approach eating, as outlined in the prophetic tradition.

According to Islamic teachings, Allah s.w.t. instructs us to consume only foods that are deemed permissible or Halal. The Quran emphasizes this point, stating:

فَكُلُوا مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ اللَّهُ حَلَالًا طَيِّبًا وَاشْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ

“Then eat of what Allah has provided for you (which is) lawful and good. And be grateful for the favor of Allah, if it is (indeed) Him that you worship.”

(Surah An-Nahl, 16:114)

The term “Halal” has become more widely recognized in modern times due to practicing Muslims’ daily search for Halal food. However, we often overlook the other important aspect of food mentioned in the Quran verse: the quality of food that is beneficial for the consumer. In other words, food should contribute positively to an individual’s physical and mental well-being. While certain foods may be considered Halal, overconsumption without proper consideration can still harm a person’s health.

Dua Before Eating

The Prophet Muhammad SAW Practiced expressing gratitude to Allah (SWT) and acknowledging His blessings when he received food. He also taught us to recite the Name of Allah (SWT) at every enjoyable task or action, including eating. Therefore, it is recommended that we recite the following before we begin eating:

بِسْمِ اللهِ‎

In English:

Bismillah

Translation:

In the Name of Allah.

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If, by chance, we forget to recite the Bismillah before eating and have already eaten a portion of our meal, we may recite the following:

بِسمِ اللهِ أَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَه‏ُ

In English:

Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu

Translation:

In the Name of Allah at the beginning and at the end.

This is based on the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW:

” When any of you wants to eat, he should mention the Name of Allah (Bismillah) in the beginning. If he forgets to do it in the beginning, he should say (I begin with the Name of Allah at the beginning and at the end).”

Many of us also recite an invocation narrated by Imam Malik and traced back to the Tabi’in (those who met the companions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW), Urwah Ibn Az-Zubayr:

اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيمَا رَزَقْتَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

In English:

Allahumma barik lana fima razaqtana waqina azaban-nar

Translation:

“O Allah! Bless us in what You have provided us with and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

Imam At-Tirmidhi narrated a hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad SAW Taught Ibn Abbas and Khalid Al-Walid a prayer to recite when eating:

اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيهِ وَأَطْعِمْنَا خَيْرًا مِنْهُ

Translation:

“O Allah! Bless it for us and provide us with that which is even better”