اللَّهُمَّ أَطْعِمْ مَنْ أَطْعَمَنِي وَاسْقِ مَنْ سَقَانِي
O Allah, feed him who fed me and give drink to him who gave me drink.
Allahumma at'im man at'amani wasqi man saqani
When to Read
This dua is specifically recommended to be recited after eating food offered by someone else. It's an expression of gratitude not just to the host, but to Allah, asking Him to reward the person who provided the meal and drink. Imagine sitting at a friend's house, at a mosque for iftar, or even after someone has generously offered you food at work. This is the perfect moment to turn to Allah with this prayer.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity after finishing your meal when someone else has provided it. While there isn't a strict rule about the exact timing (e.g., immediately after the last bite), it's best to say it before you leave the gathering or shortly after the meal, while the act of generosity is still fresh in your mind. Focus on the meaning – you're asking Allah to reciprocate the kindness shown to you, and in doing so, seeking His blessings.
Virtues & Benefits
This beautiful dua encapsulates several profound benefits. Firstly, it's a powerful way to express gratitude for the sustenance Allah has provided through the hands of another Muslim. Secondly, by asking Allah to reward the host, you are indirectly praying for blessings upon yourself. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that the best of deeds is to bring happiness to a fellow Muslim. This dua, in essence, is a prayer for the provider, and by extension, a prayer for forgiveness and blessings upon yourself, as acts of kindness and gratitude are beloved by Allah. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Ummah.
Source & Authentication
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him) and he (Sa'd) ate some food with him. The Prophet (ﷺ) then said: 'Break your fast with the righteous, and let the pious eat your food.' Anas narrated: The Prophet (ﷺ) came to Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him) and he ate some food with him. He (the Prophet ﷺ) said: 'O Sa'd, indeed, the fasting people have eaten your food and the angels have invoked blessings upon you, and the righteous have eaten your food.' Then he (the Prophet ﷺ) said: 'Allah, feed him who fed me and give drink to him who gave me drink.'