اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيهِ وَأَطْعِمْنَا خَيْرًا مِنْهُ
O Allah, bless us in it and feed us better than it.
Allahumma barik lana feehi wa at'imna khayran minhu
When to Read
This beautiful supplication is recited before starting any meal. It's especially poignant when you're feeling particularly hungry or weak, as it directly asks Allah for blessings and sustenance. Think of it as a moment to pause, acknowledge our dependence on Him, and invite His grace into our food.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity before you begin eating. It's a simple yet profound act of connecting with Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to be mindful of His blessings, and this dua is a perfect way to start any meal, big or small. Try to say it with the intention that this food will give you strength and that Allah will grant you even better sustenance in the future.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates gratitude and a request for increase. By asking for blessings (barakah) in the food we have, we acknowledge it as a gift from Allah. Asking to be fed 'better than it' shows our trust in Allah's infinite provision and our desire for even greater blessings, whether in this life or the hereafter. It reminds us that even the simplest meal is an opportunity to seek Allah's favor and can be a source of strength and well-being when blessed by Him.
Source & Authentication
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Ja'far: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'A supplication made between the two recitations (i.e., Adhan and Iqamah) is not rejected.' So, 'Abdullah bin Ja'far said: 'O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and what they encompass, Lord of the seven earths and what they carry, Lord of the throne, magnificent beyond measure, Lord of the day of judgment, we ask You in these prayers of ours and in the standing we are in, for comfort in the heart and for the truthfulness of the fear of Allah, and for acting upon the word of Allah, and for gratitude for His favors, and for good worship of Him. We ask You, O Allah, for a sound heart and truthful tongues, and we ask You for the good that You know, and we seek refuge in You from the evil that You know, and we ask for Your forgiveness for all that You know. You are the All-Knowing of the unseen.' (He then mentioned a similar wording for supplicating for the deceased). Another narration: Sufyan said: 'I think he said: 'Lord of the Throne'. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'When any one of you eats food, he should say: 'Allahumma barik lana feehi wa at'imna khayran minhu' (O Allah, bless us in it and feed us better than it). And if he is fasting, and the food is brought to him, he should prolong his neck (i.e. eagerly wait) for it (for a short while). And if he drinks, he should prolong his neck (i.e. eagerly wait) for it.' (He mentioned the tradition regarding the prayer.)