بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
In the name of Allah.
Bismillah
When to Read
This simple yet profound dua is recited before starting any meal, whether it's a light snack or a full feast. It's a beautiful way to begin eating, acknowledging that all sustenance comes from Allah and asking for His blessing in it.
How to Read
Simply utter 'Bismillah' with sincerity before taking your first bite. It's a practice that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized for all actions, particularly eating. If you forget to say it at the beginning, you can say it when you remember, even in the middle of the meal.
Virtues & Benefits
Saying 'Bismillah' before eating invites Allah's blessing (barakah) into your food. It reminds you that the food you are about to consume is a gift from your Creator, fostering gratitude. Furthermore, the Prophet ﷺ taught that when a person says 'Bismillah' and eats with the left hand, Shaytan (Satan) eats with them. However, if they say 'Bismillah' and eat with their right hand, Shaytan refrains from eating with them. This practice helps protect you from the whispers of Shaytan and the harms that might be associated with impure or unblessed food.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "As for the Satan, he comes to a man and says, 'Eat and drink.' So he eats and drinks. And he comes to him and says, 'Marry.' So he marries. And he comes to him and says, 'Make a will.' So he makes a will. But when he comes to him and says, 'Eat and drink,' he says, 'O Allah, the provisions for our journey are sufficient for us, and we do not need anything.' But the Satan leaves him alone." (Another chain) narrated on the authority of Ibn Abbas: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "A Satan eats with the left hand, and drinks with the left hand, and takes with the left hand, and gives with the left hand." (Another chain) narrated on the authority of Ibn Abbas: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "When any one of you eats, he should eat with his right hand, and when he drinks, he should drink with his right hand, for Satan eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand." - Sahih Muslim 2020