بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
In the name of Allah
Bismillah
When to Read
This dua is recited at the very beginning of eating any meal, whether it's a large feast or a small snack. It's a beautiful way to start any act of nourishment by remembering Allah's name.
How to Read
Simply utter 'Bismillah' before you begin eating. You can say it aloud or quietly to yourself. It's often accompanied by eating with the right hand.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting 'Bismillah' before eating has profound benefits. Firstly, it acknowledges that the food and the ability to eat it are blessings from Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that when one eats, they should say 'Bismillah'. If they forget to say it at the beginning, they should say it when they remember: 'Bismillahi awwaluhu wa akhiruhu' (In the name of Allah, at the beginning and at the end). This practice invites Allah's blessings into the meal and protects the eater from the Shaytan sharing in their food. As the Prophet ﷺ said, 'Indeed, Shaytan allows himself to be present with the servant, or food, if the name of Allah is not mentioned upon them.' (Sahih Muslim 2017).
Source & Authentication
Narrated Umar bin Abi Salama: I was a boy under the care of Allah's Messenger ﷺ and my hand used to move around the dish (in eating). So Allah's Messenger ﷺ said to me, 'O boy! Mention Allah's name, eat with your right hand and eat of the dish what is nearest to you.' And after that, I always applied this rule (in eating). Sahih al-Bukhari 5376. Another narration mentions the importance of saying Bismillah even if forgotten: The Prophet ﷺ said, 'When any one of you eats, he should mention Allah's name. If he forgets to mention Allah's name at the beginning, he should say: 'Bismillahi awwaluhu wa akhiruhu' (In the name of Allah, at the beginning and at the end). (Tirmidhi 1858, Sahih).