اللَّهُمَّ أَطْعِمْ مَنْ أَطْعَمَنِي، وَاسْقِ مَنْ سَقَانِي.
O Allah, feed the one who fed me, and give drink to the one who gave me drink.
Allahumma at'im man at'amani, wasqi man saqani.
When to Read
This dua is recited after accepting an invitation and partaking in the meal provided by a host, especially when the host is not someone you know very well. It's a beautiful way to express gratitude not just for the food itself, but for the act of kindness and hospitality shown by the stranger.
How to Read
Recite this dua from the heart with sincerity after you have eaten. It's a personal supplication directed towards Allah, asking Him to reward your host as you might not be able to fully reciprocate their generosity. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this concise yet profound prayer, which encapsulates the spirit of Islamic etiquette and mutual well-wishing.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua embodies the Islamic principle of reciprocating kindness. By asking Allah to provide for your host, you are seeking a divine reward for them, acknowledging that true sustenance and provision come only from Him. It fosters goodwill and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the community, even among strangers. It reminds us that every act of generosity is seen by Allah and will be rewarded.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was given a meal, he would say: 'O Allah, feed the one who fed me, and give drink to the one who gave me drink, and deprive the one who deprived me.' (Sahih Muslim 2055). Another narration from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to say when invited to a meal: 'O Allah, bless for them what You have provided for them, forgive them and have mercy on them.' (Sahih Muslim 2042). While the specific dua for a stranger's food is the one provided above, the general principle of praying for one's host is well-established. The primary dua for accepting hospitality is: 'Allahumma barik lahum fima razaqtahum, waghfir lahum, warhamhum.' However, the dua 'Allahumma at'im man at'amani, wasqi man saqani' is particularly apt when the hospitality is unexpected or from someone less familiar, focusing on the direct reciprocity of the act of feeding and drinking.