بِسْمِ اللهِ أَوَّلِهِ وَآخِرِهِ
In the name of Allah, at its beginning and at its end.
Bismillaahi awwalihi wa aakhirihi
When to Read
This is the dua the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to say when we remember that we forgot to say 'Bismillah' before starting an action, like eating, drinking, entering our homes, or beginning any task. It's a way to rectify our oversight and bring Allah's blessing to what we're doing.
How to Read
Recite this phrase as soon as you remember you didn't say 'Bismillah' at the start of your action. It can be said quietly. The key is the sincerity of remembering and seeking Allah's blessing.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua serves as a beautiful reminder of Allah's omnipresence and our constant need for His remembrance. By reciting it, we acknowledge our forgetfulness and seek to correct it, ensuring that even our forgotten actions are brought under Allah's protection and blessing. The Prophet ﷺ himself taught this, showing its importance in our daily lives.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'When one of you starts an action and forgets to say Bismillah at the beginning, he should say: Bismillaahi awwalihi wa aakhirihi (In the name of Allah, at its beginning and at its end).' *Note: While graded as Hasan by some scholars like Al-Albani in Sahih Abi Dawud, it's important to acknowledge that hadith grading can vary. The principle and practice are sound and widely accepted.*