اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيهِ وَأَطْعِمْنَا خَيْرًا مِنْهُ
O Allah, bless what You have provided for us and feed us better than it.
Allahumma barik lana feehi wa at'imna khayran minhu
When to Read
This dua is recited before eating, asking Allah to bless the food and provide something even better. The 'better than it' can be interpreted as seeking strength and energy from the food to perform acts of worship and good deeds. Eating is a means to an end; our true goal is to serve Allah. Therefore, seeking blessings in our sustenance is directly linked to our ability to worship Him.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a mindful heart before beginning your meal. It is recommended to raise your hands slightly while making this supplication. Wash your hands and eat with your right hand. Remember Allah's blessings in the food you are about to consume.
Virtues & Benefits
By asking for blessings in our food, we are seeking Allah's help to gain strength for worship. A righteous meal nourishes not just the body but also the soul, enabling us to be more active in prayer, remembrance, and other good deeds. This dua reflects our reliance on Allah for all our needs, including the physical strength required to please Him. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to seek Allah's help in all aspects of life, big or small, and this includes receiving sustenance that aids us in our worship.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us the dua for breaking fast, and similar sentiments apply to seeking blessings in all sustenance. While a specific dua for 'increased strength to perform acts of worship before eating' isn't found in a single, explicit hadith, the principle is derived from the general supplications for blessings in food and seeking Allah's aid. The dua recited after a meal, "Alhamdulillah alladhi kafa wa aT'ama wa ashba" (Praise be to Allah Who sufficed, gave food, and satisfied), also highlights the gratitude for sustenance that enables our being. The dua provided is a general supplication for blessings in food, and its intention can be extended to seeking the strength derived from that food for worship.