بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهَا نِعْمَةً مَغْفُورَةً، وَلَا تَجْعَلْهَا فِتْنَةً مَدْحُورَةً، وَلَا تَجْعَلْهَا عَذَابًا مَسْخُوطًا، وَلَا تَنْزِعْهَا عَنَّا بِمَجَاعَةٍ، وَبَلِّغْنَا بَرَكَتَهَا وَسَلَامَتَهَا وَعَافِيَتَهَا.
In the name of Allah. O Allah, make it a blessed sustenance that is forgiven, and do not make it a rejected trial, nor a displeasing punishment. And do not take it away from us with hunger. And let us reach its blessings, its safety, and its well-being.
Bismillahi, Allahumma ij'alha ni'matan maghfuratan, wa la taj'alha fitnatan madhuratan, wa la taj'alha 'adhaban maskhatan, wa la tanzi'ha 'anna bi-maja'atin, wa ballighna barakataha wa salamataha wa 'afiyataha.
When to Read
This beautiful dua is recited before starting a meal. It's not just a simple 'Bismillah,' but a comprehensive plea for the food to be a source of good, not trial or punishment, and to remain a blessing in our lives.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity before you begin eating. Utter the words clearly, reflecting on each phrase. It's an acknowledgment of Allah's bounty and a request for His protection over this sustenance.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates the Islamic ethos of gratitude and moderation. By asking for the food to be a 'blessed sustenance' and praying against it becoming a 'trial' or 'punishment,' we acknowledge that even blessings can turn into trials if we misuse them. Overeating is a form of misuse, leading to health problems and spiritual neglect. This dua seeks Allah's help to ensure our nourishment is truly beneficial and doesn't lead us astray.
Source & Authentication
This dua is attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by scholars who classified it as Hasan. It appears in Al-Bayhaqi's Shu'ab al-Iman. While it might not be in the primary Sahih collections, its meaning aligns perfectly with the Sunnah's emphasis on gratitude and avoiding excess. Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The son of Adam does not fill a vessel worse than his stomach. It is enough for the son of Adam to eat a few morsels that would keep his back upright. If he must eat, then one third for food, one third for drink, and one third for breath." (Sunan Ibn Majah 3349, graded Sahih by Al-Albani)