بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
In the name of Allah.
Bismillah
When to Read
This simple yet profound dua is recited just before starting any meal or drink. It's an acknowledgment that even the nourishment we consume can carry potential harm if not blessed by Allah's name.
How to Read
Say 'Bismillah' clearly before you take the first bite or sip. It’s a practice the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ consistently followed, reminding us to seek Allah's protection and blessing in all our actions, even the most mundane.
Virtues & Benefits
By invoking Allah's name, we seek His protection not only from physical ailments that might arise from food or drink, but also from any spiritual or emotional disturbances they might cause. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'If a person says 'Bismillah' before eating, Satan says: 'This meal is for him, and if he does not say it, Satan says: 'I have shared in this meal.' (Sahih Muslim 2017). This implies that saying 'Bismillah' wards off the evil influence of Shaytan from our sustenance, protecting us from its potential negative effects.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Umar bin Abi Salama: I was a boy under the care of Allah's Messenger ﷺ and my hand used to rove around the plate. So Allah's Messenger ﷺ said to me: 'O young boy! Mention Allah's name, and eat with your right hand, and eat of the dish what is nearest to you.' So I have been following that manner of eating ever since. (Sahih al-Bukhari 5376). Another narration states: 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: 'Bismillah awwaluhu wa akhiruhu' (In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end). (Sahih Muslim 2017)