بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
In the name of Allah.
Bismillah
When to Read
This simple yet profound dua is recommended to be recited before starting any meal, or before consuming any food or drink. It acts as a shield, invoking Allah's name for protection against any potential harm, including the ill effects of food poisoning or any other unseen dangers.
How to Read
Simply say 'Bismillah' clearly and with sincere intention before you begin to eat. It is a practice that elevates a mundane act into an act of worship, reminding us that all sustenance comes from Allah and seeking His blessing and protection over it.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting 'Bismillah' before eating is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. In a well-known hadith narrated by 'Umar bin Abi Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him), he said: 'I was a young boy in the care of Allah's Messenger ﷺ. My hand used to wander all over the platter. So, Allah's Messenger ﷺ said to me: O young boy, say Bismillah and eat with your right hand, and eat from what is in front of you.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5376, Sahih Muslim 2022). While this hadith focuses on etiquette and blessing, the underlying principle is seeking Allah's name for protection and guidance in all actions. By invoking His name before eating, we are asking for His protection over the food and from any potential harm it might contain, including contamination or poisoning.
Source & Authentication
Narrated 'Umar bin Abi Salamah: I was a young boy in the care of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). My hand used to wander all over the platter. So, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to me: O young boy, say Bismillah and eat with your right hand, and eat from what is in front of you. He continued to say that ever since then, I have been following that method of eating. (Sahih al-Bukhari 5376). Another narration from Sahih Muslim 2014a states: When one of you eats, he should mention the name of Allah, and if he forgets to mention the name of Allah at the beginning, he should say: 'Bismillah awwalahu wa akhirahu' (In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end).