بِسْمِ اللهِ، اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيمَا رَزَقْتَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
In the name of Allah. O Allah, bless us in what You have provided us and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
Bismillah, Allahumma barik lana fima razaqtana wa qina 'adhaban-nar
When to Read
This dua is recited before starting any meal. While the primary dua for eating is mentioned above, the intention to remember the thirst of Imam Hussain (AS) can be a personal reflection made alongside this established sunnah practice.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity before taking the first bite. It's recommended to place your right hand on the food, or near it, and say 'Bismillah' (In the Name of Allah) before reciting the rest of the dua. The intention to remember the plight of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions, who endured extreme thirst, can be a deeply personal and heartfelt contemplation during this moment, drawing strength from their sacrifice.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting 'Bismillah' before eating is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It brings blessings to the food and protects one from Shaytan. The act of remembering the thirst of Imam Hussain (AS) is a powerful reminder of sacrifice, patience, and devotion to Allah. It fosters empathy, gratitude for our own blessings, and strengthens our connection to the history of Islam. While there isn't a specific dua *for* remembering Imam Hussain's thirst before eating, integrating this contemplation into the established practice of reciting the pre-meal dua enhances its spiritual dimension.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Busr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'When a meal is brought to any of you, let him say: Bismillah. If he forgets to say it at the beginning, let him say: Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirih (In the name of Allah at its beginning and its end).' Sunan Abi Dawud 3767 (also found in Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1785 and Sunan Ibn Majah 3282, with slight variations)