بِسْمِ اللَّهِ.
In the name of Allah.
Bismillah.
When to Read
This simple, yet profound, supplication is recited before commencing any meal. It signifies our intention to partake in food with purity and gratitude, seeking Allah's blessing and protection from anything that might be impure or harmful.
How to Read
Simply utter 'Bismillah' with sincerity before taking the first bite. It’s a practice the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized for all actions, especially eating, to invoke Allah's name and seek His barakah (blessing).
Virtues & Benefits
Saying 'Bismillah' before eating invites Allah's protection over the food and the person consuming it. The Prophet ﷺ taught that if one forgets to say it at the beginning of a meal, they should say it when they remember. This act keeps Shaytan (Satan) away from sharing in the meal and ensures that the food is a source of pure sustenance for the body.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'When any one of you is going to eat, he should say: 'Bismillah', and if he forgets to say it at the beginning, he should say: 'Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirih' (In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end).' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5376)