بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهُ طَعَامًا طَيِّبًا وَبَارِكْ فِيهِ
In the name of Allah. O Allah, make it good food and bless it for us.
Bismillah, Allahumma ij'alhu ta'aman tayyiban wa barik fihi
When to Read
This dua is recited just before starting to eat. It's a beautiful way to invoke Allah's name and blessing over your meal, setting a mindful intention from the very beginning. When we ask Allah to make our food good and bless it, we're essentially asking for protection against any ill effects, including those that might arise from overindulgence or succumbing to excessive desire for certain foods.
How to Read
Recite this with sincerity and mindfulness. Remember that even the act of eating is an act of worship when done with the right intention and intention. Utter 'Bismillah' before you begin, acknowledging that all blessings come from Allah. Then, follow with the supplication, asking for the food to be wholesome and blessed. This simple act can transform a mundane meal into a spiritual moment, reminding you of Allah's provision and strengthening your resolve against any cravings that might lead you astray.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting 'Bismillah' is a practice that wards off Shaytan. The Prophet Muhammad 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 akhirihi (In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end of it).'' (Sunan Abi Dawud 3767). By asking for the food to be 'tayyib' (good/wholesome) and blessed, you are seeking Allah's help to make the sustenance beneficial for your body and soul, which in turn aids in resisting temptations that could harm you, including those related to excessive eating or craving unhealthy options. It's a proactive step to ensure your eating habits align with seeking Allah's pleasure.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Umm Hani (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ asked her about something and she said: 'I was feeling weak.' He said: 'What happened?' She replied: 'I found some food at home and ate.' He said: 'Did you not say: Bismillah, Allahumma ij'alhu ta'aman tayyiban wa barik fihi? For there is no food that is not accompanied by the name of Allah, and it is blessed.' (Narrated by Abu Dawud in his Sunan, Book of Food, Chapter: What is to be said when eating. He classified it as Hasan. Al-Albani also classified it as Hasan).