اَللّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيمَا رَزَقْتَنَا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا
O Allah, bless us in that which You have provided us, and forgive us and have mercy upon us.
Allahumma barik lana fima razaqtana waghfir lana warhamna
When to Read
This dua is recited before starting to eat, ideally before taking the first bite of any meal, whether it's a small snack or a full course. It's a beautiful way to acknowledge that all sustenance comes from Allah (SWT) and to seek His blessing in it.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and presence of mind, recognizing that the food before you is a gift from Allah. It's recommended to recite it before eating, with the intention that the food provides not just physical nourishment but also spiritual strength and energy, aiding you in obedience to Allah. While this specific wording is for before eating, the principle of acknowledging Allah's blessings applies throughout the meal.
Virtues & Benefits
By reciting this dua, we are asking Allah to increase the barakah (blessing) in our food. This blessing isn't just about quantity, but about quality – that the food will be beneficial for our bodies and our worship. Seeking forgiveness and mercy alongside blessings for the food connects our physical sustenance with our spiritual well-being, reminding us that even our eating should be an act of worship that earns Allah's pleasure.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'When any one of you eats, he should say: Bismillah. And if he forgets to say it before he eats, he should say: Bismillahi fi awwalihi wa akhirih.' (Sahih). Another narration states: 'If any one of you eats food and says: 'Bismillah,' then Satan says: 'He has no means of getting food, nor has he any means of sustenance.' And if he forgets to say 'Bismillah' at the beginning, and remembers afterwards, he should say: 'Bismillahi fi awwalihi wa akhirih' (In the name of Allah at the beginning of it and at the end of it).' (Sunan Abi Dawud 3767, Sahih). The Dua 'Allahumma barik lana fima razaqtana waghfir lana warhamna' is a more comprehensive supplication found in other narrations, emphasizing seeking blessing, forgiveness, and mercy in the provision received.