اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيهِ وَأَطْعِمْنَا خَيْرًا مِنْهُ
O Allah, bless us in it and feed us better than it.
Allahumma barik lana feehi wa at'imna khayran minhu
When to Read
This dua is recited before starting to eat, as a supplication for Allah to bless the food and grant us sustenance that is better than what we are about to consume. It's an acknowledgment that even the food we eat can be a means of strength for us to perform righteous deeds, and we seek Allah's blessing for that purpose.
How to Read
Recite this with sincerity before taking the first bite. It's ideally recited while looking at the food you are about to eat. Remember that the intention behind seeking this blessing is to gain strength for acts of obedience and good deeds, thereby seeking Allah's pleasure.
Virtues & Benefits
By seeking Allah's blessing on our food, we acknowledge that our strength and ability to do good comes from Him. This food becomes a tool for us to worship Allah better. When we ask for 'khayran minhu' (better than it), we are implicitly asking for sustenance that will aid us in pleasing Allah, which can include physical and spiritual strength for good deeds. This humble act before eating cultivates gratitude and reliance on Allah for all our needs, including the very energy that fuels our worship.
Source & Authentication
Narrated from 'Abdullah bin Mughaffal (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'There is no servant who says: 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah) before eating, and 'Alhamdulillah' (All praise is due to Allah) after eating, but Allah will forgive him for what he has done to his food.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 3767). Another narration states: 'When one of you eats, let him say Bismillah. If he forgets to say Bismillah at the beginning, let him say: Bismillah fee awwalihi wa akhirihi (In the name of Allah at the beginning of it and at the end of it).' (Sunan Abi Dawud 3768). The specific wording for asking for better sustenance is found in other contexts related to asking Allah for provision, and this dua captures that essence before eating.