بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، 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.
Bismillahi, Allahumma barik lana fima razaqtana wa qina 'adhaban-nar
When to Read
Recite this dua just before you begin to eat, especially when facing temptations of overeating or consuming unhealthy food. It's a request for Allah's blessing on the food and protection from its potential harm, including leading us astray from moderation.
How to Read
Utter this dua with sincerity and the intention that Allah grants you barakah (blessing) in your meal. This includes being satisfied with what is enough, and not exceeding reasonable limits, thus protecting you from the consequences of overindulgence, which can lead to physical and spiritual harm.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, while general for starting meals, encompasses seeking Allah's help in moderation. By asking for blessing in the provision, we implicitly ask for it to be sufficient and beneficial, not excessive or harmful. Protecting from the Fire can also be understood as protection from the ill effects of actions, including overeating, which can lead to various diseases and a lack of spiritual discipline.
Source & Authentication
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'When any one of you eats, he should say: Bismillah, and if he forgets to say it at the beginning, he should say: Bismillahi fi awwalihi wa akhirihi (In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end thereof).' In another narration, it is mentioned: 'Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) was sitting with some of his companions when a Bedouin ate the food rapidly. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'If you mention Allah's name, then Satan eats with you. But if he does not mention Allah's name, Satan (very often) eats with him.' Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'When any one of you eats, he should mention Allah's name, and if he forgets to mention Allah's name at the beginning, he should say: Bismillahi fi awwalihi wa akhirihi.' (Sahih Muslim 2044)