بِسْمِ اللهِ، اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيهِ وَأَطْعِمْنَا خَيْرًا مِنْهُ
In the name of Allah. O Allah, bless what you have provided for us, and feed us with something better than it.
Bismillah, Allahumma barik lana fihi wa at'imna khairan minhu.
When to Read
This dua is recited before eating, especially when the portion of food might seem small or limited. It's an expression of gratitude and a supplication for Allah's blessing to make the little we have sufficient and even better.
How to Read
Recite this dua before starting your meal. It's recommended to start with 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah) before any action, and this dua encompasses that. Say it with sincerity and a hopeful heart, recognizing that true sustenance comes from Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua embodies the core Islamic principle of acknowledging Allah's blessings, no matter how small. It teaches us not to despise small provisions, but to ask Allah to imbue them with His barakah (blessing), making them sufficient and nourishing. It cultivates contentment and trust in Allah's plan, reminding us that even a little with Allah's blessing is far superior to much without it.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah bin Al-Harith: We ate with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and when we ate little, he said: '... (The narrator mentioned the following words to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ): 'Allahumma barik lana fihi wa at'imna khairan minhu.' (O Allah, bless what you have provided for us, and feed us with something better than it.)' This hadith was narrated by Jarir, from Al-A'mash, from Abu Wail, from Abdullah. Abu Dawud said: Jarir did not mention 'Bismillah' at the beginning of it. Abu Dawud said: The hadith narrated by Abu Usamah, from Al-A'mash, from Abu Wail, from Abdullah, included: 'The Prophet ﷺ said: "When you sit down to eat, say Bismillah..."' So when one of you forgets to say Bismillah at the beginning, he should say: 'Bismillah wa awwalahu wa akhirahu.' (In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end.)