بِسْمِ اللهِ
In the name of Allah.
Bismillah
When to Read
This simple yet profound invocation should be recited before starting any meal, whether it's a full course or just a snack. It's a practice taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to safeguard ourselves and our food from various unseen harms.
How to Read
Simply utter 'Bismillah' before you take the first bite or sip. It’s about conscious remembrance of Allah at the very beginning of this essential act of sustenance.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explicitly stated that saying 'Bismillah' prevents Shaytan (the devil) from joining you in your meal. He said: 'When any one of you is eating, he should say Bismillah. If he forgets to say Bismillah at the beginning, he should say Bismillah when he remembers it.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5376). This protection extends to warding off the evil eye and the mischief of jinn, who are known to seek out food that is consumed without this remembrance. It's a spiritual shield for a physical need.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Ibn Abi Awfa: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'The devil is present with any of you when you are eating. So, when any of you forgets to mention Allah (Bismillah) at the beginning of the meal, he should say it when he remembers it. If he had eaten the whole meal, Shaytan would share it (with him).' Sahih al-Bukhari 5376