بِسْمِ اللَّهِ. اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيهِ وَأَطْعِمْنَا خَيْرًا مِنْهُ.
In the name of Allah. O Allah, bless us in it and feed us better than it.
Bismillah. Allahumma barik lana feehi wa at'imna khayran minhu.
When to Read
This dua is recited just before starting the evening meal, or at the very beginning of eating. It's a beautiful way to invite Allah's blessings into our sustenance, ensuring that the food we eat is not only nourishing for the body but also a source of spiritual benefit and peace.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity before you begin eating. Start with 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah) before even starting the dua, as this is the general Sunnah for all actions. Ensure you pronounce the Arabic clearly, though a sincere intention is paramount. It is traditionally recited by the one starting to eat, or by the head of the household, but all can recite it for themselves.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua before a meal invites Allah's barakah (blessings) into the food. It transforms a mundane act of eating into an act of worship, seeking Allah's help to make the food beneficial and to provide even better sustenance. This practice, taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, also cultivates gratitude and humility, reminding us that all provision comes from Allah.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'When one of you eats, let him eat with his right hand and let him say: Bismillah. When he forgets in the beginning, let him say: Bismillah fee awwalihi wa akhirihi (In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end of it).' Another narration states: 'If any one of you eats food, he should say: Bismillah. And if he forgets to say it at the beginning, he should say: Bismillah fee awwalihi wa akhirihi.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 3767). Another narration mentions: 'When one of you eats, he should mention Allah’s name. If he forgets to mention Allah’s name at the beginning, he should say: Bismillah fee awwalihi wa akhirihi.' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3456). While the specific wording 'Allahumma barik lana feehi wa at'imna khayran minhu' is found in various sources attributed to the Prophet's teachings regarding supplication for food, the general principle of seeking blessings before eating and saying 'Bismillah' is consistently authenticated.