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 save us from the punishment of the Fire.
Bismillah, Allahumma barik lana fima razaqtana, waqina 'adhaban-nar
When to Read
This beautiful dua is recited before starting a meal, especially when gathering the family. It’s a moment to pause before enjoying the blessings Allah has bestowed upon us, acknowledging His provision and seeking His protection.
How to Read
Begin with 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah) to invoke Allah's name upon the action. Then, recite the full dua with sincerity and reflection, remembering the intention of seeking Allah's blessings for the food and protection from Hellfire. It's a simple yet profound way to make any meal an act of worship.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates gratitude for sustenance and a plea for protection. By starting with 'Bismillah', we ensure that our actions are pleasing to Allah. The request for blessing in the provision encourages contentment and prevents greed, while seeking refuge from the Fire reminds us of our ultimate accountability and the importance of living a life that pleases our Creator. It transforms a mundane act into a spiritual one, fostering mindfulness and gratitude at the family table.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abdullah ibn al-Harith (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: We were eating with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), and a boy who was young came to eat. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) took him and sat him next to me, and I did not think the boy would eat. Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'If you say 'Bismillah', then eat with your right hand, and eat from what is in front of you.' This is a narration of Abu Dawud (3767). While the direct quote of the full dua as presented is commonly recited based on its essence and other narrations concerning supplications over food, this specific phrasing is widely recognized and taught for beginning meals. The core instruction to 'say Bismillah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is in front of you' comes from this context.