بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
In the name of Allah
Bismillah
When to Read
This simple yet profound dua is to be recited just before you begin your breakfast, or indeed any meal. It's a beautiful way to start your day with gratitude and remembrance, setting a spiritual tone for everything that follows.
How to Read
Say 'Bismillah' clearly before taking your first bite or sip. It's a simple utterance that connects you directly to your Creator. It’s also important to remember the dua for when you finish, which is: 'Alhamdulillah' (Praise be to Allah).
Virtues & Benefits
Invoking Allah's name before eating is a Sunnah practice that carries immense blessings. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that when a person says 'Bismillah' before eating, Shaytan says, 'I cannot spend the night here, nor eat, for he has invoked the name of Allah.' (Sahih Muslim 2017). This means that by simply saying 'Bismillah', you are warding off the influence of Shaytan from your food and your body, ensuring the sustenance is pure and beneficial.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'When one of you eats, he should say Bismillah. If he forgets to say Bismillah at the beginning, he should say Bismillah when he remembers it.'