بَارِكْ لَهُمْ فِي الْأَطْعَمَةِ وَأَوْصِلْهُمْ بِالسَّمَاءِ وَأَشْبِعْهُمْ وَارْوَهُمْ
O Allah, bless them in their food, help them reach for the sky (metaphorically, reach great heights), satisfy their hunger and quench their thirst.
Barik lahum fil at'imati wa awsilhum bis-samaa'i wa ashbi'hum warwu-hum
When to Read
This dua is specifically for the pre-dawn meal, Suhoor, during Ramadan. It's recited by the one providing the meal to others, or can be adapted for oneself, asking Allah to bless the sustenance and provide the energy needed for the day's fast.
How to Read
It is best recited with sincerity and mindfulness as the meal is being served or consumed. The intention is to ask Allah to imbue the food with barakah (blessings) and to grant the strength and focus necessary to fulfill the obligations of the day, especially the fast. Make the intention for your fast to be accepted and for you to have the energy to worship Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
The blessing of Allah (Barakah) transforms a small amount of food into sufficiency and can bring spiritual contentment. This dua, by seeking Allah's blessing on the Suhoor, aims to equip the fasting person with the physical and mental fortitude needed to endure the fast, focus on their prayers and remembrance of Allah, and perform good deeds throughout the day. It turns a mundane meal into an act of worship by seeking Allah's help and blessing in it, recognizing that true strength and focus come from Him.
Source & Authentication
Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor is barakah.' (Sunan Ibn Majah 1711). While the specific dua above is narrated in slightly different wordings and contexts related to communal meals, its essence perfectly captures the spirit of seeking blessings for the Suhoor meal to enable strength and focus for the day's fast.