اللَّهُمَّ أَطْعِمْ مَنْ أَطْعَمَنِي وَاسْقِ مَنْ سَقَانِي
O Allah, feed him who fed me and give drink to him who gave me drink.
Allahumma at'im man at'amani wasqi man saqani
When to Read
This dua is particularly beneficial when one is feeling weak due to illness, struggling with a loss of appetite, and finding it hard to eat or drink. It can be recited when someone is offering you food or drink, or even when you are alone and reflecting on your need for sustenance and recovery. It’s a prayer for yourself and a prayer for the one who has facilitated your nourishment.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus, reflecting on Allah's power to provide sustenance and healing. Imagine Allah responding to your prayer, bringing you strength and desire for food. It's best recited when you are in a state of need, acknowledging your dependence on your Creator for both physical and spiritual nourishment.
Virtues & Benefits
This beautiful dua, though seemingly simple, carries profound benefits. It acknowledges the chain of provision: Allah provides for us, often through the means of other people. By asking Allah to feed the one who fed you and give drink to the one who gave you drink, you are reciprocating kindness and seeking blessings for both yourself and the benefactor. For the sick individual, it's a plea for Allah to restore appetite and strength, turning the act of feeding and drinking into a source of healing. It reinforces the idea that even the basic needs like food and water are blessings from Allah, and seeking His help in consuming them when sick is a sign of reliance (tawakkul).
Source & Authentication
The full context of this hadith relates to the supplication of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when breaking his fast. However, the principle of asking Allah to reward those who provide food and drink can be extended to situations where one is unwell and struggling to partake in nourishment. It highlights a reciprocal supplication, seeking goodness for others as a means to gain goodness for oneself.