Before Eating — Bismillah
Source: Sunan Abu Dawud 3767
بِسْمِاللَّهِ
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Transliteration
Bismillah
Translation
In the name of Allah. (If you forget at the start, say: 'Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirah' — In the name of Allah, at its beginning and its end.)
Context
The invocation of Allah's name before partaking in a meal is a fundamental sunnah, emphasizing gratitude and acknowledging divine providence. As narrated in Sunan Abu Dawud, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed believers to begin with 'Bismillah,' and provided guidance for those who might forget, to rectify by saying 'Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirah' during the meal.
Benefit
Reciting 'Bismillah' before eating invites divine blessings into the food, purifies the intention, and prevents Shaytan from sharing in the meal.
When to Recite
This dua should be recited immediately before commencing a meal, or upon remembering if forgotten at the start.