Food & Eating
Dua Before Eating — Bismillah
Quick Answer
In the name of Allah. UK Prayer Times provides the Arabic text, transliteration and meaning for this food & eating dua (Sahih al-Bukhari 5376, narrated by Umar ibn Abi Salamah (RA)).
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The Prophet ﷺ instructed Muslims to say Bismillah before eating. If one forgets, they should say it when they remember, even mid-meal. Eating without Bismillah allows Shaytan to share in the food (Sahih Muslim 2017). This simple act transforms every meal into an act of worship.
بِسْمِ اللهِ
Transliteration
Bismillāh.
Translation
In the name of Allah.
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 5376, narrated by Umar ibn Abi Salamah (RA)
When to recite
- Before every meal and drink.
- If forgotten at the start: 'Bismillahi fi awwalihi wa akhirihi' — In the name of Allah, at its beginning and at its end (Abu Dawud 3767).
- Teach children to say it before every meal from an early age.
Virtues & Benefits
- Saying Bismillah prevents Shaytan from sharing in the meal (Sahih Muslim 2017).
- Transforms every meal into an act of worship — the believer is rewarded for it.
- Among the shortest but most consistently recommended duas in the entire Sunnah.