Dua Before Eating (Bismillah)
Blessing food before you begin — and what to say if you forget
Also searched as: khana khane ki dua • dua before eating
Arabic
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، فَإِنْ نَسِيَ فَلْيَقُلْ: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ أَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ
Transliteration
Bismillah. If forgotten at the start: Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirah.
Meaning
In the name of Allah. (If forgotten: In the name of Allah, in its beginning and its end.)
Reference
Sunan al-Tirmidhi
When to recite
Before eating or drinking • Once
Virtue
Keeps Satan from sharing the meal; the catch-up wording repairs a forgotten start.
Sources & review
Sunan al-Tirmidhi
Prophetic dua • Grade: Hasan • Learn personal details from a qualified teacher; minor school differences exist.
Educational content — not a fatwa. See methodology and disclaimer.
Reviewed • 2026-01-01Our methodology
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When should I recite Dua Before Eating (Bismillah)?
Before eating or drinking. Recite it once.
What is the virtue of Dua Before Eating (Bismillah)?
Keeps Satan from sharing the meal; the catch-up wording repairs a forgotten start.
Where is Dua Before Eating (Bismillah) from?
Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhi. Grade: Hasan. As always, learn the wording from a teacher and consult scholars for rulings.
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