What do I say if I forget to say bismillah before eating?
Yes, there's a simple fix: say "Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirihi" as soon as you remember. It means "In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end of it." The Prophet ﷺ taught it for exactly this situation. Forgetting isn't a sin, and your meal is still fine to finish.
The dua for when you forget
Aishah reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: "When one of you eats, he should mention Allah's name; if he forgets to mention Allah's name at the beginning, he should say: 'In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end of it'" (Sunan Abi Dawud 3767). Another narration gives the Arabic wording: "Bismillah Fi Awwalihi Wa Akhirih" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1858).
Say it the moment you remember, whether that's after the first bite, halfway through, or near the end of the plate. Then carry on eating normally. See Do I have to eat with my right hand only?
Is it a sin to forget?
No. Forgetting is human, and Allah doesn't hold us accountable for honest mistakes. The Quran teaches believers to ask, "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred" (Quran 2:286). The fact that the Prophet ﷺ gave a special dua for forgetting shows how normal it is.
New Muslims often feel bad when they realize they've eaten a whole sandwich without "Bismillah." Don't. Say the catch-up dua, smile, and try again at the next meal.
Why it's worth saying, even late
The Prophet ﷺ said that "Satan considers that food lawful on which Allah's name is not mentioned" (Sahih Muslim 2017). Mentioning Allah's name, even late, is a way of reclaiming your meal and turning it back into an act of remembrance.
- Remembered before finishing: say "Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirihi."
- Remembered after finishing: many scholars say the catch-up dua is for while you're still eating. After the meal, simply say "Alhamdulillah" and move on.
- Remembered between courses or drinks: say plain "Bismillah" before the next thing you eat or drink.
This is about the eater, not the food
Forgetting "Bismillah" before you eat is a separate issue from whether Allah's name was mentioned when an animal was slaughtered. The first is a Sunnah of eating with an easy fix; the second is part of what makes meat halal. If you're unsure about the meat itself, look at its halal status separately. For the everyday duas around meals, see What dua do I say before eating?
- Say "Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirihi" when you remember.
- Forgetting is not a sin.
- Keep eating normally after saying it.
- Finished already? Just say "Alhamdulillah."
People also ask
What does "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" mean?
Yes, it means "There is no might and no power except with Allah." The Prophet called it a treasure of Paradise; say it when overwhelmed.
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Yes, say "Bismillah, tawakkaltu 'ala Allah, la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah." Whoever says it is guided and protected.
Read the full answer →What dua do I say before eating?
Yes, just say "Bismillah" before eating or drinking, and "Alhamdulillah" when you finish. The longer Bismillah is fine too.
Read the full answer →What should I say when I wake up?
Yes, say "Alhamdulillahil-ladhi ahyana ba'da ma amatana wa ilaihin-nushur." Then make wudu and pray to start the day well.
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Yes, start with "Bismika amutu wa ahya." Then add the three Quls, Ayat al-Kursi and the 33/33/33 tasbih as the habit grows.
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