What dua do I say before eating?
Yes, there's a short one: say "Bismillah" (in the name of Allah). That single word is the Sunnah before eating or drinking. When you finish, say "Alhamdulillah" (praise be to Allah). Many people say the fuller "Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim," which is also fine, but "Bismillah" alone is enough.
The dua before eating
When the Prophet ﷺ saw a young boy's hand wandering around the dish, he told him: "O boy! Mention the Name of Allah and eat with your right hand, and eat of the dish what is nearer to you" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5376). Mentioning Allah's name means saying "Bismillah" before the first bite.
It works for everything: a full dinner, a snack at your desk, a glass of water, a coffee on the train. Say it quietly to yourself; there's no need to say it out loud unless you want to remind others at the table. See What dua do I say when getting dressed?
Why it matters
The Prophet ﷺ explained that when a person mentions Allah's name on entering the house and while eating, Satan tells his companions there's "no place to spend the night and no evening meal" for them there. When the name of Allah is not mentioned, Satan finds both (Sahih Muslim 2018).
So "Bismillah" isn't just a nice habit. It turns an ordinary meal into an act of remembrance and keeps Satan away from your food and home. If you forget at the start, say "Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirihi" (in the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end of it) as soon as you remember (Sunan Abi Dawud 3767).
What to say after eating
- The short version: "Alhamdulillah." The Prophet ﷺ said Allah is pleased with His servant who says "Al-Hamdu lillah" while taking a morsel of food and while drinking (Sahih Muslim 2734).
- A longer version: when his meal was finished, the Prophet ﷺ used to say "Al-hamdu lillahi kathiran tayyiban mubarakan fihi, ghaira makfiyyin wa la muwadda'in wa la mustaghnan 'anhu, Rabbuna" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5458), praising Allah with abundant, pure and blessed praise. Learn it later from a dua app once the short one is a habit.
Eating with non-Muslim family or friends
You don't need to announce anything. Just say "Bismillah" quietly before you start, eat with your right hand, and say "Alhamdulillah" at the end. If someone asks, it's a nice, simple way to explain that Muslims thank God before and after every meal. See Do I have to eat with my right hand only?
- Say "Bismillah" before eating or drinking.
- "Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim" is fine too, but not required.
- Say "Alhamdulillah" when you finish.
- It protects your meal and your home from Satan.
People also ask
What dua do I say when leaving the house?
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 do I say if I forget to say bismillah before eating?
Yes, say "Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirihi" as soon as you remember. Forgetting isn't a sin, and you can still finish your meal.
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.
Read the full answer →What should I say before sleeping?
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.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua in English during prayer?
It depends on the school. English dua outside salah is fine; inside it, scholars differ, so use short Arabic duas and ask in English after salam.
Read the full answer →