Eating is not just a daily habit—it’s also a moment where we can earn blessings by following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). This article will help you understand the duas (supplications) before and after eating, along with the manners of eating in Islam, based on authentic hadith.
Why Saying a Dua Before and After Eating Is Important
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us that even simple daily acts, such as eating, can become acts of worship if done with the right intention and following his Sunnah. By saying a dua before and after we eat, we show gratitude to Allah, gain spiritual reward, and protect ourselves from Shaytan.
Dua Before Eating
“Bismillah”
Before you eat, say:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
“In the name of Allah.”
If you forget to say it at the start, say:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ أَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ
“In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end.”
— (Sunan Abi Dawud)
Dua After Eating
After finishing your food, say:
الْـحَمْـدُ للهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنَا وَسَقَانَا وَجَعَلَنَا مُسْلِمِينَ
“All praise is for Allah who fed us and gave us drink and made us Muslims.”
— (Sunan At-Tirmidhi)
Another beautiful dua you can also recite:
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيمَا رَزَقْتَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
“O Allah, bless what You have provided us and save us from the punishment of the Fire.”
— (Muwatta’ Malik)
Manners of Eating in Islam (Adab of Eating)
- Wash your hands before eating.
- Say “Bismillah” at the start.
- Eat with your right hand.
- Eat what’s in front of you and don’t waste food.
- Don’t overeat—eat in moderation.
- Thank Allah after finishing by saying the dua.
- Avoid criticizing the food.
These simple manners were practiced by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and are a source of barakah (blessing).
Conclusion: Make Dua a Habi
Reciting the duas before and after eating is a simple yet powerful way to remember Allah and gain blessings. By following the Prophetic Sunnah and making these duas part of your daily life, you grow in gratitude and mindfulness. Start today—insha’Allah, it will become a lifelong habit.