# Dua Before Eating (Bismillah): Arabic, English Meaning > The simple Sunnah dua the Prophet ﷺ taught for the start of every meal — including the longer version to recite if you forgot to start with Bismillah. *Source: https://prayer-times.co.uk/blog/dua-before-eating · Page updated: 2026-07-17 · Independent, free UK prayer times.* --- Daily Duas · 25th April 2026 · 3 min read ·Kaiser Khan # Dua Before Eating (Bismillah): Arabic, English Meaning & What to Do If You Forget Quick Answer Eating is one of the most repeated acts of our day. The Prophet ﷺ turned it into worship by teaching us to begin in the name of Allah and end in praise of Him. The dua before eating is one of the easiest Sunnahs to revive — and one of the first that parents teach their children. Last updated 17 July 2026 The simple Sunnah dua the Prophet ﷺ taught for the start of every meal — including the longer version to recite if you forgot to start with Bismillah. Eating is one of the most repeated acts of our day. The Prophet ﷺ turned it into worship by teaching us to begin in the name of Allah and end in praise of Him. The dua before eating is one of the easiest Sunnahs to revive — and one of the first that parents teach their children. ## The dua before eating بِسْمِ اللَّهِ Bismillah. In the name of Allah. (Sunan Abi Dawud 3767 — narrated by Aisha (RA), graded Sahih by Al-Albani) ## If you forgot to say Bismillah The Prophet ﷺ also taught a short correction for whoever begins eating and only remembers Allah halfway through: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ فِي أَوَّلِهِ وَآخِرِهِ Bismillahi fi awwalihi wa akhirihi. In the name of Allah at its beginning and at its end. (Sunan Abi Dawud 3767, Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1858) ## The story behind the dua Aisha (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'When one of you eats, let him mention the name of Allah. If he forgets to mention the name of Allah at the beginning, let him say: In the name of Allah at its beginning and at its end.' The wisdom is striking — even our forgetfulness is given a path back to Allah's mention. ## Sunnahs of eating - Wash your hands before and after eating. - Sit on the floor where possible and eat from the side of the plate nearest to you. - Eat with the right hand. - Begin with 'Bismillah' and finish with 'Alhamdulillah'. - Avoid criticising food — if you like it, eat it; if not, leave it. ## Hadith reference Reported by Aisha (RA) and recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud (3767) and Jami at-Tirmidhi (1858). Both are graded as authentic by major hadith scholars including Al-Albani. Keep this site free Free prayer tools and independent information. A contribution covers hosting and the daily rebuild — it never buys a listing, a method or a mosque’s place in the directory. [Support the site](/support#readers) [Charity partners](/support#charities) ## More guides on this topic [ Daily Duas ### Dua After Eating: Arabic, Transliteration, English Meaning & Hadith from Abu Dawud 4 min read ](/blog/dua-after-eating)[ Daily Duas ### Dua After Leaving the Bathroom: 'Ghufranak' — Arabic, Meaning & Tirmidhi Hadith 3 min read ](/blog/dua-after-leaving-the-bathroom)[ Daily Duas ### Dua After Wudu (Ablution): Arabic, English Meaning & the Eight Gates of Paradise 4 min read ](/blog/dua-after-wudu)[ Daily Duas ### Dua Before Sleeping: Arabic Text, English Translation, Meaning & Authentic Hadith 4 min read ](/blog/dua-before-sleeping)