What to say before and after eating and drinking, and for a host, with sources.
These are the short phrases the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught for meals: naming Allah before, praising Him after, and praying for whoever feeds you. They take seconds and are among the easiest sunnahs to keep.
Key points
- "Bismillah" is said before eating or drinking; if forgotten, "Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirah" when you remember.
- Eating with the right hand and from what is nearest are part of the same prophetic instruction.
- A short "al-hamdu lillah" after eating is the minimum; the fuller wording carries a mention of forgiveness.
- A guest is taught to make dua for the host.
Practical steps
- Before eating or drinking, say "Bismillah".
- If you forget and remember mid-meal, say "Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirah".
- After the meal, say "Al-hamdu lillahi lladhi at'amani hadha t-ta'am...".
- If someone hosted you, add "Allahumma barik lahum fima razaqtahum...".
Hadith
Ya ghulam, sammi Llah, wa kul bi-yaminik, wa kul mimma yalik.
Young man, say Bismillah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is next to you.
Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 5376 .
When to read: The instruction the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave a boy eating with him. "Bismillah" ("In the name of Allah") is said before beginning to eat or drink.
Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirah.
In the name of Allah, at its beginning and its end.
Sunan Abi Dawud, no. 3767 — graded sahih by al-Albani.
When to read: Said if you forget to say Bismillah and remember partway through the meal.
Al-hamdu lillahi lladhi at'amani hadha t-ta'am, wa razaqanihi min ghayri hawlin minni wa la quwwah.
All praise is for Allah who fed me this food and provided it for me, without any might or power on my part.
Sunan Abi Dawud, no. 4023 — graded hasan by al-Albani.
When to read: Said after finishing a meal. The narration mentions that past sins are forgiven for the one who says it.
Allahumma barik lana fihi wa zidna minh.
O Allah, bless it for us and give us more of it.
Sunan at-Tirmidhi, no. 3455 — graded hasan by al-Albani.
When to read: Said after drinking milk. For other food or drink the wording is "...wa at'imna khayran minh" ("and feed us better than it").
Allahumma barik lahum fima razaqtahum, wa-ghfir lahum, wa-rhamhum.
O Allah, bless for them what You have provided them, forgive them, and have mercy on them.
Sahih Muslim, no. 2042 .
When to read: Said by a guest for the person who provided the food.
Hadith text and grading above are shown as supplied by their source. HikmahBridge does not grade Hadith itself. See Sources & Methodology.
FAQ
Is a simple "Alhamdulillah" enough after eating?
Yes, that fulfils the sunnah of praising Allah after food. The longer wordings are additional, not required.
Is there an authentic dua specifically for breaking a fast?
See the Ramadan duas lesson. The strongest reported wording is "Dhahaba z-zama' wa-btallati l-'uruq wa thabata l-ajr in sha' Allah" (Sunan Abi Dawud 2357).
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