Dua for Before and After Eating – Sunnah Manners of Eating

Food is one of the greatest blessings from Allah ﷻ. Eating is not only a physical need but also a spiritual act in Islam when done according to Sunnah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us specific dua for eating, etiquettes before meals, supplications after eating, and manners of sharing food. These practices remind a believer that every bite is a gift from Allah, and gratitude must accompany it.

In this guide, we will cover:

• Dua before eating
• Dua after eating
• Dua of the guest for the host (دعاء الضيف لصاحب الطعام)
• Sunnah manners of eating
• Gratitude and remembrance of Allah during meals

By adopting these beautiful practices, Muslims can turn eating into worship, gain blessings, protect themselves from Shaytan, and express gratitude to Allah.

Dua Before Eating

The Prophet ﷺ emphasized that a Muslim should always begin his meal by mentioning the name of Allah. This protects the food from Shaytan and brings barakah (blessing).

General Dua Before Eating

Arabic Text
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ

Transliteration
Bismillah

Translation:
“In the name of Allah.”

If a person forgets to say Bismillah at the start, the Prophet ﷺ taught us to say:

Arabic Text
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ أَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ

Transliteration
Bismillahi awwalahu wa aakhirahu

Translation:
“In the name of Allah, in the beginning and in the end.” (Sunan Abu Dawood 3767)

This short dua for before eating ensures that the food is consumed with Allah’s remembrance, preventing Shaytan from partaking in it.

Dua After Eating

Gratitude after meals is a key Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ would always praise Allah after finishing food or drink.

General Dua After Eating

Arabic Text
الْـحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنِي هَذَا، وَرَزَقَنِيهِ مِنْ غَيْرِ حَوْلٍ مِنِّي وَلَا قُوَّةٍ

Transliteration
Alhamdu lillahil-ladhi at’amani hatha, wa razaqanihi min ghayri hawlin minni wa la quwwah

Translation:
“All praise is for Allah who fed me this and provided it for me without any might nor power from myself.” (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 3458)

Another Dua After Eating

Arabic Text
الْـحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنَا وَسَقَانَا، وَجَعَلَنَا مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

Transliteration
Alhamdu lillahil-ladhi at’amana wa saqana, wa ja’alana minal-muslimeen

Translation:
“All praise is for Allah who fed us, gave us drink, and made us Muslims.” (Sunan Abu Dawood 3850)

By reciting this after eating dua, a Muslim expresses gratitude for food, drink, and the blessing of Islam.

Dua of the Guest for the Host (دعاء الضيف لصاحب الطعام)

When someone is invited for food, Islam teaches a beautiful etiquette: the guest should make dua for the host after finishing the meal.

Arabic Text
اللَّهُمَّ أَطْعِمْ مَنْ أَطْعَمَنِي، وَاسْقِ مَنْ سَقَانِي

Transliteration
Allahumma at’im man at’amani, wasqi man saqani

Translation:
“O Allah, feed the one who fed me, and give drink to the one who gave me drink.” (Sahih Muslim 2055)

Another comprehensive dua for the host is:

Arabic Text
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَهُمْ فِيمَا رَزَقْتَهُمْ، وَاغْفِرْ لَهُمْ، وَارْحَمْهُمْ

Transliteration
Allahumma barik lahum fima razaqtahum, waghfir lahum, warhamhum

Translation:
“O Allah, bless them in what You have provided for them, forgive them, and have mercy upon them.” (Sahih Muslim 2042)

This دعاء الضيف لصاحب الطعام strengthens bonds of love and brings blessings to the host.

Sunnah Manners of Eating (Eating Sunnah)

Islam has given detailed sunnah manners of eating to ensure that this daily act remains full of blessings. Following these etiquettes brings discipline, gratitude, and health benefits.

Sunnah Eating Etiquettes

1. Wash Hands Before Eating – Cleanliness is half of faith.
2. Say Bismillah – Protects food from Shaytan.
3. Eat with the Right Hand – The Prophet ﷺ said, “When one of you eats, let him eat with his right hand…” (Sahih Muslim 2020)
4. Eat from What is Nearest – Do not stretch your hand across the plate.
5. Do Not Waste Food – Even if a morsel falls, clean it and eat it. (Sahih Muslim 2034)
6. Eat in Moderation – “No human fills a vessel worse than the stomach. A few bites are enough for him…” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2380)
7. Do Not Criticize Food – If you like it, eat it; if not, leave it without complaint.
8. Lick Fingers at the End – To not waste blessings. (Sahih Muslim 2031)
9. Say Alhamdulillah After Eating – To express gratitude.

By practicing these sunnah manners of eating, food becomes a source of blessing, not just nourishment.

The Spiritual Importance of Food in Islam

Eating is not just about survival—it is a form of worship when done with the right intention. The Prophet ﷺ reminded us that even a morsel fed to one’s spouse is considered charity. Remembering Allah before and after eating helps keep the heart connected to Him.

Benefits of Following Sunnah Eating Practices

• Brings Barakah – Meals with Allah’s remembrance are blessed.
• Protects from Shaytan – Saying Bismillah prevents Shaytan from eating with you.
• Improves Health – Sunnah of moderation prevents overeating.
• Strengthens Brotherhood – Eating together with dua unites hearts.
• Teaches Gratitude – Every meal becomes a reminder of Allah’s mercy.

Common Questions About Dua for Eating

What do you say before eating in Islam?

The Prophet ﷺ taught to say Bismillah before starting the meal. If forgotten, say Bismillahi awwalahu wa aakhirahu.

What is the dua after eating?

The Sunnah duas are Alhamdu lillahil-ladhi at’amani hatha… and Alhamdu lillahil-ladhi at’amana wa saqana…

Is there a special dua for the host after being served food?

Yes, the guest should say Allahumma barik lahum fima razaqtahum… to bless the host.

What are the Sunnah manners of eating?

Say Bismillah, eat with the right hand, eat what is near, do not waste food, and thank Allah afterwards.

Conclusion

Food is a blessing that must not be taken for granted. Islam beautifully teaches us dua for before eating, after eating dua, and دعاء الضيف لصاحب الطعام along with sunnah manners of eating.

• Begin meals with Bismillah.
• End meals with Alhamdulillah.
• As a guest, pray for the host.
• Follow Sunnah etiquettes like eating with the right hand, moderation, and gratitude.

By adopting these teachings, a believer transforms every meal into an act of worship, earns Allah’s blessings, and lives a healthier and more mindful life.