Dua when the bismillah is forgotten at a meal

It is recited when someone forgets to say the bismillah at the start of a meal and then remembers.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught that whoever forgets to say the bismillah at a meal should say these words.

This dua is based on the Quran and hadith sources below.

• HadithSunan Abi Dawud, 3767

  It is reported as a meal dhikr in Sunan Abi Dawud and Jami at-Tirmidhi, and the report is authentic (sahih).

Other duas connected to this topic.

• Dua before eating

  In the name of Allah (I begin).

• Dua after eating

  Praise be to Allah, who has fed us, given us drink, and made us Muslims.

Common questions about this dua.

• When is the dua for a forgotten bismillah recited?

  Whoever forgets to say “Bismillah” at the start of a meal recites this dua as soon as they remember.

• Dua when the bismillah is forgotten at a meal: what is the Arabic, transliteration and meaning?

  “Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu”: a dua found in Sunan Abi Dawud meaning “In the name of Allah, at its beginning and its end.”