Praying Dua in Between Meals: A Forgotten Sunnah With Timeless Benefits

In our fast-paced lives, we often remember to say “Bismillah” before eating and “Alhamdulillah” after finishing. But what about praying Dua in between meals? This beautiful, lesser-practiced Sunnah connects us with Allah even during the simplest acts like eating. It turns our meals into moments of gratitude, humility, and spiritual mindfulness.

In this guide, we’ll explore how and why Muslims should embrace this act, the authentic practices from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and how you can implement it in your daily experience.

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## What Does "Praying Dua in Between Meals" Mean?

Praying Dua in between meals refers to:

• Remembering Allah during the course of eating, not just before or after

• Saying short phrases of gratitude or personal supplication (duas) while chewing or pausing

• Elevating your meal to an act of worship by maintaining a spiritual connection throughout

While it's not a fard (obligation), it's a deeply spiritual Sunnah that enhances awareness and humility.

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## Is There a Specific Dua to Say During Meals?

There is no fixed or mandatory dua to say between bites, but several general remembrances (adhkar) and personal duas are recommended.

📿 You Can Say:

• "Alhamdulillah" – All praise is due to Allah

• "SubhanAllah" – Glory be to Allah

• "Ya Allah, increase this barakah"

• "Ya Razzaq, thank you for this rizq"

• "O Allah, feed the poor as You have fed me"

✨ Example (Silently in Your Heart):

“Ya Allah, as You have given me this food, bless others who go without it today.”

This transforms a regular meal into a dua-filled, mindful moment of worship.

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## Spiritual Benefits of Praying Dua in Between Meals

🌟 Builds Constant Remembrance

• Keeps your heart connected with Allah

• Protects against forgetfulness or heedlessness

• Trains your soul to stay grounded

🧠 Increases Mindfulness

• You’re more aware of what and how you eat

• Helps avoid gluttony and waste

• Makes you pause and reflect on blessings

🧘 Creates Inner Peace

• Slows down the eating pace

• Reduces anxiety

• Replaces idle talk with spiritual awareness

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## The Sunnah of Eating with Dhikr (Remembrance)

🕋 Hadith Insight:

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged constant remembrance of Allah during all actions — including eating.

“The believer eats in one intestine, and the disbeliever eats in seven intestines.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)

This teaches us not just moderation, but mindfulness and purpose.

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## How to Make It a Habit

🧩 Practical Tips:

• Say Bismillah before starting, then pause between bites to say “Alhamdulillah”

• After the first few bites, whisper a short personal dua

• Use your chewing time as an opportunity to say SubhanAllah or Astaghfirullah silently

• Avoid distractions like phones or screens — let your soul be part of the meal

📌 Bonus Tip:

Create a “Dua Moment” with family:
After 3–4 bites, pause together to say a short dua out loud.

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## Teaching This Habit to Children

Instilling this habit in kids helps build:

• Emotional connection with food

• Gratitude for blessings

• Spiritual discipline in everyday life

🧒 How to Teach:

• Turn it into a fun game: “Let’s say a quiet thank-you to Allah before our next bite!”

• Use visual reminders on the dining table

• Let kids take turns saying a short dua during meals

• Reward consistent practice with praise and positive attention

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## Cultural Practices Around the World

Across the Muslim world, praying during meals takes many beautiful forms:

These regional habits all echo the same principle: stay grateful throughout.

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## The Science of Mindful Eating + Spiritual Duas

Interestingly, praying during meals isn’t just spiritually beneficial — it’s good for your body and mind too.

🧪 Scientific Benefits:

• Slower eating = better digestion

• Pauses = increased satisfaction, fewer cravings

• Gratitude = reduced stress hormones

• Silence and reflection = lower anxiety levels

Even nutritionists today promote what Islam taught 1400 years ago: eat slowly, with purpose, and with gratitude.

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## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Is praying between meals required in Islam?

No, it’s not required but highly beneficial and aligned with the Sunnah of constant remembrance.

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❓ Can I say my own personal dua while eating?

Yes, absolutely. Any heartfelt dua, even in your own language, is accepted by Allah — especially when said with sincerity.

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❓ Is it okay to speak to others and still make dhikr?

Yes. You can engage in light conversation while still remembering Allah quietly in your heart.

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❓ Does this apply during Ramadan or only in regular meals?

It applies to all meals, including iftar and suhoor. In fact, those moments are even more powerful for duas.

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❓ What if I’m at a public place or restaurant?

You can make dhikr silently in your mind — Allah hears every thought.