Question

Du’a before eating:

The following dua has been recorded in the Books of Hadeeth:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَةِ اللَّهِ

(Mu’ajam Al-Sagheer/ Mu’ajam Al-Awsat/Mustadrak Al-Haakim)

The books of Hadeeth mention the du’a without the word ‘Ala’ (على).

Some Ulama mention that the addition of word ‘Ala’ (على) is found in some copies of Mustadrak Al-Haakim. Just as Allamah Muhammad Ibn Al-Jazri Rahimahullah has narrated the dua with the addition of ‘Ala’ (على) in his book الحصن الحصين من كلام سيد المرسلين.

However, this could not be located in the current day version of Mustadrak Al-Haakim.

Therefore, it is preferable to recite the du’a بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَةِ اللَّهِ  as mentioned in the Hadeeth without or with out the addition of the word ‘Ala’ (على)???

Answer 1

Ref. No. 1013/41-263

 In the name of Allah the most Gracious the most Merciful

The answer to your question is as follows:

As you have written, it is not in the current versions of Mustadrak. I also searched and could not find it. However, ‘Mulla Ali Qari’ wrote in ‘Mirqatul Mafateeh’ with reference to ‘Mustadrak’ with the addition of 'علی'. So it could be read both ways (with or without 'علی'). Allama Nawawi has also declared it in ‘Azkar’ as Sunnah to recite Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem and Bismillah in the supplication of food. So there is an extension in this matter.

And Allah knows best

Darul Ifta

Darul Uloom Waqf Deoband