Du'a for kids · Mealtimes

Du'a if you forget to say Bismillah

If we forget “Bismillah” before eating, we say “Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu” as soon as we remember — “In the name of Allah, at its beginning and at its end”.

Ages 2–8AudioSongFree card

Teacher review under way.

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ أَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ

Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu

“In the name of Allah, at its beginning and at its end.”

For little ones

What it means

“Oops, I forgot! I'm saying Allah's name now — for the start and the end of my food.”

The moment

When we say it

When we remember, partway through the meal, that we forgot to say “Bismillah” at the start.

Learn the word: Bismillah

Teach it

How to teach it in 3 steps

Step 1: Treat forgetting as normal — “Oops! Let's say the remember du'a.” No telling-off.
Step 2: Split it into two halves: “Bismillahi” — “awwalahu wa akhirahu”, and say them together.
Step 3: Let your child catch you forgetting sometimes, so they get to remind you.

Sing itEvery Bite's a GiftA NoorHop sing-along that practises these words — play it at the real moment.Watch the song →PlayWhat do we say?Listen to a little story and tap what we say. A playful check after you've practised.Play free →Free printableDu'a if you forget to say Bismillah cardPrint it for the fridge, the door or the car — US Letter or A4.Download the free card →Parent toolDu'a for Every MomentMark “Forgot Bismillah” as practising or known for each child, and print it on a personalised card sheet.Open the tool →

Questions parents ask

Is it too late once we've started eating?

No. This du'a is made for exactly that moment — say it whenever you remember during the meal.

I've seen “fi awwalihi wa akhirihi”. Which is right?

Both wordings are reported: Sunan Abi Dawud has “awwalahu wa akhirahu” (used here) and Jami' at-Tirmidhi has “fi awwalihi wa akhirihi”. Pick the one your teacher uses and keep it the same at home.

Sources: Sunan Abi Dawud 3767 · Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1858 · Hisn al-Muslim 178

Families and madhhabs differ on some details — ask your teacher.

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