Hadith Text & Reference

When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) ate or drank, he said: "Praise be to Allah Who has given food and drink and made it easy to swallow, and provided an exit for it."

Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 3851 | Book: Foods (Kitab Al-At'imah)

Commentary on the Du'a

This comprehensive supplication encompasses gratitude for three divine blessings: the provision of sustenance (food and drink), the physiological ability to consume it (ease of swallowing), and the natural bodily process of excretion (providing an exit).

The Prophet's consistent practice of this du'a teaches us to acknowledge Allah's complete favor - from the beginning to the end of the nourishment process. It reminds believers that every stage of consumption and digestion is a mercy from the Creator.

Scholarly Insights

Classical scholars note that this supplication demonstrates perfect gratitude (shukr) by recognizing both apparent and hidden blessings. While people typically thank Allah for providing food, the Prophet extended gratitude to include the mechanical processes we take for granted.

Imam Al-Munawi comments that "made it easy to swallow" refers to the divine wisdom in creating the esophagus and swallowing mechanism, while "provided an exit" acknowledges the digestive system's completion - a blessing whose absence would cause great harm.

This teaching encourages mindfulness (muraqabah) throughout eating and drinking, transforming mundane acts into worship through conscious remembrance of Allah's continuous blessings.