Is It Permissible to Do Dhikr and Then Blow on Food for Barakah?

Answered by Shaykh Shuaib Ally

Question: Assalam alaykum,

I was told that it is permissible to do dhikr and then blow on food or drink to give that food or drink barakah (blessings).

Is there any validity to this?

Answer: Assalamu alaykum,

I pray that you are well.

It is permissible to recite the Qur’an, or other formulas of remembrance (dhikr), over food or drink, and to then consume it by oneself, or to give it to others, including non-Muslims.

This can be for the purpose of cure or general blessing.

The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, recited a supplication of cure over water, then poured it over Thabit ibn Qays, may God be pleased with him [Abu Dawud].

Scholars have derived from this, as well as other narrations, the permissibility of reciting the Qur’an or other supplications over food or drink.

It should also be noted that one does not need a specific proof for actions that do not run contrary to the spirit of the law.

Please see this answer on some of the uses of the Qur’an or supplications as a cure, including reciting it over water, then drinking it:

Is It an Innovation to Recite the Qur’an Seeking a Cure?

God knows best.

Wassalam,
[Shaykh] Shuaib Ally

Shaykh Shuaib Ally is a scholar who has recently returned to Toronto after completing his studies overseas. He started his studies by completing his MA in Islamic Studies at the University of Toronto in 2008. He went on to study in a number of Islamic disciplines privately with scholars in Saudi Arabia, including Tafsir, Qur’anic Sciences, Shafi’i law, Usul, Hadith, Hadith Methodology, Grammar and Balagha. Shaykh Shuaib currently resides in Toronto.