Is seeking refuge with Allah from Satan and mentioning the Most Beautiful Names of Allah before commencing any action, including eating, considered a bid'ah if the intention is for remembrance and not to exceed the actions of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him? And is counting things by the Most Beautiful Names of Allah instead of numbers also considered a bid'ah?
The prescribed remembrance before eating food is only the recitation of "Bismillah" (in the name of Allah). Seeking refuge (isti'adha) before food has not been reported in the Sunnah. Repeating it as a commitment is an additive innovation (bid'ah idafiyyah). It is obligatory for a Muslim to adhere to the Sunnah and avoid innovation.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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