Bismillah Meaning And Its Benefits
Bismillah – In the name of Allah (God). Before doing just about any action, including things as essential as eating and drinking, Muslims say Bismillah. Bismillah is also the first word when we start to read the Quran. Bismillah-ir-Rahmaan-ir-Raheem (also referred to as ‘the Basmalah’) is the starting point for all chapters in the Quran besides one, i.e., Surah at-Tawbah.
Every good action or deed should begin with us saying Bismillah. Saying Bismillah has a practical meaning. We do not merely utter it as a ritual. It means that we are starting the action seeking Allah’s help and blessings. Therefore, it is one of the most oft-repeated phrases amongst Muslims. According to Musnad Ahmad, the Prophet (PBUH) said that any important speech or action that starts without mentioning Allah is flawed.
What is Bismillah Meaning?
Bismillah meaning
in Arabic is written as (بسم الله), and in English, it translates to “In the name of Allah.” This phrase serves as the opening word of the Quran. Prior to initiating any action, Muslims often recite “bismillah” to invoke the blessings of Allah. The term specifically refers to the opening phrase of the Quran, known as the Basmala.
Additionally, you may hear the complete sentence “Bismillah al Rahman al Rahim” or “Bismillah ar Rahman ar Rahim” in English, which translates to “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.” This phrase constitutes the first verse of the first Surah in the Quran, Surah Al-Fatihah.
Importance of Bismillah
Ibn Kathir reports that when “Bismillah” was revealed, clouds shifted east, winds halted, the ocean stilled, animals listened, and fire was cast upon Satan. Allah swore by His Honor that reciting “Bismillah” brings blessings to anything.
“Bismillah,” meaning “In the name of Allah,” is crucial in Islamic culture. Muslims recite it before starting tasks, activities, or endeavors. It signifies invoking Allah’s name for His blessings and guidance.
In Jami at-Tirmidhi, the Prophet (PBUH) said that we should say Bismillah when we eat food. If we forget to say it before eating, we should say ‘Bismillah Fi Awwalihi Wa Akhirih’, which means in the name of Allah at the start and finish.
In Shama’il Tirmidhi, Abu Ayyub Ansari said that once while the companions were in the Prophet’s (PBUH) assembly, someone presented food to him. The narrator said that he had never noticed any food with so much barakah at the start, while in the end there was no barakah remaining in it. When they asked Muhammad (PBUH) about it, he mentioned that, at first, they all recited Bismillah before eating, while someone joined the meal in the end without saying Bismillah, so Satan ate with him.
Bismillah and its meaning upon entering and leaving one’s house
According to Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (PBUH) said that saying Bismillah upon coming into the house or eating makes Satan say to his followers that they will have no place to stay the night or eat dinner. However, not saying Bismillah when entering the house leads to Satan telling his followers that they have discovered a place to stay for the night, and if one doesn’t say Bismillah when eating, Satan says to his followers that they have uncovered a place to stay for the night along with food.
Due to these traditions, Islamic scholars and jurists such as Imam Nawawi stated that it is mustahabb to say Bismillah when entering one’s home. Therefore, once again, the remembrance of Allah serves to ward off shaitaan.
Having relations with one’s wife
In Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet (PBUH) said that saying ‘Bismillah, Allahumma jannibna-sh-shaitan, wa jannibi-sh-shaitan ma razaqtana’ before sexual intercourse will protect any child Allah wills for the couple have from that particular act of intimacy from Satan.
Hence, we can see that reciting Bismillah is beneficial before engaging in relations with one’s spouse. This also serves to remind us of Allah’s blessings. If Allah blesses the couple with a child, it will be only due to Allah’s will. The invocation will also serve to protect that child from the harm of the devil.
Daily protection
In a Hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said that reciting “Bismillāh, alladhi lā yaḍurru ma`a ismihi shai’un fil-arḍi wa lā fis-samā’, wa huwas-Samī`ul `Alīm” (In the Name of Allah, Whose Name nothing in the earth or heavens can harm, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing) three times will protect one from harm.
It is recommended for Muslims to, therefore, read this dua after every Maghrib and Fajr prayer. Allah willing, it will serve as protection for the believers.
Various other occasions where saying Bismillah is recommended
It is sunnah to say Bismillah before making wudu, based on a Hasan hadith in Jami at-Tirmidhi.
Muslims must say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” when slaughtering an animal, as recorded in Hadith by both al-Bukhari and Muslim.
Before entering the toilet, it’s recommended to say “Bismillah, Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min al-khubthi wal-khabaith” to seek refuge from evil, according to Hadith.
The Prophet (PBUH) began his letter to Heraclius, the Byzantine ruler, with “Bismillah,” as recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim. Therefore, starting letters with “Bismillah” is encouraged.
For pain, as narrated in Sahih Muslim: Recite Bismillah three times (in the name of Allah) and seven times A’oodhoo billaahi wa qudratihi min sharri maa ajidu wa uhadhiru (I seek refuge with Allah and with His Power from the evil that I find and that I fear)
Allah’s mercy, and the difference between Bismillah and Basmalah
“Allah’s mercy” is a reference to the compassion, kindness, and forgiveness that Muslims believe Allah (God) bestows upon His creation. Mercy (Rahmah in Arabic) is a core attribute of Allah in Islam. Muslims actively seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, frequently invoking it in prayers and supplications.
Conclusion
All Muslims should recognize that Bismillah is more than just a phrase; it holds deep spiritual significance. Regularly saying Bismillah keeps us mindful of Allah and influences our actions to align with His will. Over time, this simple habit can grow into a profound practice.
Hadith from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlight that saying Bismillah invites Allah’s blessings. Allah, our Creator and Sustainer, is the only One who can benefit us. By invoking His name, we seek His assistance and favor. The Prophet (PBUH) mentioned that actions begun without Bismillah lack the anticipated benefits.
These teachings underscore the importance of Bismillah in our lives. Allah has provided guidance in the Quran, which includes performing acts of worship and living in accordance with His commandments. Therefore, saying Bismillah before undertaking any good deed is essential. It serves as a reminder of Allah and a means to earn His rewards.
