"Bismillah: The Gateway to Allah's Mercy and Guidance.

  "Bismillah: The Gateway to Allah's Mercy and Guidance.

“بسم اللہ الرحمان الرحیم"

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

"للہیت" (Lillahiyyat) "

For Allah's Sake" or "For the sake of Allah".

Dear Muslims!

The first lesson of Islam and the Quran is "Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful). Let's first understand the meaning of each word in this verse.

"Ism" means "name". When we ask someone, "What's your name?", we are asking for their "ism".

"Bismillah" means "In the name of Allah". "Rahman" means "Most Gracious" or "Very Merciful". "Rahim" means "Always Merciful".

So, when we recite "Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim", we are saying, "I begin in the name of Allah, who is Most Gracious and Always Merciful."

Dear Muslims!

"Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) is the title of the Quran. Everything written in the Quran is an explanation of this phrase. According to Quranic teachings, the purpose of human life is to live for Allah's sake. This secret is revealed in the phrase "Bismillah".

Qur’anic Reference:

Surah Al-Fatiha (1:1):

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”

This phrase begins the Quran and is repeated at the start of every Surah (chapter) except Surah At-Tawbah (Chapter 9). It encapsulates the essential qualities of Allah — His mercy and compassion.

Ahadith Reference:

Sahih Muslim (Book 35, Hadith 6589):

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم:

"إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى قَالَ: إِذَا قَالَ الْعَبْدُ فِي دُعَائِهِ: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ، قَالَ اللَّّهُ: بَدَأَ عَبْدِي بِاسْمِي وَرَحْمَتِي."

“Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: ‘When a servant begins his supplication by saying: Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim, Allah says: “My servant has begun with My name and My mercy.”’

Sunan Abu Dawood (Book 8, Hadith 1):

عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم:

"إِنَّ كُلَّ أَمْرٍ ذِي بَالٍ لَا يَفْتَحُهُ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ فَهُوَ أَبْتَرُ."

“Umar ibn al-Khattab said: The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: ‘Every matter of importance that does not begin with Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim is cut off (abrupt and incomplete).’”

It is commanded that whenever you start any task, begin by reciting "Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim". This was the practice of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He would recite "Bismillah" before starting any task. He also said that any task begun without reciting "Bismillah" becomes devoid of blessings.

As everything in this world is sustained by Allah's mercy and assistance, Islam teaches us to acknowledge this reality before starting any good deed. We should always remember that everything happening in this world is a result of Allah's power, guidance, and mercy.

Quranic Reference:

In Surah Al-Naml (27:30), Allah commands the Prophet (peace be upon him) to begin with “Bismillah” in communication:

قَالَتْ يَا أَيُّهَا الْمَلَأُ إِنِّىٓ أُلْقِىٓ إِلَىَّ كِتَابٌ كَرِيمٌ * إِنَّهُۥ مِنْ سُلَيْمَٰنَ وَإِنَّهُۥ بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Translation: “She said, ‘O assembly [of chiefs], indeed, to me has been delivered a noble letter. Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it reads: “In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.”*

Hadith Reference:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

مَنْ لَمْ يَحْتَتِمْ بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ فِى أَمْرِهِۦ فَهُوَ أَبْتَرُ

Narrated by Ibn Majah (part of the hadith books)

Translation: “Whoever does not begin with the name of Allah in any matter, it will be devoid of blessings.”

Dear Muslims!

One of the miracles of the Quran is that if you fully understand just one of its verses, it will guide you to your desired destination. Some scholars say that the essence of the entire Quran is contained in the phrase "Alhamdulillah" (All praise is due to Allah), and the essence of "Alhamdulillah" is "Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful).

If you understand the lesson of "Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim" today, you will fully comprehend the spirit and essence of the Quran.

When we recite "Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim", we are reminded of two important things:

Firstly, we are doing the task for Allah's sake, so we should not include any bad intentions, evil, greed, deception, or lies in our actions.

Secondly, we are doing the task in the name of Allah, who is the Most Gracious and Merciful. Therefore, we should not lose hope or be cowardly, but rather trust in Allah's mercy and guidance.

If we remember these two lessons, we will be successful. "Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim" is the key to success.

We should make it a habit to recite "Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim" before starting any task, and remember its two important lessons.

May our every action be for Allah's sake, and may we follow His commandments.

Hadith:

Sahih Muslim, Book 35, Hadith 6507:

قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "إذا دخل أحدكم على أهله فليقل: بسم الله، اللهم جنبنا الشيطان، وجنب الشيطان ما رزقتنا."

(The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “When one of you enters his house, let him say: ‘In the name of Allah, O Allah, keep us away from the devil, and keep the devil away from what You have provided us.”)

This hadith emphasizes starting tasks with “Bismillah,” showing the importance of beginning any action with the name of Allah to seek His blessings and protection from evil.

Sahih Bukhari, Book 72, Hadith 832:

قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "كل أمر ذي بال لم يبدأ فيه ببسم الله الرحمن الرحيم فهو أقطع."

(The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Every important matter that is not begun with ‘Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim’ is severed.”)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the profound wisdom embedded in the phrase “Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim” goes far beyond its simple recitation. It serves as a powerful reminder to align every action with the purest intentions for the sake of Allah, while seeking His boundless mercy and guidance. By incorporating this sacred phrase into our daily lives, we not only set the foundation for success but also invite Allah’s blessings into all that we do. When we remember that every task is an opportunity to serve Him, and when we trust in His grace, we are assured that no matter the challenges, success and peace will follow. May we always start every endeavor with “Bismillah,” and may our hearts remain steadfast in the pursuit of His pleasure.