If you have searched for the meaning of Bismillah and landed on this page, that means you have heard someone uttering this word before performing a task. This activity is widely practiced by Muslims globally, and it is believed that it will bring positivity to the action they are about to start.
In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about Bismillah, its meaning, why Muslims use Bismillah and the key benefits of saying it before starting anything.
What is the meaning of Bismillah?
Bismillah is the short form of ‘Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim’, which means “In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.” Muslims usually start every work or task of daily routine with Bismillah; some say the complete sentence, and some use the short form.
Why do Muslims use Bismillah before starting anything?
Muslims from every sect and country believe in the power of Bismillah. They believe it will improve their effectiveness in the work since it has now been started in the name of God (Allah).
It is a deeply rooted practice you can find in almost all Muslims. Some don’t say it loudly but in their hearts before starting their daily routine.
The Importance of Bismillah in the Quran
You can judge the importance of Bismillah by the formatting of the Quran. Almost all the surah and verses in the Quran begin with Bismillah Al Rahman Al Rahim, except Surah At-Tawbah.
In Surah Al Anam, Allah has mentioned the importance of Bismillah by saying, Don’t eat anything which is not slaughtered with Allah’s name.
The significance of Bimillah can be defined by the letter of Soleman to the Queen, which starts with Bismillah Al Reham Al Rahim. The complete incident of what happened then is mentioned in Sura Al Nami.
Noah asked the few believers to board the Ark with the Name of Allah, and it would sail and anchor (Surah Hud Verse 41). The complete story is mentioned in Suran Hud.
The Importance of Bismillah in the Light of Hadith
There are many hadiths stating the importance of Bismillah, what Bismilah is, and its powers. Here are a few Hadith we have found.
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Shut your door and make mention of Allah’s name, for the devil does not open a door which has been shut.” Sunan Abi Dawud 3731.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: When one of you eats, he should mention Allah’s name; if he forgets to mention Allah’s name at the beginning, he should say: “In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end of it.” Sunan Abi Dawud 3767.
It is written in the book of Bulug-al-Maram that Aisha (RAA) narrated, “Some people said to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), There are people who bring us meat and we do not know whether or not they have mentioned Allah’s name over it.’ He replied, “Mention Allah’s name yourselves and eat it.”
According to the above-mentioned Hadiths and many other Hadiths, Bismillah has its own powers and can be used before eating and sleeping in our daily lives.
When and how can you use Bismillah in your daily life?
Using Bismillah before starting anything is considered best because you have asked for Allah’s blessings for that work. This can be before starting an important work, choosing an important person or thing, or even before eating food.
Mostly, Muslims use Bismillah before eating food. Christians follow the same practice but in their own ways and verses.
The usage of Bismillah in our daily lives
In most Muslim countries, you will see shops, restaurants, and businesses named after Bismillah. This is to get the added advantage of this name, but hard work is necessary.
You can also see necessary stores and restaurants such as Bismillah Stores or Bismillah restaurants in Non-Muslim countries like the United States. To be sure, we have checked several American business directories and found a number of complaints registered with Bismillah. For example, Bismillah Group and Bismillah International are registered in Texas.
A popular restaurant at 5696 Hillcroft St, Houston, TX, is also named after Allah. Bismillah restaurant has been operating for years in Hillcroft and serves delicious food. We can show you thousands of examples of people who have named their businesses after Allah or do their daily activities with it.
Where to use Bismillah?
You can use the name Allah for almost everything. Bismillah adds God’s blessings to that thing or work, and it will be done, at least that’s what Muslims believe, but if that is not done, it is by the will of Allah.
In our opinion, you should use Bismillah before the following:
- Before drinking water
- Before eating a meal
- Before opening the door of your home
- After locking the door of your home
- Before sitting or starting a car
- Before starting an important job, it can be anything from making a business decision to taking an exam.
- Before having sex with your wife
- Before reciting Quran
- Before making Dua
- Others
Wrap Up
So far, we have discussed everything we knew about Bismillah. We have given references from the Holy Quran and Hadiths to prove the significance of Bismillah in the Muslim world. We have also discussed the meaning of Bismillah and where and how you can use it to add Allah’s mercy.
We believe that we have completely covered the topic of what Bismillah is, and you will enjoy reading it. However, we will be updating this blog regularly with new and relevant information.
FAQs
What does Bismillah Al Rehman Al Rahim mean?
Simply put, it means starting anything with Allah’s blessings.
The bā’ at the beginning of bismillah is the second letter of the Arabic alphabet. Alone, it means “by invoking.” Ism can mean an attribute or a name. When combined with bā’, it becomes a compound word meaning “in the name of.” Allah is the name of God in the Islamic faith, completing the translation “in the name of Allah.”
What does Bismillah mean in English?
In the name of God, the merciful and compassionate is the literal translation of it.
How to pronounce Bismillah?
English speakers or people with non-Arabic accents may find it difficult to pronounce Bismillah at first, but it’s not that difficult. You can pronounce it in two steps.
- Bis
- Millah
What do you say when you forget to say Bismillah?
You can say Bismillah during or after the action is completed. For example, if you start eating food without saying Bismillah and realize it in the middle, you can say Bismillah when you remember you forgot to say it. You can also say it after you are done eating!
