“Every important matter that does not begin with mentioning the name of Allah, is considered incomplete”
(Ibn Hanbal, XIV, 329 [Hadith no: 8712])
One of the first words every Muslim parent teaches their children is “Bismillah”. This short sentence, known as “basmala”, does not contain a verb form but is flexible enough to accommodate different verbs based on the individual’s actions. In this sense, the basmala can be considered a divine motto for Muslims, who recite it in various situations such as before going to bed, upon waking, while eating, drinking, going to work, or getting in the car. Essentially, it is recited at all times and in all places. This simple sentence is akin to a treasure chest, holding numerous hidden treasures. Let us gain a better understanding of the basmala by exploring and delving into these treasures.
Basmala is the essence and declaration of Tawhid
The word “Bismillah” is a declaration that Allah the Almighty (swt) is the Creator, the absolute owner, and the only deity to be worshipped. Prophet Sulaiman exemplified this when he sent an invitation letter to the people of Saba, who worshipped the sun. The letter began with the phrase “In the name of Allah, the most Merciful and the most Beneficent” (Naml, 27:30). The fact that the first sentence of the announcement begins with basmala is remarkable in terms of showing that basmala is the declaration of Tawhid. Moreover, commencing any work or action with the name of Allah signifies an acceptance of His true authority and an acknowledgment that every event and occurrence takes place within His knowledge and will.
Basmala signifies the understanding that the only being we should seek help from is Allah (swt) and that He is always with us.
For one of the meanings of the letter “Bâ” in basmala is “help”. Therefore, every time a person says “bismillah”, he/she seeks help from Allah and acknowledges that he/she can only carry out his/her work with the support and grace of Allah (swt). This notion is further emphasized by the verse, “My success is only by Allah” (Hud 11:88), which clearly shows that success cannot be achieved without the support and grace of Allah the Almighty (swt). In this regard, every utterance of “bismillah” represent an individual recognizing their own helplessness, and seeking refuge in Allah (swt) who is self-sufficient and the One who does not need anything. In fact, one of the other meanings of the letter “Bâ” is “togetherness”. Therefore, when a Muslim begins any endeavor by saying “bismillah”, he/she is conscious of the fact that Allah (swt) is with him/her and that He sees and watches over him/her. In addition, he/she is aware that he will be held accountable for every step he/she takes and every word that he/she utters.
Basmala signifies seeking and receiving permission from Allah, the owner of everything, when starting any endeavor
Just as a student asks for permission from the teacher before speaking in the class or leaving the classroom, a Muslim seeks permission from Allah (swt) when commencing a task by saying “bismillah”. This is evident in the act of sacrifice, where Muslims utter “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar”. For the animal we sacrifice carries life and it is Allah (swt) who gives life to it. By saying bismillah during the act of sacrifice means that we acknowledge that we cannot take a life given by Allah (swt), even for worship, without His permission.
Basmala is the construction of the identity of Muslims and declaration of being a servant to Allah (swt)
A person who repeatedly says “bismillah” declares that he/she does not lead a misguided life, and she/she acknowledges that he/she and all that exists has an Owner. Moreover, by saying hundreds of times “in the name of Allah” he/she affirms this to him/herself and all of humanity. Consequently, regardless of the intensity of their daily tasks, Muslims make a conscious effort to remember their identity and strive to live in accordance with their Muslim values. Furthermore, this attitude signifies their individual declaration that “I serve none but Allah (swt).”
Basmala is a powerful word that turns ordinary action into acts of worship
The acts of worship that servants are obliged to do are limited. Apart from these, there is a wide range of permissible activities such as eating, drinking, sleeping, and leisure time. Engaging in these activities does not result in additional rewards or sins. Nevertheless, when a Muslim initiates an action by saying "In the name of Allah," they infuse it with purpose and elevate it from being an ordinary act to an act of worship.
The Basmala is an expression that embodies a mercy-oriented view of life
The full form of Basmala is "Bismillahirrahmanirrahim", which means, “In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful”. A Muslim who keeps saying bismillah, in fact, embraces mercy by alluding to two names of Allah (swt) (Gracious and Merciful) that express His mercy. In this context, the basmala serves as a reminder for all living creatures, especially human beings, to lead a life centered around mercy and compassion.
We pray that Allah the Almighty (swt) makes the Basmala a key that unlocks the path to goodness and blocks us from evil and may our recitation of the Basmala serve as a guiding light, leading us toward righteousness and protecting us from wrongdoing! (Ameen)
