Beautiful bismillah

Islam has come with an easy and practical Shari’ah. The effort to apply it is limited but the rewards are great. There are many examples of a small action carrying great rewards.

One of these amazing actions is to begin every activity with Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim...

2. Contents
Contents.................................................................................................................................................. 2
1. Islam - So Simple and Beautiful ........................................................................................................ 4
2. Beginning every action with Bismillah .............................................................................................. 4
3. Making Bismillah As Part Of Everyday life ........................................................................................ 8
4. Traditions of Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) ................................................ 22
5. Some Masa’il pertaining to Bismillah ............................................................................................. 27
6. Stories of Bismillah ........................................................................................................................ 31
7. Test yourself .................................................................................................................................. 36

3. ----------¤---¤---¤----------


Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
I begin in the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is for Allah. Darood / Salawaat / Blessings and
Salaam / Peace on Muhammad, his Family, and his Companions
Allahumma Salli Ala Muhammadin Wa Ala Alay
Muhammadin Kama Sallaita Ala Ibraheema Wa Ala Alay
Ibraheema Innaka Hameedum Majeed
Allahumma Barik Ala Muhammadin Wa Ala Alay
Muhammadin Kama Barakta Ala Ibraheema Wa Ala Alay
Ibraheema Innaka Hameedum Majeed

----------¤---¤---¤----------

4. 1. Islam - So Simple and Beautiful
Islam has come with an easy and practical Shari’ah. The effort to apply it is limited but the reward is
great. There are many amazing examples of a small action carrying great rewards.
The practical and verbal teachings of the Messenger of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala); Sayyadina
Muhammad Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam, are such that they are a means of guidance for every action
and movement. These teachings:
 enable a person to be involved in worldly pursuits but still be constantly engaged in dhikr and
wasil bi ‘l-haqq (one who is linked to Allah Most High) for which the person will be rewarded
 are constituted in such a way that one doesn’t even realize that an action of din is being
performed and he is achieving the success of his din
From among these teachings is to begin every action with:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
(Translation: In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) is such a concise sentence that
the reader experiences no difficulty in reading it, nor does its recital take up a great amount of time, but
its benefits are far reaching and powerful and consists of both religious and worldly benefits.

2. Beginning every action with Bismillah
Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam used to recite:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
before doing any work. Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam also advised the Ummah
to do the same. For example, reading it before shutting the door, before putting out the light, before
taking meals, before drinking water, before boarding any mode of transport.

5. 1. Bismillah Brings One Closer To Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala)
Hasrat Sayyadina Abdullah bin Abbaas (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) said Sayyadina Uthman bin Afnan
(RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) said, Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said that reading
Bismillah is one of the great names of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) and it brings a person as close to
Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) as is the closeness of the whiteness and blackness of the eyes (Tafsir
Ibn Kathir). By saying Bismillah before any action, one is suggesting that his every affair - whether
small or big - can only be accomplished with the help and mercy of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala).
Thus every activity of a person will become an ibadah. By doing this, he will draw closer to Allah
(Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) and distance himself from the accursed Shaytan. And by not doing this he
will deprive none other than himself.
According to Ibn Abbas (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) in Ad-Durrul Manthur, Sayyadina Muhammad Salla
Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam has said that people are unaware of the blessings of one ayah of the Holy
Qur'an which was revealed to no one other than me and Sulaiman Alayhi As-Salaam. And that is:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Conversely if we do not say Bismillah, then our action or deed is considered incomplete. Sayyadina
Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said: "Every act of significance not begun with the name
of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) is incomplete and without blessing."

2. Bismillah Is The Essence Of The Holy Qur'an
According to some scholars, Surah Al-Fatihah is the essence of the entire Qur'an whilst

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
is the essence of Surah Al-Fatihah.

6. 3. When Bismillah Was Revealed
Jabir (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) is reported to have said that when:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
was revealed, the clouds gave way by moving to the East, the winds ceased blowing, the oceans
became calm, the creatures prepared themselves to listen, the shaytan were pelted with fire from
the heavens and Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala), swearing an oath by His honour, declared: Anyone
who says this name of mine upon anything, I will surely impart barakah in that thing. [Ad Durrul
Manthur and Ibn Kathir]

4. Bismillah Before Wahi
Ibn Umar (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) is reported as saying that surely, whenever Jibreel Alayhi As-Salaam
used to bring wahi to Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam, he used to first recite:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
[Ad Durrul Manthur]
The reason for the above is as follows: in Bismillah there are three names of Allah (Subhanahu Wa
Ta'ala):
1) Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) which is His personal name indicating that all projects can only be
initiated by the will and wish of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala). Ibn Kathir said of the name Allah
(Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala): "Allah" is acknowledgement of the Lord, the Blessed, Most High and it is
said it is the greatest name because it describes all of the attributes.
2) Rahman (Kind) which is His attributive name indicating that only Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) can
keep that project intact and existent (guarding it against destruction).

7. 3) Rahim (Most Merciful) which is also His attribute name indicating that only Allah (Subhanahu Wa
Ta'ala) can, through His mercy and grace, enable any person to derive benefit from that project.
This clearly proves that any project beginning with:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
will be granted barakah (blessings) from the beginning till the end.

8. 3. Making Bismillah As Part Of Everyday life
The benefits and blessings of Bismillah are numerous. Just a few of them have been recorded here.

1. Before Every Du'a
Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam has said that any du'a which begins with:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
It is not rejected. [Ghunyah]

2. Teaching Children To Say Bismillah: A Means Of Forgiveness For Parents
It is reported from Abdullah bin Abbas (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) that as soon as the tutor says to a child,
read:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
the teacher, the child and the child’s parents are all guaranteed freedom from the fire of Jahannam.

3. Remembering Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) Through His Three Thousand Names
Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) has three thousand names. He revealed one thousand to the angels,
one thousand to the prophets’ Alayhi As-Salaam, three hundred are mentioned in the Torah, three
hundred in the Zabur, three hundred in the Injil, and ninety-nine in the Holy Qur'an. One name He
has kept to Himself; He revealed it to no one. He has condensed all His names into the three names
contained in:

9. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
They are Allah, Rahman and Rahim. Therefore any person saying:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
is as though he has remembered Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) by His three thousand names. [Tafsir
Ruhul Bayan]

4. A Means Of Deliverance From Punishment
1 - It is reported from Abdullah bin Mas'ood (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) that:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
has 19 letters and the angels of Jahannam are also 19. Anyone who says:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
will be safeguarded against the 19 angels of Jahannam [Tafsir Qurtubi and Durrul Manthur, volume
1]

10. 2 - Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said that the angel Jibreel Alayhi As-Salaam
made a mention of this hadith under oath that he heard it from the angel Mika'il Alayhi As-Salaam
under oath who heard it from the angel Israfeel Alayhi As-Salaam under oath that Allah (Subhanahu
Wa Ta'ala) said; “By my honour, grace and grandeur, whoever reads:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
and Surah Al-Fatihah jointly once, then you be witness that I shall not burn his tongue and I will save
him from the fire as well as the punishment of the grave and on the day of Qiyamah. Note: Reading
Bismillah and Surah Al-Fatihah jointly means to read it as follows:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahimil Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-`Alamin
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of
the Universe:

5. A Means Of High Status In The Hereafter
Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam is reported as saying that any du'a which
begins with:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
is not rejected. By saying:

11. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
the scales of my Ummah will become heavy on the Day of Qiyamah”. The other people will enquire:
“Why are the virtues of the Ummah of Muhammad so heavy?” Their prophets will reply: “In the
utterances of the Ummah of Muhammad there is such an honourable name of Allah (Subhanahu Wa
Ta'ala) that if it is placed on one side of the scale, and the sins of the entire creation are placed onto
the other side, then the side with the virtues will be heavier.”

6. To Overpower A Tyrant / Oppressor (“Zalim”)
For overpowering an oppressor say following in his presence:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
50 times, preceding and finishing with Darood Shareef. Insha-Allah Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) will
develop fear in the Oppressor’s heart, subduing him and the reader will be secure from the
Oppressors atrocities.

7. Safety Against A Tyrant Ruler And Those Endowed With Power
Write 500 times on a paper.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Read

12. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
150 times and blow on the same paper and keep this paper on the body. Insha-Allah, the one who
does this will find the attitude of the tyrant's / those endowed with power will change for the better
becoming kind and merciful and the person will be secure against their harms.

8. For Safety Against Sudden Death & Crime & The Evil Effects Of Shaytan
If prior to going to bed, a person reads:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
21 times, then insha-Allah the reader will be safeguarded against sudden death, the evil effects of
shaytan, and the house will be safeguarded against burglary. [Jannati Zewar]
If a person writes

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
35 times (beginning and ending with Darood Shareef) and hangs up in their house (or shop), then
insha-Allah the shaytan will not enter the house (or shop) and lots of blessings will result.
When shutting the door of the house, read:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

13. once and shaytan and jinn cannot enter your house.
After evening dinner, read

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
and cover the utensils. If nothing is available to cover the utensils, then place anything over the top
as there is one night every year, where Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) sends sickness/illness and the
sickness/illness will enter any utensil that isn’t covered.
Before sleeping, whilst shaking the bed covers, read

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
3 times and insha-Allah Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) will protect you from difficulties such as the
shaytan and jinn.

9. Safeguarding A Child From The Shaytan As Soon As It Is Born
Imam Bukhari (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) has mentioned a Hadith from Abdullah bin Abbas RadiyaAllahu
‘Anhu: Whoever says:

Bismillahi allaahumma jannibnash shaytana wa jannibish shaytana ma razaqtana
O Allah, keep us away from the shaytan and keep him Away from what You provide us with

14. before having relations with his wife, the child that will be born as a result of that will be
safeguarded against the harassment of the shaytan. [Bukhari]

10. For Children To Live
Any woman whose children do not live should read:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
many times and keep the meaning in mind. She should write it 61 times, make a ta’wiz (amulet) and
keep it on herself. The children will be protected and will live, Insha-Allah.

11. Strengthening The Memory
Recite:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
786 times, preceding and finishing with Darood Shareef, blow in water and let the person who has a
weak memory drink it at sunset. Insha-Allah, any weakness in memory will soon disappear.

12. Dressing & Undressing
Anas (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) reports from Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam that
when a person undresses for the purpose of either relieving himself, bathing or having relations
with his spouse then the shaytan interferes and plays with his/her private parts. If the person says
Bismillah before taking off the clothes, then this serves as a barrier and safety against the shaytan
and jinn. [Tirmidhi]

15. The masnun du'a mentioned in Amalul Yaum Wal Lailah is this:

Bismillahil ladhi la ilaha illa hu
With the name of Allah besides whom there is none worthy of worship
So read Bismillah beginning of everything to be safe from jinn [Kitabul Azma Al hadith 1123]

13. For Any Difficulty and Need To Be Fulfilled
Whoever recites:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
daily 786 times for 7 days (beginning and ending with Darood Shareef), and makes du’a for a
particular purpose, Insha-Allah, that purpose will be realized.
If a person recites

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
12,000 times in the following manner: (a) Recite it 1,000 times and then recite Darood Shareef at
least once. Thereafter make du’a for ones need. (b) Recite it another 1,000 times, recite Darood
Shareef at least once and again make du’a to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) for the need. (c) Carry on
in this way until reaching 12,000 then, if Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) wills, every difficulty will
become easy and every need will be fulfilled.

16. 14. For Soothing An Enemy And For Increasing Love And Affection
Reciting

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
786 times and blowing in water and letting an enemy (or any other person) drink the water, will
make the animosity vanish and love and affection come into their heart. It is forbidden to use this
for illicit love.

15. To Simplify A Difficult Task
Ali (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) is reported as saying that:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
is an effective du'a for simplifying a difficult task; and removes all grief and brings happiness in the
heart. Additionally reciting “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim Wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa bi-llahi-l-
aliyyi-l-azim” (In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful And there is no might or
power except with Allah, the Exalted, the Great One) will remove all your difficulties insha-Allah.
This can be recited for any difficulty (no matter how big or small) [Amil ul yumi walilati la bin sunni]

16. Receiving Sustenance
Whoever faces the sun, during sunrise and recites

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

17. In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
300 times and Darood Shareef 300 times, then that person will get sustenance from places they
could not imagine. By reading daily, insha-Allah the benefits will be visible within 1 year.

17. Protection From Calamities
The person who on the first of Muharram writes on a paper

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
130 times and keeps it on him will be protected from all types of calamities and difficulties and Allah
(Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) ensures no evil falls upon that person and household.

18. Safety Against Calamities Of The Day And Night
Uthman (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) reported that Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam
has said nothing will harm the servant who recites these words 3 times every morning and evening.

Bismillahil ladhi la ya durru ma`as mihi shay’un fil-ardi wala fis sama’i wa huwas sami`ul `alim.
(I begin this day) with the name of that Allah with whose name nothing on earth or in the
heavens can cause harm. And He is All-hearing, All-knowing.

18. 19. Safety Of One's Deen, Life, Family And Belongings
Recite the following du’a three times every morning and evening

Bismillahi `ala dini wa nafsi wa waladi wa ahli wa malii
With Allah's name do I seek protection of my deen, my life, my children, my spouse and my
belongings.
20. When Embarking A Ship
It is reported from Hussain Ibn Ali (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) that Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu
‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said that my Ummah will be safeguarded against drowning as long as they say this
du'a when embarking a ship:

Bismillahi Majreha Wa Mursaha Inna Rabbi Laghafurur-Rahim. Wa Ma Qadarul-laha Haqqa
Qadrih
With Allah's name be its sailing and mooring. Surely, my Lord is most forgiving and kind. And
they have not understood Allah as He ought to be understood.

21. Before Starting A Journey
Jubair Ibn Mut'im (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) says that once Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa
Sallam asked him whether he was desirous that whenever he went out on a journey he should be
more prosperous than his companions. He said: “Yes, O messenger of Allah, may I sacrifice my
father and mother for you.” Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said: “Recite the
last five chapters of the Qur'an by beginning every Surah with Bismillah and finally, ending with
Bismillah.” Jubair (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) says that prior to this I always found myself having less than
my companions. But after I began practicing on the instructions of the prophet, I found myself more
prosperous than my companions. [Tafsir Mazhari]

19. 22. Winning The Hearts Of People
The person who writes

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
600 times and keeps it on him will be respected and honoured. No one will be able to ill treat him.

23. Protection Of Farms (Crops) And For Barakah (Blessing)
Write

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
101 times on a paper and bury it on the farm. The farm (crops) will be protected from all calamities
and there will be barakah in it.

24. Facing A Drought
If there is a drought, read

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
61 times (beginning and ending with Darood Shareef) and then pray for rain - insha-Allah it will rain.

20. 25. Lessening Pain
1 - Uthman bin Abil Aas (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) once complained to Sayyadina Muhammad Salla
Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam about bodily pain. Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam
said that place the hand on the part that is in pain, then say Bismillah 3 times and this du'a 7 times:

A’udhu Billahi Wa Qudratihi Min Sharri Ma Ajidu Wa Uhadhiru
I seek refuge in Allah and His might from what I feel and fear.
He did as he was told, and the pain disappeared.
2 - If a person reads

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
100 times for 3 days on any part of their body that is aching, then insha-Allah they will get relief.
3 - For headaches, write

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
21 times on a piece of paper and tie it around the head. The headache will lesson and then
disappear, Insha-Allah.

21. 26. Other Wonders Of Bismillah
Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam is reported to have said that as long as people
keep on saying:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
it will be a means of safeguarding them against sickness; a means of granting riches to the destitute;
a means of freedom against the fire; a means of safety against being swallowed by the earth; a
means of safety against faces becoming distorted; and a means of safety from stones raining down
from the heavens. [Ghunyatut Talibin]

22. 4. Traditions of Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam)
Below are quoted some hadith of Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam regarding
Bismillah:
1. Before Eating
Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said,
"Say Bismillah, eat with your right hand and eat what is in front of you." [Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad,
Muwatta Malik and Ibn Majah]
Umar Ibn Abi Salamah (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) reports that Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi
Wa Sallam said to me: “Say Bismillah and eat with your right hand the food that is in front of you.”
[Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi]
Whoever ate without saying Bismillah, Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam used to
hold his hand and urge him to say Bismillah. [Zadul ma'ad, Uswah-e Rasoole Akram]
The scholars have said that it is preferable to say the Bismillah aloud so that it is a reminder for
those who forget.
By saying Bismillah before eating, barakah is imparted to that food. Hence, Aishah RadiyaAllahu
‘Anhu reports that Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam was once having meals
with the Sahabah (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) when a Bedouin came along and joined them. He finished all
the food in two morsels. Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam remarked that if he
would have said Bismillah before eating, this food would have sufficed for everyone. If anyone
forgets to say Bismillah, he should say:

Bismillahi-awwaluhu wa akhirahiu
In the name of Allah at its beginning and end
This will make the shaytan vomit the food he had eaten. (This means that the barakah will return)
[Abu Dawud]
A person once complained to Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam that he ate food
but still remained hungry. Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said that perhaps

23. you are not saying Bismillah before meals which he admitted. Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu
‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said that by not reading Bismillah your stomach does not fill.

2. When Drinking Water
Ibn Abbas (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) reported that Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam
said,
"Do not drink in one gulp like a camel, but in two or three [Gulps]. Mention the Name of Allah when
you start drinking and praise Him after you have finished [Drinking].'' [Fath al-Bari and Al-Trimidhi]

3. At The Beginning Of Ablution (Wudhu)
Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said,
"Make Wudhu in the name of Allah" [An-Nasai and Ibn Khuzaimah]
Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said: “One who does not say Bismillah before
wudhu, his wudhu is incomplete.” [Tirmidhi]
It is reported from Abu Hurairah (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) that anyone who does not say Bismillah
before wudhu, only the sins committed by the limbs which are washed in wudhu will be washed
away; and one who says Bismillah before wudhu, the sins of the entire body will be washed away.
[Mishkat]

4. When Entering The House
Jabir (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) said that he heard Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam
saying,
"If a person mentions the Name of Allah upon entering his house or eating, Satan says, addressing
his followers: `You will find nowhere to spend the night and no dinner.' But if he enters without
mentioning the Name of Allah, Satan says [To his followers]; 'You have found (a place) to spend the
night in, and if he does not mention the Name of Allah at the time of eating, Satan says: `You have
found (a place) to spend the night in as well as food." [Sahih Muslim]
Masnun Du'a When Entering Home

24. Allahumma inni as’aluka khayral mawlaji wa khayral makhraji. Bismillahi walajna wa bismillahi kharajna.
Wa`alall-lahi rabbina tawakkalna
O Allah, I ask of You the good of entering and the good of leaving (this home). With Allah's name we
enter and with His name we leave and upon Allah, our sustainer, do we rely.

5. When Leaving The House
Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said,
"If anyone of you when leaving the house says In the name of Allah, I trust in Allah, there is no
power and might except from Allah. Your needs shall be fulfilled, you shall be saved from difficulties
and hardships. Shaytan hearing these words leaves him." [Al-Trimidhi]
According to the hadith anyone who recites the following du'a when leaving the house then Allah
(Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) responds by saying: “I have given you protection and I have saved you from
your enemy, the shaytan.” (Thus, the shaytan departs from him). [Tirmidhi]
The du'a is as follows:

Bismillahi tawakkaltu `alal-lah. wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah
With Allah’s name. I rely in Allah. There is no power to do good or abstain from evil except with the help
of Allah.

6. When Slaughtering An Animal
Anas (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) reported that Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam
sacrificed two horned rams of white color with black markings over them. He also stated:

25. I saw him sacrificing them with his own hand and saw him placing his foot on their sides, and recited
in the name of Allah and Glorified Him

Bismillahi Allahu Akbar
In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, An-Nasai, Al-Trimidhi, Ibn Majah]

7. When Fighting For The Cause Of Allah
Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said,
"Fight in the name of Allah and in the way of Allah" [Sahih Muslim]

8. Saying Bismillah Is Recommended Because It Causes Humiliation To The Shaytan
Abul Malih (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) said: I was riding on a mount behind the Prophet (Salla Allahu
‘alayhi wa Sallam). It stumbled. Thereupon I said: May the devil perish! He said:
Do not say: May the devil perish! For if you say that, he will swell so much so that he will be like a
house, and say: By my power. But say Bismillah for when you say that, he will diminish so much so
that he will be like a fly. [An-Nasai, Ahmad and Abu Dawud]

9. When Night Falls
Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said,
"When night falls, stop your children from going out, for the devils spread out at that time. But
when an hour of the night has passed, release them and close the doors and mention Allah's Name,
for Satan does not open a closed door. Tie the mouth of your water-skin and mention Allah's Name;
cover your containers and utensils and mention Allah's Name. Cover them even by placing
something across it, and extinguish your lamps." [Sahih al-Bukhari and Abu Dawud]

26. 10. When Placing The Body Of The Deceased In The Grave
Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said,
"When you are lowering the deceased in the grave you should say In the name of Allah and in
accordance to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah." [Ahmad and Al-Hakim]

11. The Virtues Of Saying Bismillah
Uthman bin Abu al-As Al-Thaqafi (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) reported that he made a complaint of pain to
Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam that he felt in his body at the time he had
become Muslim. Thereupon Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said:
Place your hand at the place where you feel pain in your body and say in the name of Allah
(Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) three times and seven times I seek refuge with Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala)
and with His Power from the evil that I find and that I fear. [Muslim]

12. When Writing A Letter Bismillah Should Also Be Written
Abu Sufyan (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) said that the contents of a letter were as follows:
"In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, (This letter is) from Muhammad the
slave of Allah and His Apostle to Heraclius the ruler of Byzantine. Peace be upon him, who follows
the right path. Furthermore I invite you to Islam, and if you become a Muslim you will be safe, and
Allah will double your reward, and if you reject this invitation of Islam you will be committing a sin
by misguiding your peasants." [Bukhari, Muslim, Al-Trimidhi]
(Queen Sheba) said O chief! Surely an honorable letter has been delivered to me Surely it is from
Sulaiman, and surely it is in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful; [Al-Quran,
Surah Al-Naml, Ayahs 29-30]

27. 5. Some Masa’il pertaining to Bismillah

1. Mas’lah 1:
According to Imam Abu Hanifah (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu), it is better to say:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
softly in salaah between Surah Al-Fatihah and any Surah.


2. Mas'lah 2:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Which separates two chapters is not part of that Surah though it is an ayah of the Holy Qur'an.
Therefore it should be given the same honour as any other verse of the Holy Qur’an.


3. Mas'lah 3:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Is an exclusive ayah of Surah Naml in the following verse:


Innahu min sulaymana wa innahu bismillahir-ramanir-rahim

28. 4. Mas'lah 4:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Since it is an ayah of the Holy Qur'an, it is not preferable to write it or hold a paper on which it
(Bismillah) is written, without wudhu.


5. Mas'lah 5:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Since it is a verse of the Holy Qur'an it should be recited at least once aloud in the tarawih prayer.


6. Mas'lah 6:
It is necessary to say:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
when slaughtering an animal. If a person leaves it out intentionally, the animal will not be halal for
consumption according to not only Imam Abu Hanifah (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) but all the Fuqaha
Imams Ma'ariful Qur'an


7. Mas'lah 7:
When slaughtering an animal one should say:

29. Bismillahi Allahu Akbar
In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.


8. Mas'lah 8:
It is sunnah to say Bismillah before wudhu. According to the hadith any of the 4 forms of Tasmiyah
can be read:


Bismillahi
In the Name of Allah

Bismillahi walhamdu lillah.
In the name of Allah, and with His praise.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Bismillahil `azimi walhamdu lillahi `aladinil islam
In the name of Allah the great, and with His praise, upon the religion of Islam.

30. 9. Mas'lah 9:
When lowering the dead into the grave the following form of Tasmiyah should be read:


Bismillahi wa `ala millati rasulil-lah
In the name of Allah and on the religion of the Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam.

31. 6. Stories of Bismillah

1. The Story Of The Roman King. It is mentioned in Mudhihul Qur'an that a Roman king wrote to Umar
(RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) that he had continuous headaches and to kindly send him some medication.
Umar (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) sent him a hat. As long as the King wore the hat on his head he would
feel well. However. when he took it off, the headache would return. The King was amazed so he
took off the hat and inspecting it carefully found the following words inscribed inside:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

2. The Story Of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) Forgiving A Father. It is reported that prophet Isa Alayhi
As-Salaam passed by a grave whose inmate was being tormented. After some days he happened to
pass by the same grave again but on this occasion there was no punishment and the inmate was in
great comfort. This surprised him a great deal and He asked Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala): “Lord,
what brought about Your mercy so that you have lifted the punishment from this person?” Allah
(Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) replied: “O Isa, when the man died, he left behind a child. When his mother
took him to the madrasah, the child said:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
in the presence of the teacher. It does not befit me to keep on punishing his father while he called
me Rahman and Rahim. Hence, I forgave him.

3. Bishr Haafi's Incident. Bashr Haafi once saw a paper with the inscription:

32. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
lying on the ground. He picked it up. He had 2 Dirhams in his pocket with which he bought perfume
and smeared it on the paper. That night he saw a dream where he was told : “O Bishr Haafi, just as
you have honoured my name, in the same way I shall make you popular in the world and in the
hereafter”.

4. Abu Muslim Khaulani's Incident. Abu Muslim Khaulani had a slave girl who used to serve him. For
some time she was feeding him food mixed with poison to kill him. After a number of weeks she
saw no signs of illness. She told him what she had been doing and she asked him why no harm was
coming to him? He, in turn asked her why she was doing this. She replied that he had grown old and
it was her desire to become free as soon as possible. This could only happen if he died. He replied
that no harm came to him because it is his practice to say;

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
before taking any food or drink. Thereafter, he set her free so she could marry whoever she desired.

5. The Story Of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) Forgiving A Qadhi (Judge) - A certain Qadhi passed away
while his wife was expecting. When the child grew up, his mother took him to the madrasah. When
he said:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
in the presence of the teacher for the first time, Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) lifted the punishment
from his father. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) said to Jibreel Alayhi As-Salaam: “O Jibreel, it does no
befit me to keep on punishing the father while his child remembers me with

33. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

6. A Fascinating Story Of A Jewish Girl. It is mentioned in Lam'aate Soofiyyah that a pious man was
once lecturing on the virtues of:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A Jewish girl was also listening to his lecture. She was so moved by the lecture that she accepted
Islam. Whenever she did anything she always said:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
When her father, who was the king's minister, discovered that she had embraced Islam, he became
very upset. He feared that the people would look down upon him. He began threatening her in the
hope that she would forsake Islam but she would not. Finally, he decided, the only solution was to
kill her. Thus, he thought of a plan. He gave her the ring which was used for sealing letters and
documents in the king's court. He said to her: “Keep it until I ask for it.” Saying:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
She took it and put it in her pocket. That night the father tip-toed into her room and stole the ring
and flung it into the river. That would give the king all the reason to hang her. The following day a

34. fisherman came along to the minister and gave him a fish as a gift. The minister took it and gave it to
his daughter to prepare it. As soon as she opened the stomach to clean the fish she found the ring.
She was shocked! For it looked exactly like the ring her father had given her! She searched for the
ring in her pocket but couldn't find it. She read:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
and put the ring back into her pocket. She prepared the fish and presented it to her father. He ate
the fish. He then asked for the ring. She said:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
and produced it from her pocket. The father was shocked for he had thrown it into the river! How
could she take it out from her pocket! He told her what he had done and asked her where she got it
from. She told him she found it from the fish's stomach. Witnessing the barakah of Bismillah he
accepted Islam straight away!

7. The Story Of Khalid (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu). On one occasion, Khalid (RadiyaAllahu ‘Anhu) had
surrounded the enemy. They challenged his claim that Islam is a true religion and requested some
proof. They brought him a cup filled with poison. He said Bismillah and drank it. Observing that no
harm came to him, they all embraced Islam.

8. The Story Of Faqih Muhammad Zamani. Faqih Muhammad Zamani had a severe fever. His teacher
Faqih Wali Muhammad came to pay him a visit and gave him an amulet requesting him not to open
it, and then departed. As soon as he wore it the fever disappeared. Becoming curious, he opened it
and found:

35. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
written in it. This made him lose his confidence in the amulet and the fever returned. He reverted
to his teacher and offering his apology asked for another amulet. The teacher obliged and gave him
another one. He wore it and once again his fever again disappeared. He opened it after a year and
to his surprise, found:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
written in it. By this time he was cured and his yaqeen in following words grew tremendously:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

36. 7. Test yourself
1. What is the English translation of Bismillah?
2. Describe 2 ways how the verbal and practical teachings of Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu
‘Alayhi Wa Sallam broadly guide us?
3. What did Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam advise his Ummah to do before
doing any work?
4. How does saying Bismillah bring you close to Allah and why?
5. What happened when Bismillah was revealed?
6. Any project beginning with Bismillah, is granted ----------- from the beginning to the end.
7. What three Allah names are contained in Bismillah?
8. How many names does Allah have in total & how have they been revealed?
9. What rewards result from teaching children to say Bismillah?
10. How many angels of Jahannam are there and how many letters in Bismillah?
11. Is it true that Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam reportedly said that any du’a
that begins with Bismillah is not rejected?
12. If you want to overpower an tyrant/oppressor how many times do you say Bismillah, and which
du’a should you finish with?
13. How many times should you read Bismillah before you go to sleep?
14. Why should you shut the door of your house/shop while reading Bismillah?
15. What can you do to strengthen your memory?
16. Why should you read Bismillah before taking off your clothes?
17. What happens if you read Bismillah 786 times, blow in the water and let an enemy or anyone else
drink it? What is the exception?
18. What does the below mean?

37. 19. What can you do If you want to be respected and honored (clue: how many times should you write
Bismillah and keep it with you)?
20. If you want your pain to be relieved what can you do (clue: how many times do you have to read
Bismillah & for how many days)?
21. Who said: ‘It will be a means of safeguarding them against sickness; a means of granting riches to
the destitute; a means of freedom against the fire; a means of safety against being swallowed by
the earth; a means of safety against faces becoming distorted; and a means of safety from stones
raining down from the heavens. ‘*Ghunyatut Talibin+
22. Why do some scholars say Bismillah out loud before eating?
23. What must you do prior to beginning wudhu for wudhu to be complete?
24. What did Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam say when leaving the house?
25. What should you say (and what is the English Translation) whilst slaughtering an animal?
26. What precaution should you take when night falls?
27. How should you drink water?
28. ‘….and say in the name of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) three times and seven times I seek refuge
with Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) and with His Power from the evil that I find and that I
fear’*Muslim+. When should you say this?
29. What can you do to improve your sustenance within 1 year insha-Allah?
30. What can you do If you are facing severe difficulties and have needs that required to be fulfilled?
31. Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said that the angel Jibreel Alayhi As-Salaam
made a mention of this hadith under oath that he heard it from the angel Mika'il Alayhi As-Salaam
under oath who heard it from the angel Israfeel Alayhi As-Salaam under oath that Allah
(Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) said; “By my honour, grace and grandeur, whoever reads --------- and
Surah --------- jointly once, then you be witness that I shall not burn his tongue and I will save
him from the fire as well as the punishment of the grave and on the day of Qiyamah.
32. Describe the story of the Jewish girl who accepted Islam and used to say Bismillah before doing
anything.
33. What is the story Of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) forgiving a Qadhi (Judge)?

38. Sources
The following sources have been used in compiling this document – may Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala)
bless all the authors of, and contributors to those sources in this world and the next. Ameen.
 Madini Panj Surah (Sheikh Muhammad Ilyas Ataar Qadri Razwi)
 The Blessings of Bismillah (Azhar Academy)
 Bismillah-its-blessings.pdf
 http://deoband.org
 http://www.tafsir.com
 http://abdurrahman.org

39. ----------¤---¤---¤----------

We ask Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) to help us in our endeavours and to grant reward to the authors of
the source materials and this document and to those who have contributed to, and read this book.
We ask Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) that He makes us from those who truly seek His guidance, who
praise and glorify Him, and who are blessed by their actions being accepted.
We ask Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala), that he grants us the intercession of his beloved, our beloved, the
blessed Sayyadina Muhammad Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam and gives us death in the state of Imaan.
Ameen.

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Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
I begin in the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is for Allah. Darood / Salawaat / Blessings and
Salaam / Peace on Muhammad, his Family, and his Companions
Allahumma Salli Ala Muhammadin Wa Ala Alay
Muhammadin Kama Sallaita Ala Ibraheema Wa Ala Alay
Ibraheema Innaka Hameedum Majeed
Allahumma Barik Ala Muhammadin Wa Ala Alay
Muhammadin Kama Barakta Ala Ibraheema Wa Ala Alay
Ibraheema Innaka Hameedum Majeed

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