Bism Allah al-Rahman al-Rahim
 | |
| Verse's Information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bism Allah al-Rahman al-Rahim |
| Sura | All the suras except Al-Tawba |
| Verse | First of all suras and end of Qur'an 27:30 |
| Juz' | All thirty Juz's of Qur'an |
| Topic | belief |
Bism Allah al-Rahman al-Rahim (Arabic: بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحیم (lit; In the name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful), or the Basmala, is a verse from the Quran that appears at the beginning of all suras except Sura al-Tawba. Virtues have been attributed to this verse in hadiths; for instance, it is considered the most noble and greatest verse of the Quran.
Muslim scholars consider "Bism Allah al-Rahman al-Rahim" one of the most significant Islamic phrases and recommend reciting it at the beginning of any speech or action.
According to the fatwas of Islamic jurists, touching the written Basmala without wudu (ritual ablution) is prohibited. Additionally, it is obligatory to recite "Bism Allah al-Rahman al-Rahim" during hunting and the [[Dhabh |lawful slaughter]] of animals.
The Imamiyya and some Sunni scholars believe that the Basmala is an independent verse in each sura and is part of that sura. However, some Sunni scholars argue that it is an independent verse only in Sura al-Fatiha and part of it, while others contend that even in Sura al-Fatiha, it is not an independent verse but is recited at the beginning of all suras (except Sura al-Tawba) for blessings.
Significance of "Bism Allah" in Islamic Culture
Muhammad Jawad Mughniyya, in his Quranic exegesis al-Kashif, stated that "Bism Allah al-Rahman al-Rahim" is considered the slogan of Muslims after the Shahadatayn (the two testimonies of faith), and they begin their speech and actions by reciting it. According to Morteza Motahhari, this phrase is one of the most significant Islamic slogans, and to ensure it is not forgotten, Muslims should write it on beautiful and elegant plaques, hang them on the walls of their homes, and recite it aloud at the beginning of their tasks.
It is said that a common practice among Muslim Iranians was to write this phrase on stone or tile and place it above the entrance of homes to seek blessings in the name of God and protect the household from calamities. Due to the frequent use of "Bism Allah" at the beginning of tasks, this phrase in Persian language and popular culture is sometimes used in place of expressions like "here you are," "hurry up," or "start." Additionally, at the beginning of theses and books, "Bism Allah al-Rahman al-Rahim" or its translation or similar expressions are written.
It is said that in the early days of his prophethood, the Prophet (s) used the phrase "Bismik Allahumma" (In Your name, O Allah) at the beginning of letters and similar tasks. This continued until the verse "He said, Board it: In the Name of Allah (Bism Allah) it shall set sail and cast anchor" was revealed, after which he used "Bism Allah." Later, following the revelation of Qur'an 17:110, he began using "Bism Allah al-Rahman." Finally, after the revelation of the verse "It is from Solomon, and it begins in the name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful," the Prophet adopted the full phrase "Bism Allah al-Rahman al-Rahim." Some believe that this phrase was the first verse revealed to the Prophet (s) alongside the verses of Sura al-'Alaq.
The phrase "Bism Allah al-Rahman al-Rahim" is also referred to as "Basmala" and "Tasmiya."
Virtues
At the beginning of every task, whether small or great, say: "Bism Allah al-Rahman al-Rahim".
Hadiths regarding the virtues of the Basmala are cited in both Shia and Sunni exegesis and hadith sources. Al-Qurtubi, in his Quranic exegesis, quotes Imam 'Ali (a) as saying that the Basmala is a cure for every ailment and an aid to every remedy. According to a hadith from Imam al-Rida (a) in Tafsir al-'Ayyashi, this verse is the most noble and greatest verse of the Quran. Additionally, some hadiths state that writing the Basmala beautifully to honor God leads to forgiveness and mercy, and reciting it brings salvation from the fire of Hell. It is also narrated that the secrets of all divine scriptures are encompassed in the Quran, all that is in the Quran is contained in Sura al-Fatiha, and all that is in Sura al-Fatiha is encapsulated in its Basmala.
Beginning the Tasks with the Name of God
Every important matter that does not begin with "Bism Allah" is cut off.
Quranic exegetes state that "Bism Allah al-Rahman al-Rahim" is recited at the start of tasks to ensure they are accompanied by the name and remembrance of God. According to Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabataba'i in his exegesis al-Mizan, God began the Quran with His name, the most exalted of names, so that His words carry His sign and remembrance. Through this, He taught His servants to begin their actions and speech with His name, so that their behavior and words become godly and bear the mark of God.
The Meaning of "Bism Allah"
Some Quranic exegetes suggest that the letter "ba" in "Bism" signifies "beginning," implying that when someone says "Bism Allah," they are starting their action in the name of God. Others argue that the letter "ba" carries no specific meaning in this context; rather, saying "Bism Allah" is simply a way to invoke God's name and seek blessings at the outset of speech or action.
Another group of interpreters considers the letter "ba" in "Bism Allah" to signify seeking help. In this sense, "Bism Allah" translates to "I seek help with the name of God." Some Shia exegetes have accepted this meaning based on hadiths transmitted from the Imams.
Some other exegetes state that since there is no repetition in the Quran, "Bism Allah al-Rahman al-Rahim" in each sura carries a specific meaning related to the content of that surah. In Tafsir al-'Ayyashi, a hadith from Imam al-Sadiq (a) regarding the interpretation of "Bism Allah" explains that the "ba" in "Bism" signifies "Baha' Allah" (the radiance of God), the "sin" represents "Sana' Allah" (the transcendence of God), and the "mim" denotes "Majd Allah" (the majesty of God).
Jurisprudential Rulings of Basmala
Islamic jurists have outlined rulings related to the Basmala in various chapters, such as purification, prayer, marriage, hunting, slaughtering, and food and drink. Some of these rulings are as follows:
- Touching the Basmala: According to the prevalent view among Shia jurists, touching the written Basmala without wudu is prohibited, as it is considered a verse of the Quran and contains the name and attributes of God. It is also stated that touching the written Basmala is forbidden for a person in a state of major ritual impurity (junub).
- Basmala in Prayer Recitation: According to the consensus of Shia jurists, the Basmala is an integral part of all suras except Sura al-Tawba, and therefore, its recitation is obligatory in the suras recited during prayer.
- Hunting and Lawful Slaughter: According to the fatwas of jurists, reciting "Bism Allah" is a condition for lawful slaughter. Similarly, in hunting, "Bism Allah" must be said when sending a hunting dog toward the prey or when shooting an arrow at it. If it is intentionally omitted, the meat of the hunted animal is not considered halal.
Reciting "Bism Allah" is recommended (mustahabb) during "wudu", at the beginning of marital relations, and before eating food or drinking beverages.
Is Basmala an Independent Verse of the Quran?
According to Rashid Rida (1282–1354 AH/1865-1935), a Lebanese exegete, since the Basmala is part of Qur'an 27:30, all Muslims agree that it is a verse of the Quran. However, there is disagreement regarding whether it is considered an independent verse at the beginning of other suras. Al-Alusi, a Sunni exegete, in his exegesis, Ruh al-ma'ani, lists ten viewpoints, some of which are as follows:
- The Imamiyya, some of the Prophet's companions (Sahaba) and their successors (Tabi'un), Shafi'i, most of his followers, and among the seven canonical Quranic reciters, 'Asim and Kisa'i, hold the view that the Basmala is an independent verse and part of all suras except Sura al-Tawba. Some of their reasons for this view include:
1. The consensus of the companions that in the first compiled Quran (mushaf), the Basmala was included at the beginning of every sura except Sura al-Tawba.
2. Hadith in both Sunni and Shia sources from the Prophet and Shia Imams state that the Basmala is an independent verse and part of each sura.
3. The practice of Muslims since the time of the Prophet has been to recite the Basmala at the beginning of all suras except Sura al-Tawba. If the Basmala were not part of the Quran, the Prophet would have clarified this to prevent misguidance among Muslims.
Malik b. Anas, Abu Hanifa and his followers, Abu 'Umar, Ya'qub b. Ishaq from among the Basran reciters, and some other scholars consider the Basmala an independent verse intended solely for blessings and to mark the beginning and separation of suras. They do not regard it as part of any sura except for its occurrence in verse 30 of Sura al-Naml.
Ahmad b. Hanbal, Hamza (one of the seven canonical Quranic reciters), and certain other scholars believe that the Basmala is an independent verse solely in Sura al-Fatiha and is considered an integral part of this sura.
The Difference Between “al-Rahman” and “al-Rahim” in the Basmala
“Al-Rahman” and “al-Rahim” are two of God's divine attributes, which most Quranic exegetes believe are derived from the root “rahma” (mercy). The majority of exegetes assert that “al-Rahman” is an attribute exclusive to God, signifying His all-encompassing mercy that embraces all His servants, whether believers or non-believers. In contrast, the attribute “al-Rahim” denotes His continuous and everlasting mercy, which is specifically reserved for His believing servants.
According to some exegetes, the universal aspect of God's attribute of “Rahman” toward all His servants lies in His creation of them and provision of their sustenance. The specific attribution of God's attribute “Rahim” to believers is due to His granting them success in this worldly life and, in the Hereafter, bestowing upon them Paradise and forgiving their sins.
Mystical Interpretation
In mystical texts and exegeses, esoteric meanings have been attributed to the letters of the Basmala. Some have stated that God brought all beings into existence through the letter “ba” of “Bism Allah.” Ibn 'Arabi has correlated the shape of the letter “ba” in Arabic (ب), its dot, and its vowel mark with the three realms: the shape of the “ba” represents the realm of Malakut (the angelic realm), its dot signifies the realm of Jabarut (the divine power realm), and its vowel mark corresponds to the realm of Shahada (the visible world). Similarly, 'Abd al-Razzaq al-Kashani, in his Quranic exegesis, has interpreted the letter “ba” in “Bism Allah” as a reference to the First Intellect (‘Aql Awwal) or the First Emanation (Sadir Awwal).
According to Mulla Husayn Va'iz Kashifi in Jawahir al-Tafsir, the letter “Alif” refers to the Sacred Essence. As the first letter of the alphabet, it corresponds to the Exalted Truth (God) as the origin of all things. Furthermore, since it lacks any diacritical mark, it aligns with the Absolute Existence, which is free from all limitations and conditions.
In certain mystical texts and exegeses, “Rahman” is understood as the One who bestows existence and perfection upon all beings, in accordance with divine wisdom and their respective capacities. Conversely, “Rahim” is interpreted as the One who grants specific spiritual perfection to humankind.
Application in Works of Art
The Basmala is among the verses that have garnered significant attention from calligraphers, resulting in a diverse array of artworks written in various calligraphic styles throughout history. The inscription of the Basmala has also been prominently featured in the art of tilework, a key decorative and architectural art form in Iran, with examples adorning the entrances of homes, mosque mihrabs, and sacred sites. Additionally, Muslim artisans have created numerous works featuring the Basmala through techniques such as mosaic and toreutics (metal engraving).
In Persian poetry and literature, the Basmala has occasionally been incorporated into a single verse of a couplet. Additionally, poems have been composed regarding its theme and content, emphasizing the recommendation to begin tasks with the name of God.
In Persian literature, the term “Bism Allah” has found its way into expressions such as “murgh-i bismil”, meaning a slaughtered bird, and “murgh-i nim-bismil,” referring to a half-alive bird. Additionally, the term “bismil-gah” is used to denote a place of sacrifice or slaughter.
Imam 'Ali:
At the beginning of every task, whether small or great, say: “Bism Allah al-Rahman al-Rahim.”
The Prophet:
Every significant matter that does not begin with “Bism Allah” is incomplete.