"Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim" � "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful." These are often the very first Arabic words a Muslim child learns. But why do we say them so often, and when exactly should we say them?
The Opening of the Quran
Every surah of the Quran begins with Bismillah except one � Surah At-Tawbah. It also appears inside Surah An-Naml, in the letter of Prophet Sulaiman (AS) to the Queen of Sheba (27:30). When we start something with Bismillah, we are asking Allah to put blessing (barakah) in it.
A Lesson the Prophet ? Taught a Child
'Umar ibn Abi Salamah was a young boy whose hand used to wander all over the plate. The Prophet ? gently told him: "O boy, say Bismillah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is in front of you." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5376; Sahih Muslim, 2022). Notice how kindly he taught � a great example for parents and teachers.
When Do We Say Bismillah?
- Before eating and drinking. If you forget, say when you remember: "Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu" � "In the name of Allah at its beginning and its end" (Abu Dawud, 3767; Tirmidhi, 1858).
- When entering the home. The Prophet ? said that when a person mentions Allah on entering and when eating, Shaytan says to his companions: "No place to stay and no dinner for you." (Sahih Muslim, 2018)
- When closing the door at night and covering food and drink (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3280).
- Before reading the Quran, starting wudu, getting dressed and beginning any good task.
Bismillah Builds Good Habits
Saying Bismillah reminds us that everything we have comes from Allah. It helps children pause before they act, think about what they are doing, and only start things that are good.
For Kids: The Bismillah Game
For one whole day, try to say Bismillah before everything you start � eating, drinking, putting on shoes, opening a book. Ask your family to remind you if you forget. How many times did you say it?
Quick Quiz
- Which surah does not begin with Bismillah? (Surah At-Tawbah)
- What do we say if we forget Bismillah before eating? (Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu)
- Which hand do we eat with? (The right hand)
Recite Bismillah Beautifully
Bismillah is the first verse many children learn in Noorani Qaida and Tajweed classes.
Tehfiz-ul-Quran Academy offers one-on-one online Quran classes for children and adults, scheduled in your time zone. Book a 3-day free trial.