A small word with a big meaning
“Bismillah” is Arabic and means “In the name of Allah” (Allah is the Arabic word for God). The longer form is “Bismillāhir-raḥmānir-raḥīm” – “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful”. Almost every surah in the Quran begins with these words.
When do people say Bismillah?
- Before eating and drinking
- Before starting homework or learning
- Before setting off or starting a journey
- Really, before every good thing you begin
Try it!
Say “Bismillah” before dinner today – maybe your whole family will join in. And after the meal many people say “Alhamdulillah”: “Praise be to God”.
