Bismillahirrahmanirrahim Meaning: Literally and in Sharia

Table of Contents

Hi, dear readers! Are you searching for a comprehensive explanation of bismillahirrahmanirrahim meaning, both literally and in the context of Sharia? If your answer is "Yes," congratulations! You've come to the right place. This article will provide you with detailed insights into this significant topic. As Muslims, understanding the meaning of bismillahirrahmanirrahim is essential. That's why I've written this article—so make sure to read it until the end!

In this article, I'll cover the following key points:

• The Literal Meaning of Bismillahirrahmanirrahim
• The Meaning of Bismillahirrahmanirrahim in Sharia

The Literal Meaning of Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

The first important aspect of bismillahirrahmanirrahim meaning is its literal definition. Understanding this is crucial before delving into its interpretation in Sharia.

The Arabic Sentence

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim is an Arabic phrase written as:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَانِ الرَّحِيْمِ

This sentence comprises five words, each of which carries profound meaning:

• "Bi (بِ)": Means "with."
• "Ismi (اسْمِ)": Means "name."
• "Allah (اللهِ)": Refers to "God." This is one of the names of the God of Muslims.
• "Ar-Rahmani (الرَّحْمَانِ)": Means "The Most Merciful in the world," according to one interpretation.
• "Ar-Rahimi (الرَّحِيْمِ)": Means "The Most Merciful in this world and the Hereafter," according to one interpretation.

This is the literal meaning of bismillahirrahmanirrahim, which every Muslim should understand deeply.

The Meaning of Bismillahirrahmanirrahim in Sharia

The second important aspect of bismillahirrahmanirrahim meaning is its interpretation within the framework of Sharia. This understanding is essential for Muslims, as it is closely tied to worship and daily practices. Below are two key perspectives:

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim as Dua

In Islam, بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَانِ الرَّحِيْمِ is regarded as one of the best forms of dua. Muslims are encouraged to recite it before starting any activity. This practice ensures that actions are performed with good intentions and receive blessings.

This concept is supported by the following hadith:

قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: كُلُّ أَمْرٍ ذِيْ بَالٍ لَا يُبْدَأُ بِاسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَانِ الرَّحِيْمِ فَهُوَ أَبْتَرُ

The Prophet (Muhammad) sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: "Every important matter that does not begin with saying 'Bismillahirrahmanirrahim' will be cut off from blessings."

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim in Prayer

There is a difference of opinion among Islamic scholars regarding the recitation of bismillahirrahmanirrahim during prayer. Below are the differing views:

Shafi'i School

The Shafi'i school considers bismillahirrahmanirrahim to be a part of Surah Al-Fatihah, which means it must be recited during prayer. Their evidence includes the following hadith:

عَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَّهُ قَالَ : إِذَا قَرَأْتُمْ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ , فَاقْرَؤُوْا بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَانِ الرَّحِيْمِ , إِنَّهَا أُمُّ الْقُرْآنِ , وَأُمُّ الْكِتَابِ , وَالسَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِيُّ , وَبِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَانِ الرَّحِيْمِ أَحَدُ آيَاتِهَا

From Abu Hurairah (RA), the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: "If you recite 'Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alamin,' then recite 'Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.' It is part of Surah Al-Fatihah."

Maliki School

The Maliki school holds that bismillahirrahmanirrahim is not part of Surah Al-Fatihah. Therefore, it is not obligatory to recite it in prayer. Their view is supported by this hadith:

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ : كَانَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَفْتَتِحُ الصَّلَاةَ بِالتَّكْبِيْرِ , وَالْقِرَاءَةَ بِالْحَمْدِ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ

From Aisha (RA): "The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam started the prayer with Takbir and began reciting 'Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alamin.'"

Hanafi School

The Hanafi school believes that bismillahirrahmanirrahim is a verse revealed to separate chapters of the Quran, but it is not part of Surah Al-Fatihah. Hence, it is not mandatory to recite it in prayer. This view is based on the following narration:

رُوِيَ عَنْ اِبْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا : أَنَّ رَسُوْلَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كَانَ لَا يَعْرِفُ فَصْلَ السُّوْرَةِ حَتَّى يَنْزِلَ عَلَيْهِ بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَانِ الرَّحِيْمِ

It is narrated from Ibn Abbas (RA): "The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam did not know the separation of surahs until 'Bismillahirrahmanirrahim' was revealed to him."

Conclusion

Dear readers, this is a comprehensive explanation of bismillahirrahmanirrahim meaning, both literally and in the context of Sharia. Understanding its significance helps us strengthen our faith and align our actions with Islamic teachings.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask. I hope this article is beneficial for you. Ameen.

See you in the next article!