The Secrets of Bismillah - 282

Est. Read time: 3 min
Edition Number: 282
Adapted from: Prophetic Character: Tafsīr of Surah Qalam
Instructor: Imam Ali Hofioni

Assalamu Alaykum,

Today’s gem is from Imam Ali Hofioni’s course: Prophetic Character: Tafsīr of Surah Qalam. In this gem, Imam Ali Hofioni explains that starting anything with Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim invites Allah’s ﷻ blessings and ensures the success and barakah of any endeavor.

Hope you enjoy!

We begin in the Name of Allah ﷻ, the Most Merciful and Compassionate,
We ask that He ﷻ sends Peace and Blessings upon our noble and beloved
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim—this is a phrase we recite regularly. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The words Rahman and Rahim have different translations at times. 

Imam Qurtubi mentions that the Qur’an contains many secrets—secrets that are meant to be discovered rather than openly disclosed or advertised. That’s the very nature of a secret: it is something to be uncovered by those who seek knowledge and understanding.

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged us to recite Bismillah or Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim before performing any action of significance. In the well-known hadith, the Prophet ﷺ states:

كُلُّ أَمْرٍ ذِي بَالٍ لَا يُبْدَأُ بِبِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ فَهُوَ أَبْتَرٌ

"Every important matter that does not begin with Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim remains incomplete and devoid of blessings."

This highlights the immense significance of beginning our affairs with the name of Allah. Saying Bismillah brings barakah and ensures completeness in what we do. The Basmillah is not just a phrase—it is a powerful statement of reliance upon Allah, and it has been used by the prophets before us in their actions and supplications.

May Allah ﷻ grant us the ability to begin every action with Your blessed name, so our deeds may be filled with barakah, wisdom, and success in this life and the hereafter.

أقول قولي هذا وأستغفر الله لي ولكم، فاستغفروه إنه هو الغفور الرحيم

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