Bismillah : The Opening Sentence

The Opening Bismillah

___The calligraphed sentence at the top of this page sentence is pronounced as "Bismil - Lahir - Rahmanir - Raheem" which translates into "In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Ever Merciful".

___Muslims pronounce "Bismil-Lah" (In the Name of God) before initiating any action. Muslims repeat it during prayers, before eating, before reading, before studying, ...etc. It can be noticed that all chapters of the Quran start with the sentence : "Bismil-Lahir-Rahmanir-Raheem" (In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Ever Merciful ). The extra words after "In the Name of God" are Attributive Names of God. The Quran contains 99 Attributive Names of God. The following is an excerpt from chapter 59, verses 22 to 24, lists just a few:

⁽²²⁾He is Allah, other than whom there is no other God, the Knower of the invisible, and the visisble. He is the Benificent, the Merciful.

⁽²³⁾He is Allah, other than whom there is no other God, the Sovereign Lord, the Holly One, the Peace, the Keeper of Faith, the Guardian, the Majestic, the Compeller, the Superb, Glorified be Allah from all that they ascribe as partner (to Him) !

⁽²⁴⁾He is Allah, the Creator, the Shaper out of nothing, the Fashioner, His are the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and earth glorifies Him, and He is Almighty, the Wise."

( Translation of the Quran 59:22-24)

___Muslims use these Names to call onto God at anytime. During prayer, or supplication, in hardship, or time of need, or in a state of happiness to thank Him. This leads to a heightened level of awareness and self-control. It also brings about a feeling of security, self esteem, and confidence especially when knowing that a task has been started by asking the support of God.

___Muslims use the word "Allah" for the English word "God". They do not believe that Allah is 'their' God only, or that He is 'a god'. The Islamic message revolves around the beleif in One and only One God, Who is Perfect, nothing is similar to Him, and He has no equal or associates in His power.