Discover the meaning of the term bismillah (بسم الله) in Islamic vocabulary.
Contents :
Updated on 11 April 2026 at 1:05 AM
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The basmala: the saying "bismillah" (in the name of Allah); it is the formula by which the Muslim begins every weighty action, such as eating, drinking, performing ablution and the like, seeking Allah's help and the blessing of His name.
When to say it? Before beginning any weighty action
﴿بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ﴾
« In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. »
Surah الفاتحة : 1
﴿۞ وَقَالَ ٱرْكَبُوا۟ فِيهَا بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ مَجْر۪ىٰهَا وَمُرْسَىٰهَآ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى لَغَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ﴾
« And [Noah] said, "Embark therein; in the name of Allah is its course and its anchorage. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful." »
Surah هود : 41
﴿إِنَّهُۥ مِن سُلَيْمَـٰنَ وَإِنَّهُۥ بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ﴾
« Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it reads: 'In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, »
Surah النمل : 30