Tafsir of Surah Al-Fatihah 1: Bismillah
The first verse of Surah Al-Fatihah, “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim,” is one of the most important and blessed verses in the Qur’an. Tafsir works contain numerous narrations from the Prophet (ﷺ), the Companions, and the Tabi‘un explaining this verse.
The phrase “Bismillah” teaches Muslims to begin every action in the name of Allah. It represents an essential foundation of Islamic faith and worship. “Ar-Rahman” and “Ar-Rahim” convey the meanings of Allah’s infinite mercy and compassion.
In Tafsir Ad-Durr al-Manthur, numerous narrations are compiled concerning this verse. They indicate that “Bismillah” is not merely an introductory phrase; rather, it is associated with blessing, mercy, and protection from Satan.
Islamic scholars explain that this verse contains profound lessons about Tawhid, worship, and complete reliance upon Allah. Reciting “Bismillah” before Qur’an recitation, supplication, acts of worship, and various daily activities is a means of blessing and goodness.
In this discussion, the detailed tafsir, virtues, and lessons of the first verse of Surah Al-Fatihah, “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim,” are presented in light of Tafsir Ad-Durr al-Manthur.
Translated from Tafsir Ad-Durr al-Manthur by Imam As-Suyuti (رحمه الله)
Translated and published by Darussaadat
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ (1)
1. In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
How the Prophet (ﷺ) Recited Surah Al-Fatihah
Imam Abu ‘Ubayd, Ibn Sa‘d in At-Tabaqat, Ibn Abi Shaybah, Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Ibn Khuzaymah, Ibn al-Anbari in his Masahif, Ad-Daraqutni, Al-Hakim, Al-Bayhaqi, Al-Khatib, and ‘Abd al-Barr—all of them in their respective works—narrated from Umm Salamah (رضي الله عنها).
She said:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would recite Surah Al-Fatihah verse by verse, beginning with Bismillah and continuing to the end. He would recite it distinctly, as the Arabs would count, and he counted Bismillah as well rather than reciting it in the manner assumed by some people.
What Should One Begin the Prayer With?
Imam Ibn Abi Hatim, At-Tabarani, Ad-Daraqutni, and Al-Bayhaqi narrated through a weak chain from Buraydah (رضي الله عنه), who said:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“I will tell you about a verse or a surah which was not revealed to any prophet after Sulayman (عليه السلام) except me.”
Buraydah (رضي الله عنه) said that the Prophet (ﷺ) proceeded, and he followed him until they reached the door of the mosque. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stepped out with one foot while the other remained inside the mosque.
I thought to myself that perhaps he had forgotten to tell me about the surah. He then turned toward me and said:
“When you begin the prayer, what do you begin the Qur’an with?”
I replied, “With Bismillah.”
He (ﷺ) said, “That is it, that is it.” Then he left the mosque.
Bismillah Is a Verse
Imam Ibn Jurayj narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
He said:
“Bismillah is a verse.”
Why Do People Forget to Say Bismillah?
Imam Sa‘id ibn Mansur in his Sunan, Ibn Khuzaymah in his Kitab al-Basmalah, and Al-Bayhaqi narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
He said:
“Satan has stolen Bismillah from people,” meaning that because of this, they forget to say Bismillah.
Bismillah Was Revealed to Two Prophets
Imam Abu ‘Ubayd, Ibn Mardawayh, and Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab al-Iman narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
He said:
“People have become heedless of a verse from the Book of Allah that was not revealed to any prophet before our Prophet (ﷺ), except Sulayman (عليه السلام). It is Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.”
Bismillah Was Revealed with Every Surah
Imam Ad-Daraqutni, through a weak chain, narrated from Ibn ‘Umar (رضي الله عنهما):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“When Jibril (عليه السلام) would bring revelation to me, he would first recite Bismillah.”
The Narration of ‘Umar (رضي الله عنه)
Imam Al-Wahidi narrated from Ibn ‘Umar (رضي الله عنهما):
He said:
“Bismillah was revealed with every surah.”
How the Beginning of a New Surah Was Recognized
Abu Dawud, Al-Bazzar, At-Tabarani, Al-Hakim—who declared the report authentic—and Al-Bayhaqi in Al-Ma‘rifah narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
He said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would not know that a surah had ended or that there was a separation between two surahs until Bismillah was revealed.”
When Bismillah Was Revealed
Al-Bazzar and At-Tabarani added in their narration:
“When Bismillah was revealed, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) knew that the previous surah had ended and the next surah had begun.”
How the Companions Recognized the Revelation of a New Surah
Al-Hakim, who declared the report authentic, and Al-Bayhaqi narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
The Muslims, meaning the Companions, would not know that the revelation of the current surah had ended until Bismillah was revealed. When Bismillah was revealed, they knew that the previous surah had ended.
The Narration of Sa‘id ibn Jubayr (رحمه الله)
Imam Abu ‘Ubayd narrated from Sa‘id ibn Jubayr:
He said:
“During the time of the Prophet (ﷺ), people would not know that a surah had ended until Bismillah was revealed. When Bismillah was revealed, they knew that the previous surah had ended and the next surah had begun.”
Jibril (عليه السلام) Would Recite Bismillah When He Came
Imam At-Tabarani, Al-Hakim, and Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab al-Iman narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
“When Jibril (عليه السلام) came to the Prophet (ﷺ), he would recite Bismillah. The Prophet (ﷺ) would then know that a new surah had been revealed.”
How the Separation Between Two Surahs Was Known
Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab al-Iman and Al-Wahidi narrated from Ibn Mas‘ud (رضي الله عنه):
He said:
“We would not know the separation between two surahs until Bismillah was revealed.”
Reciting Bismillah in Prayer
Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab al-Iman narrated from Ibn ‘Umar (رضي الله عنهما):
He would recite Bismillah in prayer, and when he finished a surah, he would also recite Bismillah. He would say:
“It was written in the Mushaf for the purpose of reciting Bismillah.”
Jibril (عليه السلام) Taught the Method of Prayer
Imam Ad-Daraqutni narrated from Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Jibril (عليه السلام) taught me the prayer. He stood, said the takbir, and recited Bismillah in every rak‘ah.”
Beginning the Recitation with Bismillah
Imam Ath-Tha‘labi narrated from ‘Ali ibn Zayd ibn Jud‘an that the three ‘Abdullahs—‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas, and ‘Abdullah ibn Az-Zubayr (رضي الله عنهم)—would begin their recitation with Bismillah and recite it aloud.
The One Who Omitted Bismillah
Imam Ath-Tha‘labi narrated from Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه):
A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) in the mosque and began his prayer. He recited the opening supplication and the ta‘awwudh, then recited Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin.
When the Prophet (ﷺ) heard his recitation, he said:
“O so-and-so, you have invalidated your prayer. Do you not know that Bismillah is part of Al-Hamd? Whoever omits Bismillah has omitted a verse, and whoever omits a verse from it has invalidated his prayer.”
The Narration of ‘Ali (رضي الله عنه)
Imam Ath-Tha‘labi narrated from ‘Ali (رضي الله عنه):
“When he began reciting a surah in prayer, he would recite Bismillah and say:
‘Whoever omits Bismillah has left something incomplete. It completes the seven oft-repeated verses.’”
A Verse from the Book of Allah
Imam Ath-Tha‘labi narrated from Talhah ibn ‘Ubaydullah:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
مَنْ تَرَكَ {بِسم الله الرَّحْمَن الرَّحِيم} فقد تَرَكَ آية من كِتاب الله
“Whoever omits Bismillah has omitted a verse from the Book of Allah.”
Mu‘awiyah’s (رضي الله عنه) Prayer
Imam Ash-Shafi‘i in Al-Umm, Ad-Daraqutni, Al-Hakim—who declared the report authentic—and Al-Bayhaqi narrated from Mu‘awiyah (رضي الله عنه):
When he came to Madinah, he led the people in prayer but did not recite Bismillah. He also did not say the takbir when going down or rising.
After he completed the prayer, the Muhajirun and Ansar said:
“O Mu‘awiyah, you have stolen something from the prayer. Where was Bismillah and where was the takbir?”
Later, when he led them in prayer again, he recited Bismillah with Surah Al-Fatihah and with the other surah, and he also said the takbir when going into prostration.
The Prophet (ﷺ) Began His Prayer with Bismillah
Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, Ad-Daraqutni, and Al-Bayhaqi narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَفْتَتِحُ صَلَاتَهُ بِ {بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ}
“The Prophet (ﷺ) would begin his prayer with Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.”
Reciting Bismillah with Surah Al-Fatihah
Al-Bazzar, Ad-Daraqutni, and Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab al-Iman narrated through Abu Tufayl:
He said:
“I heard ‘Ali (رضي الله عنه) and ‘Ammar (رضي الله عنه) say that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would recite Bismillah with Surah Al-Fatihah in the obligatory prayers.”
The Practice of Ibn ‘Umar (رضي الله عنه)
At-Tabarani in Al-Awsat, Ad-Daraqutni, and Al-Bayhaqi narrated from Nafi‘ (رحمه الله):
When Ibn ‘Umar (رضي الله عنهما) began the prayer, he would recite Bismillah with Al-Hamd and also recite Bismillah with the other surah.
It is also discussed that he heard this practice from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
Reciting Bismillah Aloud in Prayer
Ad-Daraqutni, Al-Hakim, and Al-Bayhaqi narrated from Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه):
He said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would recite Bismillah aloud in prayer.”
At-Tabarani, Ad-Daraqutni, and Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab al-Iman narrated from Abu Tufayl, while Ad-Daraqutni and Al-Hakim narrated from Anas (رضي الله عنه):
He said:
“I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) recite Bismillah aloud in prayer.”
The Prayer of Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه)
Ad-Daraqutni, Al-Hakim, and Al-Bayhaqi narrated from Nu‘aym al-Mujmir:
“I was behind Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه). He first recited Bismillah and then Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin, continuing until Walad-Dallin. He then said Amin, and the people also said Amin.
When he prostrated, he said the takbir, and when he rose from prostration, he also said the takbir.
After completing the prayer, he said:
‘I am the one among you whose prayer most closely resembles the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).’”
Reciting Bismillah in Both Surahs of the Prayer
Ad-Daraqutni narrated from ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه):
He said:
“I and the Prophet (ﷺ) would recite Bismillah in both surahs of the prayer.”
The Prophet’s (ﷺ) Instruction
Ad-Daraqutni narrated from ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه):
He said:
The Prophet (ﷺ) asked:
“When you stand for prayer, how do you recite?”
I replied, “I begin with Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin.”
He (ﷺ) said:
“Recite Bismillah as well.”
Reciting Bismillah First
Ad-Daraqutni and Al-Bayhaqi narrated from Jabir (رضي الله عنه):
He said:
“The Prophet (ﷺ) said to me, ‘When you pray, how do you recite?’
I replied, ‘I recite Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin.’
He (ﷺ) said, ‘Recite Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim first.’”
The Practice of the Prophet (ﷺ), Abu Bakr, and ‘Umar (رضي الله عنهما)
Ad-Daraqutni narrated from Ibn ‘Umar (رضي الله عنهما):
He said:
“I prayed behind the Prophet (ﷺ), Abu Bakr, and ‘Umar (رضي الله عنهما), and all of them recited Bismillah aloud.”
Jibril (عليه السلام) Recited Bismillah Aloud
Ad-Daraqutni narrated from An-Nu‘man ibn Bashir (رضي الله عنه):
He said:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Jibril (عليه السلام) led me in prayer beside the Ka‘bah, and he recited Bismillah aloud.”
The Narration of Al-Hakam ibn ‘Umayr (رضي الله عنه)
Ad-Daraqutni narrated from Al-Hakam ibn ‘Umayr (رضي الله عنه), who was a veteran of the Battle of Badr:
He said:
“I prayed behind the Prophet (ﷺ). He recited Bismillah aloud in the night prayer, the Fajr prayer, and the Friday prayer.”
The Narration of ‘Aishah (رضي الله عنها)
Ad-Daraqutni narrated from ‘Aishah (رضي الله عنها):
She said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would recite Bismillah aloud.”
Bismillah Is a Verse of Surah Al-Fatihah
Imam Abu ‘Ubayd narrated from Muhammad ibn Ka‘b Al-Qurazi:
He said:
“Surah Al-Fatihah consists of seven verses including Bismillah.”
Ism al-A‘zam
Imam Ibn Abi Hatim in his Tafsir, Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak—who declared the report authentic—Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab al-Iman, Abu Dharr Al-Harawi in Fada’il, and Al-Khatib Al-Baghdadi in his Tarikh narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
‘Uthman (رضي الله عنه) asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about Bismillah.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“It is one of the names of Allah, and the closeness between it and Allah’s Greatest Name is like the closeness between the whiteness and blackness of the eye.”
How ‘Isa (عليه السلام) Explained Bismillah
Imam Ibn Jarir, Ibn ‘Adi in Al-Kamil, Ibn Mardawayh, Abu Nu‘aym in Hilyah, Ibn ‘Asakir in Tarikh Dimashq, and Ath-Tha‘labi—through a very weak chain—narrated from Abu Sa‘id Al-Khudri (رضي الله عنه):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
The mother of ‘Isa (عليه السلام) took him to a teacher so that he could teach him. The teacher told ‘Isa (عليه السلام), “Write Bismillah.”
‘Isa (عليه السلام) asked, “What does Bismillah mean?”
The teacher replied that he did not know. ‘Isa (عليه السلام) then said:
The ba refers to بهاء الله, the splendor of Allah.
The sin refers to سناؤه, the exaltedness of Allah.
The mim refers to مَمْلَكَته, the kingdom of Allah.
Ar-Rahman refers to the Merciful One of this world and the Hereafter.
Ar-Rahim refers to the Especially Merciful One of the Hereafter.
Imam Ibn Abi Hatim narrated a similar report from Ad-Dahhak (رحمه الله).
Jibril’s (عليه السلام) Explanation
Ibn Jurayj and Ibn Abi Hatim narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
“When Jibril (عليه السلام) first came to Muhammad (ﷺ), he said, ‘O Muhammad, recite Bismillah.’ He also said, ‘Recite with the remembrance of Allah.’”
The name Allah refers to the One worthy of worship by all creation.
The word Ar-Rahman is an Arabic word derived from the root related to mercy and used on the pattern الفعلان.
The word Ar-Rahim means the One who is exceedingly merciful to those toward whom He wills mercy, and exceedingly severe toward those toward whom He wills severity.
The Name Allah Is Ism al-A‘zam
Ibn Mardawayh narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
اسْم الله الْأَعْظَم هُوَ الله
“The Greatest Name of Allah is ‘Allah.’”
Allah’s Personal Name Is Ism al-A‘zam
Ibn Abi Shaybah, Al-Bukhari in his Tarikh, Ibn Jurays in Fada’il, and Ibn Abi Hatim narrated from Jabir ibn Yazid:
He said:
“The Greatest Name of Allah is ‘Allah.’ Do you not see that throughout the Qur’an, it is mentioned before the other names?”
“Ya Allah” Is Ism al-A‘zam
Ibn Abi Shaybah and Ibn Abi Ad-Dunya in Kitab ad-Du‘a narrated from Ash-Sha‘bi (رحمه الله):
اسْم الله الْأَعْظَم يَا الله
“The Greatest Name of Allah is: يَا الله — O Allah.”
The Distinctive Nature of Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim
Imam Ibn Jarir narrated from Al-Hasan Al-Basri (رحمه الله):
الرَّحْمَن is an اسْم مَمْنُوع, meaning a protected or exclusive name.
A Name That People Cannot Use for Themselves
Ibn Abi Hatim narrated from Al-Hasan Al-Basri (رحمه الله):
Ar-Rahim is a name that a person cannot use for himself.
For Whom Are the Names Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim?
Ibn Abi Hatim narrated from Ad-Dahhak (رحمه الله):
“Ar-Rahman is for all creation, while Ar-Rahim is specifically for all believers.”
The One Who Shows Friendship and Mercy
Al-Bayhaqi in Al-Asma’ wa As-Sifat narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
Ar-Rahman means “the Friend,” while Ar-Rahim means the One who shows mercy to His creation through sustenance.
These two names demonstrate gentleness and affection, although one indicates a greater degree of mercy than the other.
Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim
Imam Ibn Jarir narrated from ‘Ata Al-Khurasani (رحمه الله):
The name of Allah was Ar-Rahman. When this name was expanded, it became Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim.
A Supplication for Repaying Debt
Al-Bazzar, Al-Hakim, and Al-Bayhaqi in Dala’il narrated through a weak chain from ‘Aishah (رضي الله عنها):
She said:
“My father said to me, ‘Shall I teach you the supplication that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught me? ‘Isa (عليه السلام) taught this supplication to his disciples as well.’
‘Even if you had a debt equal to Mount Uhud, Allah would repay it for you through the blessing of this supplication.’
I said, ‘Of course, tell me.’
He said:
اللَّهُمَّ فَارِجَ الْهَمِّ كَاشِفَ الْغَمِّ
“O Allah, Reliever of distress and Remover of sorrow.”
Another Narration
The narration of Al-Bazzar also contains:
وَ كَاشِفَ الكرب – مُجِيبَ دَعْوَةِ الْمُضْطَرِّينَ رَحْمَانَ الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَرِحِيمَهُمَا أَنْتَ تَرْحَمُنِي رَحْمَةً تُغْنِينِي بِهَا عَمَّن سواك
“Remover of distress, Responder to the supplication of the desperate, Most Compassionate and Especially Merciful in this world and the Hereafter. You alone can have mercy upon me—so grant me a mercy through which I become independent of everyone besides You.”
The Supplication of the Prophet (ﷺ)
Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated from ‘Abd ar-Rahman ibn Thabit:
He said:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would supplicate with these words and teach them to others:
اللَّهُمَّ فَارِجَ الْهَمِّ كَاشِفَ الْغَمِّ وَ كَاشِفَ الكرب – ومُجِيبَ الْمُضْطَرِّينَ ورَحْمَانَ الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَرِحِيمَهُمَا، أَنْتَ تَرْحَمُنِي فَارْحَمْنِي رَحْمَةً تُغْنِينِي بِهَا عَمَّن سواك
“O Allah, Reliever of distress, Remover of sorrow, Remover of hardship, Responder to the supplication of the desperate, Most Compassionate and Especially Merciful in this world and the Hereafter. You alone can have mercy upon me, so have mercy upon me with a mercy through which I become independent of everyone besides You.”
Tafsir of Surah Al-Fatihah
Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab al-Iman narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Allah has revealed to me a surah the like of which was not revealed to any previous prophet or messenger.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) said that Allah says:
“I have divided this surah between Myself and My servant. It is Surah Al-Fatihah. Half is for Me and half is for My servant, and one verse is shared between Me and My servant.”
When the Servant Says Bismillah
When the servant says, “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim,” Allah says:
“My servant has supplicated to Me through two of My names that contain two manifestations of mercy.”
One of them indicates a greater degree of mercy than the other. Ar-Rahim indicates a greater degree of mercy than Ar-Rahman, while both indicate mercy.
When the Servant Says Alhamdulillah
When the servant says الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ, Allah says:
“My servant has expressed gratitude to Me and praised Me.”
When the Servant Says Rabbil ‘Alamin
When the servant says رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ, Allah says:
“My servant has testified that I am the Lord of the worlds.”
That is, the Lord of humans, jinn, angels, devils, all creation, and everything that exists.
When the Servant Says Ar-Rahmanir Rahim
When the servant says الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ, Allah says:
“My servant has described My greatness.”
When the Servant Says Maliki Yawmid-Din
When the servant says مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ, Allah says:
“My servant has testified that no one besides Me is the Master of that Day.”
When the servant says مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ, Allah says:
“He has praised Me.”
When the Servant Says Iyyaka Na‘budu
When the servant says إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ, meaning “I worship Allah and acknowledge Him as One,” and says وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ, Allah says:
“This is between Me and My servant. The worship they offer is for Me, while their seeking help from Me is for them. My servant shall have what he asks for.”
اهْدِنَا means: “Guide us to the path of goodness.”
الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ means the religion of Islam, because no religion other than Islam that contains Tawhid is acceptable.
صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ refers to the prophets and believers upon whom Allah bestowed the blessings of prophethood and Islam.
غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ means that the servant asks Allah to guide them to a religion other than the religion of those upon whom His anger has fallen. This refers to the Jews.
وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ refers to the Christians, whom Allah caused to go astray after they had received guidance.
Because of their deeds, Allah’s wrath fell upon them. Allah says:
وَجَعَلَ مِنْهُمُ الْقِرَدَةَ وَالْخَنَازِيرَ وَعَبَدَ الطَّاغُوتَ أُولَئِكَ شَرٌّ مَكَانًا
“Those whom He transformed into apes and swine, and those who worshipped false deities—such are worse in position.” — Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:60
This applies in this world and the Hereafter—that is, in the Hereafter, they will have the worst abode in the Fire.
وَأَضَلُّ عَنْ سَوَاءِ السَّبِيلِ
“And more astray from the right way.” — Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:60
That is, they were led away from the correct path of the believers.
When Allah Loves Them
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“When the imam says Amin, then say Amin as well. Allah will love you.”
Amin Is Salvation
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Allah has told me that this Amin is salvation for you from Hell, and salvation for your Ummah and for those who follow your religion.”
Imam Al-Bayhaqi (رحمه الله) stated that the wording رقيقان appears in the hadith, but this is grammatically incorrect. The original wording should be رفيقان, and Ar-Rafiq is among the names of Allah.
Virtues of Bismillah
Ibn Mardawayh and Ath-Tha‘labi narrated from Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah (رضي الله عنه):
He said:
“When Bismillah was revealed, the clouds moved toward the west, the wind became still, the sea became turbulent, the animals listened attentively, stones were thrown from the heavens at the devils, and Allah swore by His honor and majesty that whatever Bismillah is recited over, He will place blessing in it.”
Protection from the Angels of Hell
Imam Waki‘ and Ath-Tha‘labi narrated from Ibn Mas‘ud (رضي الله عنه):
He said:
“Whoever wants Allah to save him from the nineteen angels of Hell should recite Bismillah, so that Allah grants him Paradise in exchange for every letter.”
When a Child Learns Bismillah
Imam Ad-Daylami in Musnad al-Firdaws narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) in a marfu‘ narration:
“When a teacher tells a child to recite Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, a declaration of freedom from Hell is written for the teacher, the child, and the child’s parents.”
Relief from Difficulties
Ibn As-Sunni in ‘Amal al-Yawm and Ad-Daylami narrated from ‘Ali (رضي الله عنه) in a marfu‘ narration:
When you encounter a difficulty, recite:
{بِسم الله الرَّحْمَن الرَّحِيم} لَا حول وَلَا قُوَّة إِلَّا بِاللَّه الْعلي الْعَظِيم
“Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. There is no power and no strength except through Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.”
Through it, Allah will remove whatever He wills from your various hardships.
Bismillah for Important Matters
Imam Hafiz (رحمه الله) narrated from ‘Abd al-Qadir Ar-Rihawi in Arba‘in, with a hasan chain, from Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
كل أَمر ذِي بَال لَا يبْدَأ فِيهِ ب {بِسم الله الرَّحْمَن الرَّحِيم} أقطع
“Every important matter that is not begun with Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim remains incomplete.”
Bismillah as a Protection from the Jinn
‘Abd ar-Razzaq in Al-Musannaf and Abu Nu‘aym in Hilyah narrated from ‘Ata (رحمه الله):
“When you hear the braying of a donkey or the barking of a dog at night, recite:
{بِسم الله الرَّحْمَن الرَّحِيم} أعوذ بِاللَّه من الشَّيْطَان الرَّجِيم
‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan.’”
Reciting Bismillah When Putting on Clothes
Abu Ash-Shaykh Al-A‘zami narrated from Safwan ibn Salim (رحمه الله):
He said:
“The jinn use things and clothing that people use. Therefore, when any of you puts on or puts away clothing, he should say Bismillah, because the name of Allah serves as a seal against them.”
Safety Through Bismillah
Abu Nu‘aym and Ad-Daylami narrated from ‘Aishah (رضي الله عنها):
“When Bismillah was revealed, the mountains roared, to the extent that the people of Makkah heard the sound. They said, ‘Muhammad (ﷺ) has performed magic upon the mountains.’
Allah then sent a smoke that spread over the people of Makkah like a shade.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
‘Whoever recites Bismillah with the belief that the mountains have glorified Allah along with him will not hear the roar of the mountains.’”
The Reward for Bismillah
Ad-Daylami narrated from Ibn Mas‘ud (رضي الله عنه):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever recites Bismillah will have four thousand rewards recorded for each letter, four thousand sins forgiven, and four thousand درجات raised.”
How the Prophet (ﷺ) Recited
Ibn Abi Shaybah, Al-Bukhari, Ad-Daraqutni, Al-Hakim, and Al-Bayhaqi in his Sunan narrated from Anas (رضي الله عنه):
When he was asked about the recitation of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), he said:
“The recitation of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was with elongation. When he recited Bismillah, he would elongate the word ‘Allah’; he would elongate ‘Rahman’; and he would elongate ‘Rahim’—and likewise with the other words.”
Bismillah Is the Key to Every Book
Imam Hafiz Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi in Al-Jami‘ narrated from Abu Ja‘far Muhammad ibn ‘Ali:
He said that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
{بِسم الله الرَّحْمَن الرَّحِيم} مِفْتَاح كل كتاب
“Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim is the key to every book.”
Writing Bismillah at the Beginning of Every Book
Imam Al-Khatib in Al-Jami‘ narrated from Sa‘id ibn Jubayr:
He said:
“Every book should begin with Bismillah, even if it is a book of poetry.”
Books in Which Writing Bismillah Was Discouraged
Imam Al-Khatib narrated from Az-Zuhri (رحمه الله):
He said that the established practice was that Bismillah should not be written at the beginning of books containing poetry, novels, and similar works.
Beginning a Book of Poetry with Bismillah Was Disliked
Ibn Abi Shaybah, Abu Bakr ibn Abi Dawud, and Al-Khatib in Al-Jami‘ narrated from Ash-Sha‘bi (رحمه الله):
He said:
“People did not like Bismillah to be written at the beginning of poetry.”
The Consensus of Scholars
Imam Al-Khatib narrated from Ash-Sha‘bi (رحمه الله):
He said:
“There is a consensus among the scholars that Bismillah should not be written at the beginning of poetry.”
Writing Bismillah for a Person in a State of Major Ritual Impurity
Imam Abu ‘Ubayd and Ibn Abi Shaybah in Al-Musannaf narrated from Mujahid and Ash-Sha‘bi (رحمهما الله):
These two scholars disliked writing Bismillah for a person in a state of major ritual impurity (junub).
Allah’s Forgiveness Through Bismillah
Abu Nu‘aym in Tarikh Isfahan and Ibn Ashtah in Al-Masahif, through a weak chain, narrated from Anas (رضي الله عنه):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever writes Bismillah beautifully out of reverence for Allah, Allah will forgive him.”
The One Who Recites Bismillah Beautifully
Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab al-Iman narrated from ‘Ali (رضي الله عنه):
A man recited Bismillah beautifully and in an orderly manner, and he was forgiven.
Narrations Concerning the Writing of Bismillah
Imam As-Salafi in his Juz’ narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
Do not extend the ba toward the mim until the sin has been completed.
Do Not Elongate Bismillah
Imam Al-Khatib in Al-Jami‘ narrated from Az-Zuhri (رحمه الله):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited excessively elongating the writing of Bismillah.
Al-Khatib and Ibn Ashtah in Al-Masahif narrated from Muhammad ibn Sirin (رحمه الله):
He disliked extending the ba toward the mim before the sin had been written.
Making the Sin Clear
Ad-Daylami in Musnad al-Firdaws and Ibn ‘Asakir in Tarikh Dimashq narrated from Zayd ibn Thabit (رضي الله عنه):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“When you write Bismillah, make the sin clear.”
Elongating the Word Ar-Rahman
Al-Khatib in Al-Jami‘ and Ad-Daylami narrated from Anas (رضي الله عنه):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“When any of you writes Bismillah, elongate Ar-Rahman.”
How the Prophet (ﷺ) Instructed Bismillah to Be Written
Ad-Daylami narrated from Mu‘awiyah (رضي الله عنه):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“O Mu‘awiyah! Prepare the inkpot, sharpen the pen, write the ba upright, separate the sin, make the mim vertical, beautify the word Allah, elongate Ar-Rahman, perfect Ar-Rahim, and place your pen behind your right ear, for it will remind you.”
The Prophet’s (ﷺ) Scribe
Imam Al-Khatib narrated from Matar Al-Warraq (رحمه الله):
Mu‘awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan (رضي الله عنه), who was one of the scribes of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), was instructed by the Prophet (ﷺ) to join the ba and sin, extend the sin toward the mim, and then join the words Allah and Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim.
Do not elongate any of Allah’s names in either writing or recitation.
Abbreviating Bismillah
Imam Abu ‘Ubayd narrated from Muslim ibn Yasar (رحمه الله):
He disliked writing Bismillah as بِمَ, because doing so omits the sin.
Imam Abu ‘Ubayd narrated from Ibn ‘Awn (رحمه الله):
When he wrote بِمَ for Ibn Sirin (رحمه الله), Ibn Sirin said:
“Stop. Write the sin. Beware of this, lest someone among you fall into sin without even realizing it.”
The Scribe Was Beaten for Making a Mistake in Bismillah
Imam Abu ‘Ubayd narrated from ‘Imran ibn ‘Awn:
‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz (رحمه الله) struck a scribe who wrote the mim before writing the sin in Bismillah.
When the scribe was asked why the Commander of the Believers had struck him, he replied:
“For failing to write the sin.”
The Scribe Was Dismissed
Ibn Sa‘d in At-Tabaqat narrated from Juwayriyyah bint Asma (رحمهما الله):
‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz (رحمه الله) dismissed one of his scribes because he had omitted the sin when writing Bismillah.
Sa‘id narrated from Muhammad ibn Sirin (رحمه الله):
He disliked writing the ba in such a way that it was extended toward the mim before the sin was written. There was a severe warning against writing بِمَ.
What Muhammad and Al-Hasan (رحمهما الله) Disliked
Imam Al-Khatib narrated from Mu‘adh ibn Mu‘adh (رحمه الله):
He said:
“I wrote Bismillah for Siyar. I extended the ba and omitted the sin. He took my hand and said that Muhammad and Al-Hasan disliked this.”
What Al-Layth (رحمه الله) Disliked
Imam Al-Khatib narrated from ‘Abdullah ibn Salih:
He said:
“I wrote Bismillah and made the ba so long that it became excessively extended. Al-Layth (رحمه الله) disliked and rejected this, saying, ‘You have changed the meaning,’ meaning that the ba had become like a lam.”
Keeping Bismillah in Its Proper Place
Imam Abu Dawud in Al-Marasil narrated from ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz (رحمه الله):
The Prophet (ﷺ) once passed by a book lying on the ground. He sat beside it and asked a young man what was written in it.
The young man replied, “Bismillah.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“May the one who did this be cursed. Keep Bismillah in its proper place of honor.”
The One Who Protects a Written Bismillah
Imam Al-Khatib in At-Talkhis narrated from Anas (رضي الله عنه) in a marfu‘ narration:
من رفع قرطاسا من الأَرْض فِيهِ {بِسم الله الرَّحْمَن الرَّحِيم} إجلالا لَهُ أَن يداس كتب عِنْد الله من الصديقين وخفف عَن وَالِديهِ وَإِن كَانَا كَافِرين
“Whoever lifts from the ground a sheet of paper containing Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim out of reverence for it and to prevent it from being trampled will be recorded by Allah among the truthful, and the punishment of his parents in their graves will be reduced, even if they were disbelievers.”
The Companion Who First Wrote Bismillah
Imam Ibn Abi Dawud in Al-Ba’s narrated from Umm Khalid bint Sa‘id ibn Al-‘As:
She said:
“I was the first to write Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.”
The Reaction of Quraysh
Ath-Tha‘labi narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
He said:
“When the Prophet (ﷺ) stood in Makkah and recited Bismillah, Quraysh said, ‘May Allah humiliate your face.’”
The Reaction of the Disbelievers of Makkah
Imam Abu Dawud in Al-Marasil narrated from Sa‘id ibn Jubayr (رحمه الله):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would recite Bismillah aloud in Makkah. The people of Makkah called Musaylimah Ar-Rahman.
When they heard this, they said:
“Muhammad (ﷺ) is calling people toward the god of Yamamah.”
Therefore, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was instructed to recite Bismillah quietly. He continued to do so until his death and did not recite it aloud.
The Reaction of the Polytheists
At-Tabarani narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
“When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) recited Bismillah, the polytheists mocked him and said, ‘Muhammad (ﷺ) mentions the god of Yamamah.’ Musaylimah was called Ar-Rahman.
When this verse was revealed, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) instructed them to recite it quietly.”
At-Tabarani narrated from Anas (رضي الله عنه):
The Prophet (ﷺ), Abu Bakr, and ‘Umar (رضي الله عنهما) would recite Bismillah quietly.
Ibn Abi Shaybah, At-Tirmidhi—who classified the report as hasan—An-Nasa’i, Ibn Majah, and Al-Bayhaqi narrated from ‘Abdullah ibn Mughaffal (رضي الله عنه):
He said:
“My father heard me reciting Bismillah aloud and said, ‘My son, is this an innovation? I prayed behind the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, and ‘Uthman (رضي الله عنهم), and I never heard any of them recite it aloud.’”
Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
He said:
“Reciting Bismillah aloud is the recitation of the Bedouins.”
Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated from Ibrahim (رحمه الله):
Al-Hasan Al-Basri (رحمه الله) said:
“For the imam to recite Bismillah aloud is an innovation.”
Ibn Jurays narrated from Yahya ibn ‘Atiq (رحمه الله):
Al-Hasan Al-Basri (رحمه الله) said:
“Write Bismillah at the beginning of the Qur’an and between every two surahs.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first verse of Surah Al-Fatihah, “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim,” teaches Muslims to begin their actions by remembering Allah and relying upon Him.
In light of Tafsir Ad-Durr al-Manthur, this verse contains profound meanings related to Allah’s infinite mercy, His compassion toward His servants, and the essence of worship.
Reciting Bismillah is associated with blessing, tranquility, consciousness of Allah, and protection from the whispers of Satan.
Therefore, a believer should begin every important action in the name of Allah and place firm trust in His boundless mercy through His names Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim.
This verse is not merely the opening of the Qur’an; it is also an important foundation of a Muslim’s faith, deeds, and spiritual life.
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👉 also read Introduction to Surah Al-Fatihah