“Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim” is the most common Islamic phrase said by every muslim. This complete phrase is referred to as “Basmala”.
All surahs except Surah At-Tawbah begin with Basmala.
The phrase Bismillah-ir-rahman-ir-rahim is a part of a verse in the Quran in Surah Naml.
Insight into Basmala (bismillah-ir-rahman-ir-rahim):
Literal Translation
In the name of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) the most beneficent and the most merciful.
Observation
When observed closely (even in the translation), Bismillah-ir-rahman-ir-rahim is an incomplete sentence. It is missing a subsequent pertinent verb.
Reason
There is no action (verb) in the sentence and the missing verb is pertinent (i.e. no context is provided for an action). Also the verb missing is subsequent because the name of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) should always be recited first(and then the action should be described). This puts Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) first(above our action) and it should be done out of respect, to show honor and glory. It emphasizes that we are performing the action for Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala).
Benefits of Bismillah-ir-rahman-ir-rahim
Anytime, anywhere, for any action: If the missing pertinent verb was provided in the sentence i.e. if Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) provided the action or the context in which the verse must be recited, then Basmala could have only been used when performing that particular action. Since there is no verb in the sentence, Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) does not restrict it to specific scenarios. In other words, Bismillah-ir-rahman-ir-rahim can be recited anytime anywhere for any action and that is what Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) wants us to do.
