An explanation of Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

By Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam Imam Muhammad Anwarullah Farooqui (May Allah sanctify his secret), Maqasid Ul Islam, Vol. 4.

 

It is not only that our religion has been perfected, but the Holy Book revealed to our Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), which covers all external, mystical, physical and spiritual virtues.  As Allah Ta’ala says:

 

(This is) the Glorious Book in which there is no chance of doubt. (It is) a guide for those who guard against evil and fear Allah:  Surah Baqarah (2:2)

 

Among the other virtues is also that this Book begins with such a verse that is one of the distinguishing features of the Book given to Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Thus, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) says:

 

Translation of Hadith: A verse has been revealed to me, which was not revealed to any Prophet before me and that is “Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem”.

 

Here an objection is raised that as said in Surah Naml:

 

That (letter) has indeed (come) from Sulaiman (Solomon), and that begins with the Name of Allah, Who is Most Kind, Ever-Merciful.  Surah Naml (27:30)

 

and it is also mentioned in many other Hadith that this verse was revealed to other Prophets as well.  Thus, it does not remain a distinguishing feature of the Holy Quran alone.  This objection has been answered in many ways.  One of them is that this verse was not revealed in these very words to Hadhrat Sulaiman (peace be upon him), but the verse that was revealed was similar meaning verse in Hebrew language.  After this, there is no contradiction of any kind.

 

The “B” of “Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem” is in a meaning of seeking help.  The “Bismi” was in fact “Ba Ismi,” due to being used too much, it shortened to “Bismi”.

 

Some Arabic grammar experts have said that the root word for “Allah” is “Lah.”  Then when “Al” was attached to it, it became this.  With other grammar experts, this word does not have any root word as such and is specially for Allah Ta’ala alone.

 

It is given in some biographical books that someone saw Sibawayh, a famous grammar expert, in a dream after his passing away.  He was very happy and in a very high status.  This person asked him as to what became the cause of his forgiveness.  He replied:  At the time of questioning, none of my deeds benefited me, except that for my whole life I held the belief that “Allah” is the One’s token who has all perfection.

 

It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abdullah Bin Abbas (May Allah be well pleased with him) that “Allah” is the “Ism A’adham,” as in the Holy Quran, every attribute of Allah Ta’ala starts with this.  Now the talk that if this is the “Ism A’adham,” then all the supplications/prayers done with this should be accepted, there are other reasons for this nonacceptance.

 

Now the word “Rahman,” in which “Alif” and “Lam” are added.  This is an axiom that such added to the word increase or rather intensify the meaning of the word.  Thus, this word means the One who has more mercy and benevolence. 

 

“Rahman” is the first attribute and “Raheem,” is, in a way, the second attribute.  Both of them come from “Rahmah,” i.e. mercy, but “Rahman” is for Allah Ta’ala alone and has a superiority over “Raheem.”  “Rahman” cannot be used for anyone other than Allah Ta’ala and in terms of its meaning, it is common, as this attribute is present in all creation and “Raheem” is its opposite.

 

The reason for mentioning these 3 blessed names of Allah Ta’ala is that in the Holy Quran 3 types of people are addressed: One who wrong their own selves (i.e. sin), some who are half-hearted and some who take precedence in virtues.  Now, in this verse Allah Ta’ala says: I am Allah for those who take the lead in virtues.  I am “Rahman” for the indifferent and half-hearted and “Raheem” for the sinners.

 

It also means: I am Allah, the one who grants.  I am “Rahman,” the one who forgives sins.  I am “Raheem,” the one who ignores offenses.

 

In other words, Allah Ta’ala says in His infinite mercy:

 

“I know such secrets of yours that if your parents get to know them, they would separate themselves from you.  If your wife knows them, she will take offense.  If your slave-girl knew of them, she would ready herself to run away from you.  If your neighbors know of them, they would incline towards destroying their home and hearth and bid goodbye to you.  What is interesting here is that I know of all this, but through my benevolence and my attribute of “Sattar,” I keep them hidden and do not take vengeance immediately, so that you know that I am Allah, the “Rahman” and “Raheem”.

 

To be continued.  Watch out for part II