What Does Bismillah Mean?

Bismillah (Arabic: بسم الله) is pronounced bis-mil-LAAH. It is short for Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim, the full phrase that opens every chapter of the Qur’an but one (1:1). It begins “in the name of God” and then calls Him by two names of mercy, ar-Rahman and ar-Rahim — the Entirely Merciful and the Especially Merciful.

Meaning

Bi means “with” or “in”, ism means “name”, and Allah is God. To say bismillah is to begin an action by God’s name — seeking His help and blessing, and reminding yourself that you are doing it for good and with His permission.

The full phrase opens every chapter of the Qur’an except one. It even appears in the story of Solomon (peace be upon him), whose letter to the Queen of Sheba began with it:

إِنَّهُۥ مِن سُلَيْمَٰنَ وَإِنَّهُۥ بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ﴿٣٠﴾

Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it reads: 'In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful,

It is striking that, of all God’s names, the two chosen to accompany every beginning are names of mercy.

How Muslims use it

Muslims say bismillah before eating and drinking, before reading the Qur’an, when getting into a car, entering the home, starting work or an exam, and in many small moments of the day. Children often learn it before almost any other phrase. It turns ordinary actions into small acts of remembrance.

Example

“Bismillah,” a mother says softly as the family begins dinner.

To discover why mercy stands at the start of everything in Islam, read Why Islam Is Called a Religion of Mercy.