Bismillah means “In the Name of Allah”.
Bismillah is said before you start to do anything.
Why do we say Bismil-lah?
To ask for Allah’s help in the things we are about to do.
To ask Allah to bless (put Barakah in) whatever we are about to do.
Umar ibn Abi Salamah reported:
Messenger of Allah, said to me, “Mention Allah’s Name (i.e. say Bismillah before starting eating), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
When do we say Bismil-lah?
We say Bismillah before starting to do things such as:
- Eating or drinking
- Entering the masjid, house, or washroom
- Making ablution
- Taking a shower
- Slaughtering an animal
- Riding a vehicle
- Wearing or taking clothes off
There are cases where you may fully say Bismil-lair-Rahmanir Rahim such as: before writing, reading, or speaking.
