BismilLahhirRahmannirRaheem
Meeting and visiting each other is customary in our social life. One may visit a friend, a brother, a co-worker, a relative, or an acquaintance on purpose, or just for its own sake. Since Islam is a comprehensive code, it provides guidance for all aspects of life.
Today’s Khutba throws some light on the etiquettes of visiting or meeting each other.
In Islamic social order, visiting and meeting friends is a virtuous act, which deserves a reward. A tradition of Prophet (SAW) related in Tirmizi is that one, who visits a sick person, or meets a brother, will be addressed by angels as: “You are good, your visit is good, and you have made a house for yourself in Paradise.”
Islam has prescribed the following etiquettes for meeting and visiting:
1. Your face should reflect pleasure, warmth and happiness. That is why Prophet (SAW) as per Tirmizi said that a smile for a friend is a “Sadaqah”. What is said first should be a message of love, peace and safety, which Shariah has phrased as “Assalaam-u-Alaikum wa Rehmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.” Irrespective of age, visit or meeting should start with this greeting. The reward is more for the one who says it first.
All nations have their own greetings to express love and pleasure. Arabs used to greet each other with “Un Amallaahu Bika A’eena” meaning “May Allah keep your eyes cool”, and “Un Amallaahu Bika Sabaahan”, meaning “May Allah make your morning pleasant.” In Iranian custom, it was “Hazaar saal bazi”, meaning, “May you live a thousand years”. It is “good morning, good evening, and good night” in the West. Islam has designed a unique and best greeting “Assalaam-u-Alaikum”. It has many reasons, some are:
A. This has been the unanimous practice of all the Prophets. Qur’an mentions “Wassalamu Ala’iyaa”, uttered by them, or “Wassalaamun Alal Mursaleen” said about them.
B. Its nature is that of “Zikr”, or Du’aa. Islam’s Salaam is not limited to time or place; it has the secret of eternal peace.
C. Concealed in it is the religious glory and grandeur, because the real and eternal peace is that which is given by Allah (SWT) alone.
D. The best wish you could have for a person, and the best “Du’aa” you can give him, and the best thing he would love to have for him is peace, safety and security. Peace and safety for his life and wealth, for his family and children, and for this world and the Aakhira. See, how every possible aspect of life is covered in Islamic greetings.
E. When the two individuals meet, there is always some uncertainly, some indifference, and there may be a lurking suspicion for being strangers. “Salaam” clears the fog of suspicion, indifference and estrangement. One warm expression of Salaam brings them together in love and peace, and both wish peace and safety for each other. How lovely, and how great our Salaam is!
F. Islam has defined Salaam as a symbol of recognition among its followers. Muslims may be from different countries, different cultural backgrounds, may have different political nationalities, and may speak different languages, but as soon as they say “As Salaam-u-Alaikum”, all barriers are gone, and all gaps are bridged. The charm of Salaam fills their hearts with warmth and hospitality and it unites them in a bond of brotherly love and affection.
G. When Prophet (SAW) migrated to Madinah Munawwarah, the first lesson he taught was about Salaam. He said, “O people, make Salaam a custom among your self and spread it, invite each other to have food with you, and pray while others are asleep, (meaning prepare yourself for Tahajjud). Such practice will enable you to enter peacefully in Paradise.”
In yet another tradition quoted in Tirmizi, the purpose of Salaam has been told. Prophet (SAW) said, “You will not enter Paradise, until you embrace Faith, and you will not embrace Faith, until you don’t start loving each other, and I tell you a thing, which if you start practicing, you will start loving each other, and that is to adopt Salaam as a common custom among yourselves.”
There are many other gems about Salaam in other traditions of Prophet (SAW), which I will mention at some other occasion.
2. Another expression of fraternal love when you meet your brother is the handshake, the Musaafah. It fulfills the purpose of Salaam and that is why Islam considers Musaafah as a part of Salaam.
Prophet (SAW) said that Salaam’s concludes at Musaafah. The people of Yemen brought this gift of Musaafah to Madinatun Nabi, and Prophet (SAW) approved it and considered it as one of the means to foster brotherly love and unity. Musaafah was the practice of Prophet (SAW) himself. Hazrat Abu Zar (RA) said that whenever he met him Prophet (SAW), always made a handshake with him. It was also the custom among companions of the Prophet (SAW). As quoted in Tirmizi, Prophet (SAW) said that when two Muslim brothers meet, they should make handshake as their sins are forgiven before they part with each other. Another tradition quoted in Mishkaat relates that handshake cleans grudge and malice from the heart.
Following the greeting of Salaam, handshake is the beginning of the meeting as quoted in Mirqaat, volume 4, page 575. Also, quoted by Abu Dawood, praying for each other’s Maghfiraah by saying “Yaghfirullahu Lana walakum” is also the Sunnah of Prophet (SAW). Both hands should do Musaafaah. Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (RA) has reported, “My hand was in between the hands of Prophet (SAW), which tells us the handshake style of Prophet (SAW).
Prophet (SAW) was also observed “embracing’ when he met his companions. Hazrat Abu Zar (RA) said that once Prophet (SAW) summoned him and he was not home. On his return, he learned and rushed to see the Prophet (SAW), who stood from his bed and embraced him. (Abu Dawood). When Hazrat Zaid bin Harisa (RA) reached Madina after the conquest of Kheybar, Prophet (SAW) was very pleased and he fondly hugged him and kissed him. (Tirmizi). That means that if you see a brother after a considerable gap of time, then you may hug him to express your happiness and love for him. May Allah enable us to follow these beautiful etiquettes of Islam in our daily life.
Friday, July 25, 2003
Friday, July 18, 2003
untitled
BismillahhirRahmannirRahim
“Adu Dawood! Today you have purchased Paradise for just three dirhams.” Abu Dawood, the great compiler of the Traditions of Prophet (SAW) heard this, but no one was in sight, who could have said it. It was from “Gheyb”. The story is that once Imam Abu Dawood was standing by the riverbank. Water was shallow, and that is why a ship was anchored at a distance and couldn’t sail to the shore. A person in the ship sneezed, and said “Alhamdulillah”. The voice was so loud that Abu Dawood heard it. Instantly he recalled that Hadith of Prophet (SAW), in which it was required to respond it with “Yarhamukallah” It applies only when you are together and close to each other. It doesn’t require you to leave home to respond if someone sneezes in the market place and says Alhamdulillah. But Abu Dawood and people like him were so ambitious in getting reward for a good deed, that they didn’t let an opportunity slip by without earning it.
That is why as soon as Abu Dawood heard Alhamdulillah, not sure that his response could reach the ship, he rented a small boat for three dirhams, went up to the ship, responded with Yarhamukullah and came back. His biographer says that it was then that he heard: “Abu Dawood! Today you have purchased Paradise for just three dirhams.”
Without doubt Imam Dawood must have written innumerable traditions, must have prayed a lot, and done lot of good deeds, but in purchasing Paradise these acts of worship were not mentioned. What accounted was this small act, and Allah (SWT) liked it so much that He decided Paradise in favor of Abu Dawood for this small act. These people were conscious of Prophet (SAW)’s etiquettes and his traditions and always kept them close to their heart. Imagine how much they must have cared for obligatory and mandatory acts, the Fara’iz.
Gaping, sneezing, stretching, and yawning are all in human nature and they find expression every now and than. A Shari’ah follower makes them a source to seek Allah (SWT)’s pleasure, by adhering to Prophet (SAW)’s traditions. People, who are conscious of minor things, never forget major things.
This tradition tells us that the one who sneezes should say “Alhamdulillah”, that all praise and glory be to Allah (SWT), and the one who hears this should respond with “Yarhamukallah”, that is this sneeze may be the source of Khair and blessing for you.” According to certain traditions, it is Alhamdulillahi Rubbil Aalameen. Ibn-e-Abi Shaibah has quoted Sayyidina Ali Karamallah Wajhu in his book “Musannif” that whoever sneezes and says: Alhamdulillahi Rubbil Aalameen ala kulli haal.” will never have a tooth ache or ear problem.
Sneezing in fact is cleansing of the brain and serves as a refresher. It is Allah’s great gift for health and well being. Naturally one should thank Allah for such a blessing.
Hazrat Shah Waliullah Muhaddis Dehlavi has written that sneeze is caused by the opening of body pores, physical lightness, and less intake of food. One tradition says that sneeze is from Allah, and it shouldn’t be checked. Some scholars have opined that breathing is temporarily affected during sneezing. It may be though for mini seconds, yet one should thank Allah (SWT) that life is continues after this short interruption.
It is said in this context, that to respond a sneeze, it is a right of one Muslim over another. The one who sneezes should say Alhamdulillah loudly so that others may hear and respond. If one doesn’t say Alhamdulillah after sneezing, or says it so quietly that no one could hear, he then doesn’t get a response in return. If one sneezes continuously, than responding three times is enough, unless some one wants to continue. Another thing in this respect is that one who says Yarhamukullah, should also by responded by the person who sneezes with “Yahdeekumullah, wa yuslihu balakum”, meaning that Allah (SWT) guide you to the right path and better or reform your condition.” This response should also be given when a non-Muslim sneezes.
This should be remembered that sneezing during prayers doesn’t require you to say Alhamdulillah, and if it is said by mistake, it doesn’t invalidate the prayer.
Yawning is a sign of tardiness, carelessness, and lethargy. According to a tradition, Shaitaan enjoys seeing some one yawn. According to another tradition, one should control yawns, and cover his mouth with his hand. Yawn disfigures the face and produces an ugly sound.
As far as stretching and belching is concerned, nothing is found recorded in traditions of Prophet (SAW), but certainly these are bad manners. Books about Prophet (SAW) tell us that he didn’t yawn, or stretch. Hafiz Ibn-e-Hajar has copied these traditions in his book “Fateh-ul-Baari. According to Tirmizi, the popular book of traditions, when a person belched, Prophet (SAW) told him to control, because the people who overfill their stomach in this world, will be very hungry in the Hereafter.
In the observance of these few manners, you will follow Prophet (SAW) traditions, please Allah (SWT), clean your body, purify your soul, and achieve moral excellence. These are some Islamic social etiquettes, which we should always remember to observe.
“Adu Dawood! Today you have purchased Paradise for just three dirhams.” Abu Dawood, the great compiler of the Traditions of Prophet (SAW) heard this, but no one was in sight, who could have said it. It was from “Gheyb”. The story is that once Imam Abu Dawood was standing by the riverbank. Water was shallow, and that is why a ship was anchored at a distance and couldn’t sail to the shore. A person in the ship sneezed, and said “Alhamdulillah”. The voice was so loud that Abu Dawood heard it. Instantly he recalled that Hadith of Prophet (SAW), in which it was required to respond it with “Yarhamukallah” It applies only when you are together and close to each other. It doesn’t require you to leave home to respond if someone sneezes in the market place and says Alhamdulillah. But Abu Dawood and people like him were so ambitious in getting reward for a good deed, that they didn’t let an opportunity slip by without earning it.
That is why as soon as Abu Dawood heard Alhamdulillah, not sure that his response could reach the ship, he rented a small boat for three dirhams, went up to the ship, responded with Yarhamukullah and came back. His biographer says that it was then that he heard: “Abu Dawood! Today you have purchased Paradise for just three dirhams.”
Without doubt Imam Dawood must have written innumerable traditions, must have prayed a lot, and done lot of good deeds, but in purchasing Paradise these acts of worship were not mentioned. What accounted was this small act, and Allah (SWT) liked it so much that He decided Paradise in favor of Abu Dawood for this small act. These people were conscious of Prophet (SAW)’s etiquettes and his traditions and always kept them close to their heart. Imagine how much they must have cared for obligatory and mandatory acts, the Fara’iz.
Gaping, sneezing, stretching, and yawning are all in human nature and they find expression every now and than. A Shari’ah follower makes them a source to seek Allah (SWT)’s pleasure, by adhering to Prophet (SAW)’s traditions. People, who are conscious of minor things, never forget major things.
This tradition tells us that the one who sneezes should say “Alhamdulillah”, that all praise and glory be to Allah (SWT), and the one who hears this should respond with “Yarhamukallah”, that is this sneeze may be the source of Khair and blessing for you.” According to certain traditions, it is Alhamdulillahi Rubbil Aalameen. Ibn-e-Abi Shaibah has quoted Sayyidina Ali Karamallah Wajhu in his book “Musannif” that whoever sneezes and says: Alhamdulillahi Rubbil Aalameen ala kulli haal.” will never have a tooth ache or ear problem.
Sneezing in fact is cleansing of the brain and serves as a refresher. It is Allah’s great gift for health and well being. Naturally one should thank Allah for such a blessing.
Hazrat Shah Waliullah Muhaddis Dehlavi has written that sneeze is caused by the opening of body pores, physical lightness, and less intake of food. One tradition says that sneeze is from Allah, and it shouldn’t be checked. Some scholars have opined that breathing is temporarily affected during sneezing. It may be though for mini seconds, yet one should thank Allah (SWT) that life is continues after this short interruption.
It is said in this context, that to respond a sneeze, it is a right of one Muslim over another. The one who sneezes should say Alhamdulillah loudly so that others may hear and respond. If one doesn’t say Alhamdulillah after sneezing, or says it so quietly that no one could hear, he then doesn’t get a response in return. If one sneezes continuously, than responding three times is enough, unless some one wants to continue. Another thing in this respect is that one who says Yarhamukullah, should also by responded by the person who sneezes with “Yahdeekumullah, wa yuslihu balakum”, meaning that Allah (SWT) guide you to the right path and better or reform your condition.” This response should also be given when a non-Muslim sneezes.
This should be remembered that sneezing during prayers doesn’t require you to say Alhamdulillah, and if it is said by mistake, it doesn’t invalidate the prayer.
Yawning is a sign of tardiness, carelessness, and lethargy. According to a tradition, Shaitaan enjoys seeing some one yawn. According to another tradition, one should control yawns, and cover his mouth with his hand. Yawn disfigures the face and produces an ugly sound.
As far as stretching and belching is concerned, nothing is found recorded in traditions of Prophet (SAW), but certainly these are bad manners. Books about Prophet (SAW) tell us that he didn’t yawn, or stretch. Hafiz Ibn-e-Hajar has copied these traditions in his book “Fateh-ul-Baari. According to Tirmizi, the popular book of traditions, when a person belched, Prophet (SAW) told him to control, because the people who overfill their stomach in this world, will be very hungry in the Hereafter.
In the observance of these few manners, you will follow Prophet (SAW) traditions, please Allah (SWT), clean your body, purify your soul, and achieve moral excellence. These are some Islamic social etiquettes, which we should always remember to observe.
Friday, July 4, 2003
Bismillah
BismilLahhirRahmannirRaheem
Prophet (SAW) was returning from the highly painful journey of Taa’if. His wounds were bleeding, and he was overtaken by grief. To avoid mischief mongers, he took refuge in an orchard, which belonged to Utbah and Sheybah, the sons of Rabi’ah. After Prophet (SAW) found some comfort under the shade of grape vines, he raised his hands in supplication to Allah Jalla Shaana’hu. The words of this supplication are unique, and written record shows that he did not use these words on any other occasion. Some sentences of the Du’aa are:
“Yaa Allah I submit to You the grievance of my weakness and lack of my strength, grievance of the failure of my plan, and of my humiliation and disrespect in the sight of people. Yaa Allah You are the most Kind and Merciful of all the kind and merciful, You are the Sustainer of the week and humble, You are my Rubb… I seek refuge in the Noor of Your Supreme Majesty, which lightens up and eliminates all darkness and ensures success in here and the Hereafter.”
Both brothers Utbah and Sheybah were witnessing the oppression of street urchins who inflicted wounds on the body of Prophet (SAW), and the distress and helplessness of Prophet (SAW). Humanity in them prompted some compassion, and they asked their slave Addaas to take a bunch of grapes in a platter and give to the Prophet (SAW) and ask them to eat. Addaas did as he was told.
Prophet (SAW) was tired, exhausted, hungry and thirsty. In this state of loneliness and deprivation, when he saw this hospitality extended, immediately his heart was filled with thanks and gratitude to Allah (SWT). Always cognizant, mindful and thankful to Allah’s blessings, Prophet (SAW) recited BismilLahhirRahmannirRaheem even before he touched the grapes. Addaas was amazed to hear the words of Rahmaan and Raheem in that environment of paganism, atheism (kufr) and polytheism (shirk). He said that people of the town did not know or say such words. Seeing his amazement, Prophet (SAW) asked as to which place Addaas originally belonged to? Addaas said he was a Christian and came from Naynawaa. Prophet (SAW) exclaimed to him that Naynawaa was the place of Allah’s pious bondsman Hazrat Yunus (AS). Wonderstruck Addaas asked the Prophet (SAW) as to how did he know Hazrat Yunus (AS). Prophet (SAW) told him that Hazrat Yunus (AS) was he his brother and was a prophet and that he the Prophet (SAW) himself was also a prophet. Hearing this Addaas bowed down in respect, touched Prophet (SAW)’s feet, and kissed them and kissed his hands and forehead.
Utbah and Shaybah saw what was going on. They said to each other that the stranger in their orchard had spoiled their slave. On his return, both brothers asked Addaas as to what happened and why did he kiss the stranger so passionately. Addaas replied and said that there was no better person on earth than the one whom he had served grapes. No one can say what he said unless he is a Prophet. Invoking the name of Allah before Allah’s given food had touched and moved me deeply. It is not a small thing. It is the height of man’s loyalty and faithfulness to Allah. I have lost my heart to him and I am totally overtaken by faith in this Prophet (SAW). Wonder struck by the statement, Utbah and Shaybah were dumbfounded.
Addaas discovered the significance of Bismillah, and the underlying truth behind these words. Any one who is blessed with Eemaan and recognizes the Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence of Allah (SWT) cannot help but submit to the importance of its deep encompassing meaning.
In the pre-Islamic days of Jaahilliya, people used to invoke the names of their idols before undertaking any activity. To erase this tradition of ignorance, Hazrat Jibreel (AS) brought the first revelation “Iqra bismi Rabbikallazi Khalaq. – Proclaim or read the Qur’an with the name of Allah, the Lord and the Cherisher. Research scholars say that every scripture started with BismilLah. It means that all the earlier scriptures and the Holy Qur’an have one thing in common, but the whole Aayah “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and Most Merciful” in its complete form is peculiar to the Holy Qur’an and the Ummah of Prophet (SAW). According to certain traditions, Prophet (SAW) used to start his activities with “Bismikallahumma”, but when this Aaya was revealed in full, it replaced the earlier tradition forever.
Qur’an and Hadith command us to initiate any activity with Bismillah. Prophet (SAW) said that any activity without BismilLahhirRahmannirRaheem remains incomplete and un-blessed. According to one tradition, Prophet (SAW) advised to recite Bismillah before closing the door, extinguishing the lamp, covering the utensil, eating and drinking, making wudu, embarking or disembarking a means of transportation, and slaughtering an animal. It is advisable to recite and not write BismilLah, if you think that the paper will be thrown or subjected to disrespect.
“By instructing man to begin everything with the name of Allah, Islam has given an orientation to renew mankind’s allegiance to the covenant with Allah that nothing he does, not even his very being can come into existence without the will and help of Allah. Thus all worldly activities and each movement and gesture is transformed into an act of worship. This brief recitation, neither consumes time nor energy, yet how immense is the gain --- it is a regular alchemy, transmuting the dunyaa into deen. Unlike a disbeliever, when a Muslim begins to eat by saying Bismillah, he affirms that it was not in his power to obtain this little morsel of food which has passed through innumerable stages from the sowing of the seed to the reaping of the harvest, which during its process required the labors of the wind, the rain, the sun, of the heavens and the earth, and a thousand of men --- and that is Allah alone, who has granted him this morsel of food or this draft of water by making it go through all these stages. Unlike a disbeliever, a Muslim goes to sleep and wakes up with the name of Allah and thus inculcates the remembrance of Allah in his nature and turns all these acts into worship. Similarly, in saying Bismillah while getting on to a means of transportation, the Muslim testifies to the fact that it is beyond the power of man to produce it and to procure it, and that is only the infallible and divinely-created order of things that has brought together from all corners of the world - the wood, the steel, and other materials which have gone into the making of this means of transportation, as well as the engineers and mechanics who have given it a particular shape to travel on land, in water or in the air, and the driver, the pilot or ship captain – and finally Allah put all these into the service of man. Subhaan Allah. So then, praised be to Allah for the religion of Islam and its teachings.
There is no other Zikr, which can strengthen and uplift the moral and the spirit. In the 24-hour cycle of life, there is no other prescription, which reconnects us to Allah and reminds us of His blessing, which we take for granted. We need to start all our activities, verbal, written, and physical with this blessed Kalima. We need to train our children and the members of our household to remember it. It creates trust, dependence, and faith in Allah’s backing and support in all our activities, and ensures success.
Prophet (SAW) was returning from the highly painful journey of Taa’if. His wounds were bleeding, and he was overtaken by grief. To avoid mischief mongers, he took refuge in an orchard, which belonged to Utbah and Sheybah, the sons of Rabi’ah. After Prophet (SAW) found some comfort under the shade of grape vines, he raised his hands in supplication to Allah Jalla Shaana’hu. The words of this supplication are unique, and written record shows that he did not use these words on any other occasion. Some sentences of the Du’aa are:
“Yaa Allah I submit to You the grievance of my weakness and lack of my strength, grievance of the failure of my plan, and of my humiliation and disrespect in the sight of people. Yaa Allah You are the most Kind and Merciful of all the kind and merciful, You are the Sustainer of the week and humble, You are my Rubb… I seek refuge in the Noor of Your Supreme Majesty, which lightens up and eliminates all darkness and ensures success in here and the Hereafter.”
Both brothers Utbah and Sheybah were witnessing the oppression of street urchins who inflicted wounds on the body of Prophet (SAW), and the distress and helplessness of Prophet (SAW). Humanity in them prompted some compassion, and they asked their slave Addaas to take a bunch of grapes in a platter and give to the Prophet (SAW) and ask them to eat. Addaas did as he was told.
Prophet (SAW) was tired, exhausted, hungry and thirsty. In this state of loneliness and deprivation, when he saw this hospitality extended, immediately his heart was filled with thanks and gratitude to Allah (SWT). Always cognizant, mindful and thankful to Allah’s blessings, Prophet (SAW) recited BismilLahhirRahmannirRaheem even before he touched the grapes. Addaas was amazed to hear the words of Rahmaan and Raheem in that environment of paganism, atheism (kufr) and polytheism (shirk). He said that people of the town did not know or say such words. Seeing his amazement, Prophet (SAW) asked as to which place Addaas originally belonged to? Addaas said he was a Christian and came from Naynawaa. Prophet (SAW) exclaimed to him that Naynawaa was the place of Allah’s pious bondsman Hazrat Yunus (AS). Wonderstruck Addaas asked the Prophet (SAW) as to how did he know Hazrat Yunus (AS). Prophet (SAW) told him that Hazrat Yunus (AS) was he his brother and was a prophet and that he the Prophet (SAW) himself was also a prophet. Hearing this Addaas bowed down in respect, touched Prophet (SAW)’s feet, and kissed them and kissed his hands and forehead.
Utbah and Shaybah saw what was going on. They said to each other that the stranger in their orchard had spoiled their slave. On his return, both brothers asked Addaas as to what happened and why did he kiss the stranger so passionately. Addaas replied and said that there was no better person on earth than the one whom he had served grapes. No one can say what he said unless he is a Prophet. Invoking the name of Allah before Allah’s given food had touched and moved me deeply. It is not a small thing. It is the height of man’s loyalty and faithfulness to Allah. I have lost my heart to him and I am totally overtaken by faith in this Prophet (SAW). Wonder struck by the statement, Utbah and Shaybah were dumbfounded.
Addaas discovered the significance of Bismillah, and the underlying truth behind these words. Any one who is blessed with Eemaan and recognizes the Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence of Allah (SWT) cannot help but submit to the importance of its deep encompassing meaning.
In the pre-Islamic days of Jaahilliya, people used to invoke the names of their idols before undertaking any activity. To erase this tradition of ignorance, Hazrat Jibreel (AS) brought the first revelation “Iqra bismi Rabbikallazi Khalaq. – Proclaim or read the Qur’an with the name of Allah, the Lord and the Cherisher. Research scholars say that every scripture started with BismilLah. It means that all the earlier scriptures and the Holy Qur’an have one thing in common, but the whole Aayah “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and Most Merciful” in its complete form is peculiar to the Holy Qur’an and the Ummah of Prophet (SAW). According to certain traditions, Prophet (SAW) used to start his activities with “Bismikallahumma”, but when this Aaya was revealed in full, it replaced the earlier tradition forever.
Qur’an and Hadith command us to initiate any activity with Bismillah. Prophet (SAW) said that any activity without BismilLahhirRahmannirRaheem remains incomplete and un-blessed. According to one tradition, Prophet (SAW) advised to recite Bismillah before closing the door, extinguishing the lamp, covering the utensil, eating and drinking, making wudu, embarking or disembarking a means of transportation, and slaughtering an animal. It is advisable to recite and not write BismilLah, if you think that the paper will be thrown or subjected to disrespect.
“By instructing man to begin everything with the name of Allah, Islam has given an orientation to renew mankind’s allegiance to the covenant with Allah that nothing he does, not even his very being can come into existence without the will and help of Allah. Thus all worldly activities and each movement and gesture is transformed into an act of worship. This brief recitation, neither consumes time nor energy, yet how immense is the gain --- it is a regular alchemy, transmuting the dunyaa into deen. Unlike a disbeliever, when a Muslim begins to eat by saying Bismillah, he affirms that it was not in his power to obtain this little morsel of food which has passed through innumerable stages from the sowing of the seed to the reaping of the harvest, which during its process required the labors of the wind, the rain, the sun, of the heavens and the earth, and a thousand of men --- and that is Allah alone, who has granted him this morsel of food or this draft of water by making it go through all these stages. Unlike a disbeliever, a Muslim goes to sleep and wakes up with the name of Allah and thus inculcates the remembrance of Allah in his nature and turns all these acts into worship. Similarly, in saying Bismillah while getting on to a means of transportation, the Muslim testifies to the fact that it is beyond the power of man to produce it and to procure it, and that is only the infallible and divinely-created order of things that has brought together from all corners of the world - the wood, the steel, and other materials which have gone into the making of this means of transportation, as well as the engineers and mechanics who have given it a particular shape to travel on land, in water or in the air, and the driver, the pilot or ship captain – and finally Allah put all these into the service of man. Subhaan Allah. So then, praised be to Allah for the religion of Islam and its teachings.
There is no other Zikr, which can strengthen and uplift the moral and the spirit. In the 24-hour cycle of life, there is no other prescription, which reconnects us to Allah and reminds us of His blessing, which we take for granted. We need to start all our activities, verbal, written, and physical with this blessed Kalima. We need to train our children and the members of our household to remember it. It creates trust, dependence, and faith in Allah’s backing and support in all our activities, and ensures success.
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