The meaning of Bismillah.

Q1. When should we use the basmalah (the statement Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Rahmeen)?

Every matter of importance should be begun with the basmalah. So both oral and written matters should be begun with this.

Q2. Which Prophet who used the basmalah is mentioned in the Qur’aan?

Sulaymaan ‘alaiyhissalaam (Solomon) used the basmalah when writing to Bilqees, the Queen of Saba.

"O Chiefs! There has been delivered to me a noble letter. It is from Sulaymaan, and it reads: bismillaah ir rahmaan ir raheem." - Soorah(Chapter) an-Naml (27) aayaat(verses) 29 to 30

Q3. Where does the basmalah occur in the Quraan as part of an aayah(verse) rather than as an independent aayah(verse)?

It occurs in this aayah(verse) mentioning the letter that Sulaymaan (Solomon) ‘alaiyhissalaam wrote to Bilqees.

The shaykh(scholar), Shaykh Saalih al Fawzaan hafidhahullaah holds the opinion that in all other places where the basmalah is mentioned in the Qur’aan, the basmalah occurs as an independent aayah(verse) and not actually part of the Soorah (chapter) itself.

Q4. What meaning is implied by saying ‘bismillaah’ even though it is not actually stated?

That which is left unstated when a person says bismillaah is:

In the name of Allaah, I seek aid and in the name of Allaah, I seek blessing.

Q5. What purpose is served by something having a particular name?

It distinguishes it from other things (which do not have that name).

Q6. Which of the names of Allaah is intended when we say ‘bismillaah’ (‘in the name of Allaah’)?

When one says in the name of Allaah, he intends by this all the names of Allaah.