UNDERSTANDING QUR’AAN

Bismilla hir rawh’’maa nir rawh’éem

In the name of Allaah, The All-Compassionate, The All-Merciful

Importance of beginning any activity in the name of Allaah

One of the many practices taught by Islam is that its followers should begin their activities in the name of Allaah. This principle, if consciously and earnestly followed, will necessarily yield three beneficial results.

First- one will be able to restrain oneself from many misdeed, since the habit of pronouncing the name of Allaah is bound to make one wonder when about to commit some offence how such an act can be reconciled with the saying of Allaah’s holy name.

Second- if a man pronounces the name of Allaah before starting good and legitimate tasks, this act will ensue that both his starting point and his mental orientation are sound.

Third – and this is the most important benefit – when a man begins something by pronouncing Allaah’s name, he will enjoy Allaah’’s support and succor; Allaah will bless his efforts and protect him from the machinations and temptation of Shaiytaan. For whenever man turns to Allaah, Allaah turns to him as well.

Reference: Towards Understanding the Qur’an, vol.1-by Sayyid Abul A’la Maududi. Tr. by Zafar Ishaque Ansari